Smokey Robinson - The Tears of A Clown - LIVE1971

Smokey Robinson - The Tears of A Clown - LIVE1971

[@MariaPerez-qu1og]

Here is my anthem, not going to let anyone see my tears. I'll cry for him behind closed eyes, behind closed doors. Truly tears of a clown.

[@wassabie2158]

When Smokey sings, I just tremble before God.

[@gmcsrbosavl6964]

I don’t even believe in god and i know exactly what you mean. Music this intrinsically beautiful and emotive is evidence of a higher power.

[@Ali-lw1toc]

Amazing song writing machine, Amazon singing machine. Green eyed machine of a man. Incredible

[@ricardoalfaro2378]

Smokey Robinson, this Group was, One of the Best From (60's)

[@brianandlindafairchild1237]

We didn't know how good we had it. I sure do appreciate.

[@craigkleber9316]

Killer performance. Pure class.

[@lillianmunster4734]

I Agree 💯

[@user-in6qf4uz1q]

SMOKEY ROBINSON , VERY SMART INTELLIGENT BEYOND HIS YEARS. BARS!😀😀

[@PaulGruendlerBeau]

An anthem of The Vietnam War. I. cry. every time. Company C, 1-20, 11 LIB AMERICAL, 1971

[@pinkrose1438]

Slow and easy won the race😊These guys are so cool.... Motown forever!!!!

[@jjgrey1488]

The difficulty of this vocal is so great that even the great Smokey Robinson (one of the ten greatest vocalists all time easily)strains to re-create it...coupled with the music below (bass) and above (bassoon) lyrics (Smilin' in the public eye...Pagliacci...)and Smokey's lead studio vocal and The Miracles backup (they had hits on their own) it is simply a masterpiece...no other song sounds even remotely like this one...it's an island to itself...

[@markcollins1497]

Love these live vocals. Lip synching would’ve had me scrolling on. Singing his ass off here

[@TWayneD1020]

I miss the 60's, 70's, and 80's soooooooo bad !!!!!

[@Buelligan88]

What a voice. What a freaking voice.

[@pendragonU]

Smokey was gifted with 1 in a 100 million voices, that smooth and rich of the eternal teenager in the best of Youth with all its emotions we all can evoke that were raw then and will always be in new teenagers, as Romeo & Juliet will forever be teens in Love, knowing not the fall after. That's Smokey's BEST forever 'The Boy' we all have been or had. You can't get better than his, not even James Brown or Elvis himself can't surpass it but only match on the level, each unique in their sound, voice timbre and tone of quality and difference. Where the World Class become Timeless legends, as this song evokesan Italian forgotten legend in his Times and deeper than clowning around, also his Artistry. BUT, the guys along Smokey..... they make their act a full Poker winning hand. The SURREAL way their top quality voices blend together and the sounds and harmonies they masterfully bring on together, as Royal mantle to the song, that would not be the same if it was just Smokey singing without their supportive/enriching voices, only the (also brilliantly played and arranged) music instruments for accompaniment. Try turning off Smokey's and the Orchestra's sound and just listening to these guys wherever they may be in your way, will have you stopping on your tracks, that rare of a quality their voices together will hit you. And this is no simple song, as some may feel even silly by the funny Circus echo sounds in it. The layers of sophisticated. A well written song and top musical score blended to make it seem easier than it sounds, it's more than tricky and it had to be two pens in it as Smokey did with Stevie Wonder's own magic touch. Mano a mano work of Masters at their peak of powers. The layers of sophistication and rehearsals these serious players at the top must have dedicated to put together this act of class very few can outperform in their own work.

[@johnbrown8059]

One thing I always think about this song and Smokey Robinson singing it is that his voice just seems so clear and pure! What a wonderful experience.

[@duanesnell5669]

South Carolina is listening!!

[@BigBlackRod]

America's greatest living poet.

[@drucillabrown2443]

I love my smokey robinson. Since I was a teenager

[@dynjarren8355]

Smokey’s a genius! He writes incredible songs! And has a voice like Velvet! Motown Forever! 😎🎸👏🏻

[@TheBlkstg79]

I can't believe that after hearing this song so many years that's it's only NOW--after watching an interview with the lyricist of this song, Smokey Robinson, who explained how it came about-- that I can truly understand why it was a world-wide hit. The meaning is so all-encompassing because we don't always want everyone to see the real US. Behind closed doors-like MJ-it's the tears of a clown, y'know? The greatest song ever recorded. Thanks Smokey for the lyrics and Stevie Wonder for the music.

[@alancornelious7597]

Saw somkey at the Edinburgh castle ,with Jesse j ,the master , best soul singer ....ever ,keep it going ,Mr Robinson !?,.

[@vincegallo7229]

I get chills every time I hear this song especially this live version

[@niagurl4072]

I may be 14 but I love this song!! This is real music

[@JustinTimeForParties]

Jesus are you 20 now?

[@PoloLupo1984]

@@JustinTimeForParties24 😅

[@sacheverelle]

Man has the voice of an angel, truly.

[@edwardanthony7283]

Fantastic Smokey!

[@arkady714]

Music of this caliber no longer exists. And probably never will again. Few songs in history have this much meaning and impact.

[@TheRockerella]

These guys have the voices of angels. This is so f*cking groovy.

[@shelterdoghandler]

out of all the almost perfect pop songs, Tears of a Clown comes closest to perfection. That was no dub either. Smokey Robinson is an American treasure.

[@dynjarren8355]

This is better! The actual live version TV appearance! A classic heartbreak song! 😭 by the legendary Smokey and the Miracles! 😎👏🏻🎸

[@kameishiaboyd9455]

I love this song...sing it smokey

[@timgrimes6488]

man they were soo smooth, they sound better live, thanks for posting this gem

[@kevinmalone3210]

A classic song. Never get tired of hearing this one.

[@DrawingExercises-q2d]

My high school marching band played this song one season. I remember practicing the bass part on my tuba for school. What great memories this song made in my life, and the lives of others!

[@matthewlipscomb2100]

Lucky! I played alot of cool tuba parts but I would give a kidney to play this on the field.

[@DrawingExercises-q2d]

I have hypertension, and I might actually need your kidney if my medication, diet and exercise fail. I'm not planning on actually needing your kidney. But I thought it was a synchronicity since my doctor has to check my kidney levels next week. And you are a tuba player. How small is this planet becoming?

[@yakmanjpn]

The receding hair rocks! Love that he is there ' cause he can sing!

[@mxcope]

Another gift from God.

[@jiml8637]

Did you know Smokey is Michael Jackson’s biological father?

[@TheMelarose]

I'm so lucky to have been raised by parents that shared a fond love of all Motown productions. I'm never parting from my vinyl.

[@robbie4860]

Amen to that!!

[@scretching08]

Melanie Trodella Yes!

[@cherisetibbet1531]

Melanie Trodella

[@apfelprincess45]

Melanie Trodella Nobody should be parted from their vinyl collection!

[@richharrison9341]

Melanie Trodella I am seriously considering emigrating to North America. This little island doesn't play enough Motown and Soul Music. Rich x

[@turmi92]

winderbarer clip ich liebe dieses lied. macht gute laune.

[@Mr33pantera]

smokey always fixes me. God Bless him-

[@ThickRedPlaya]

Absolutely love this song! Great music and songwriting. Still relevant.

[@jaycathedral9079]

Head over to Daryl's House and listen to Smokey and Daryl's guys do this song. I swear, it's better 50 years later! What a great song and hats off to Stevie Wonder for composing Smokey's lyrics. One of my all time favorites!

[@tramainestovell3756]

Tears of a Clown will always be a fav for Me.

[@melodysanger103]

HAPPY 76TH BIRTHDAY WILLIAM "SMOKEY" ROBINSON (FEBRUARY 19, 2016)

[@flalawdog9463]

Melody Sanger, and just a few days away from his 77th birthday he's still performing! He did a concert at FSU in Tallahassee on 02/10/17.

[@jeffg1524]

🎤 Sing It, Smokey!! Doesn't get much better than this ♫♫♫ 👍

[@skydive701]

I love this song!

[@patriciamarshall9090]

I grew up with this man's music . Love him just as much today as I did when I was a kid .

[@nomessnofussjustpureimpact4771]

Emperor Of Northern Soul....Every Tune Is Smashing and Bless The Miracles.

[@jimdartouzos2127]

Awesome Live performance by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles.

[@BubbaZen10]

This song would just take me to somewhere else when i was little. I would be in a trance. (i think i actually saw this when i was young)

[@bixfrisbee2623]

I never heard this version but wow, it's great. Thanks Smokey & the Miracles.

[@thewizkid6161]

Happy B-day to Smokey! In 219! (2019

[@ShawniAzside]

its my birthday and my childhood friend is dying. this has me balling. my favorite song since I was 15

[@spo0kyxr0mance]

:( *hug*

[@hattiem.7966]

I didn't know the history of this song til I saw the interview of Smokey ( another video ) explaining how Stevie Wonder approached him on writing the lyrics to his music.What a monster hit it became. It's based on a true story in the late 1800's in Italy.You can see the hear the emotion there near the end of the sad clown.

[@lovelovelovemusic1177]

LOVE Never Stops Loving LOVE🌍

[@christineturner1415]

Wonder what these guys did to reach this much talent ? work sweat tears onward and upward that's true grit in my book !

[@peachofahand1]

Without a doubt he is Singing his heart out here. He is truly feeling it. 👍

[@lynneschantzen3498]

My friend you are loved. I still remember the day I first heard you on a 78. From 78s to CDs its been a wild ride

[@prtyfdup]

Love the music! And love the class of the times!

[@WizenedVariations1]

My favorite song of all time. I bow to you, Sir Robinson for understanding me so very well....

[@katrinahouston1604]

I like the way Smokey walk out straight smooth. Then the miracle. Sing Smokey baby fine ass!

[@TheRacerbrown]

Smokey is great, listen to this harmony, WOW!!

[@jiml8637]

Great performance

[@michaelsims5257]

AS YOU KNOW....MUSIC HAS BEEN THE CORE OF MY LIFE FOR MANY YEARS....THIS ONE IS ALL OVER ME.... AT THIS HOUR....SPEAKERS UP...AND ENJOY!!!! BLESSINGS.....MICHAEL.

[@pablozewoppa]

Listen to her voice. It's like being crushed beneath sheet after sheet of sweet velvet. I'm drowning. ❤

[@sauquoit13456]

On this day in 1971 {July 10th} Smokey Robinson & the Miracles performed "The Tears of a Clown" on the late Dick Clark's American... About nine months earlier on October 17th, 1970 it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100; and on December 12th it peaked at #1 {for 2 weeks} and spent 16 weeks on the Top 100 chart... It also reached #1 {for 3 weeks} on Billboard's R&B chart on December 5th... And to top it off; in the United Kingdom it reached #1 {for 1 week} on September 12th... R.I.P. Mr. Clark..

[@636scoobydoo]

Smokey Robinson is awesome

[@teddygrammm]

great to see smokey here on "salute to plumbing" week on the andy williams show

[@angieharris3034]

I grew up listening to all music. Our family always had music in the house. My dad had his music going on in the garage when he was working on vehicles. My mom as well whether it was cleaning house or playing games, puzzles, didn't matter what we were doing in the house. We also had back in the day old tapes we took along on camping trips.

[@briannash3947]

Great music never died.

[@LASchgos]

When Smokey sings....magic happens

[@raziabaksh5679]

To think this came out the year I was born. It still resinates: Love, loss, humility and the soft overtones of a beautifully sung, Somkey Robinson, song.

[@davidpeek2154]

That is an awesome version THANK YOU

[@mzmaryd6452]

This song man it was played on the white radio because the black stations didn't think it was soulful enough so I would stay up till 11:00 pm every night to catch it played on KVIL in Dallas. I loved this song.

[@LarzGustafsson]

Absolutely brilliant! Tremendous tune.

[@cathygarlington2839]

Had the biggest crush on him as a teenager

[@bgmnzz]

at 0:37, the Miracles appear. From left, Pete Moore, Marvin Tarplin, Bobby Rogers. It is technically Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.

[@williamg2552]

MARV is a MIRACLE, as is CLAUDETTE. but they're not here: *The MIRACLES* lineup here is: *SMOKEY ROBINSON*, *PETE MOORE*, *BOBBY ROGERS*, and *RONNIE WHITE*. (Only GEN X, GEN Y, and MILLENIALS post videos of THE MIRACLES ...and only credit SMOKEY....'Cause they were all born AFTER the Miracles broke up, and are CLUELESS.)

[@alberthenley2062]

@@williamg2552 That's what I thinking, how could anybody born before 1970 not recognize Ronnie White? Cause they actually didn't know.

[@melodysanger103]

HAPPY 78TH BIRTHDAY WILLIAM "SMOKEY" ROBINSON (FEBRUARY 19, 2018) REMEMBERING ROBERT "BOBBY" ROGERS (FEBRUARY 19, 1940 - MARCH 3, 2013) [02/19/2018]

[@stevo67-uu9rc]

One of the best songs fuckin' EVER.....

[@kristineingrid]

how can anyone "dislike" this?

[@MahlonEdwards]

They don't matter.

[@SingleTax]

That's what happens when you raise your kids on gangsta rap.

[@miranda120202]

They have the tears of a clown.

[@Nina5144]

My thoughts too.

[@ericchavez509]

Smokey's live vocals are the best!!!!!!!!!! (And he's looking hella-stoned in this clip!!! #smokey lol)

[@YhwhKhaiMostHigh]

He was so fine back then! I related to this song for so many years until The Most High sent my spouse my way.

[@michellewade3605]

my grandpa introduced me to smokey robinson i love this song

[@Sweence]

Smokey is the best!

[@johncarr5279]

thank u for.all the memory to the motown family thank u and love u all

[@denisehorn890]

I went to Disneyland every weekend; Anaheim, California; from Seal Beach. Wow--the tears of a clown--I guess that is me now. Way to go Smokey; I have always been serious, but never taken that way. A clown, or one trying to "fit it" truly cries. I love this song, I always will..! I have met more clowns than the one in the costume!!

[@shlbycindy1]

I wish they still made music like this.

[@lieanda4527]

blijft mooi deze muziek echte nostalgie

[@Lisa9462]

love him

[@zoeabbey9400]

I love this song. I love Smokey Robinson. I love Motown!

[@finroe6089]

Motown is so perfect. I love how bands like this still tour the circuit. One reason I want to go to America.

[@Lwyse96]

This song reached Number 3 on the Irish Singles Chart in September 1970. A cover version by British ska band The Beat reached Number 6 in the UK and Number 16 in Ireland in December 1979.

[@Nina5144]

And how I hated that awful ska version. ‘Teeeers ov a clooooon’ Yikes

[@brendancoburn427]

................& the Miracles.

[@dennismunday7467]

As Bob Dylan said, One of America's finest poets

[@ianmcgregorhart9354]

Reminds me of children's matinee's at Saturday Cinema at the Odeon, Sunderland. A great song later also a hit for the Beat in 82.

[@stoneblue1795]

A timeless classic.

[@patatewarrior]

j'adore ce morceau .. Smokey robinson magnifique

[@iadorenewyork1]

Bob Dylan praised Smoky Robinson as the greatest poet of his time.

[@stephanarminski7667]

A guilty pleasure of mine growing up in the early 70s as a stoner. Loved my Stones, Zep, etc... but would never dream of playing any Mowtown in front of my burnout idiot buddies. Couldn't care less now.

[@paradisesunrise81]

Getting stoned and listening to Motown with headphones on is a beautiful experience!

[@rolandoaponte9062]

Lol, yes I also secretly loved Motown and my helping of bubblegum but no one ever knew!!!! In front of my buddies it was only CCR, Zep, Stones and the Who. It would have ruined my reputation!

[@moxfulder4090]

omg - so very cool- the music of my childhood- all us poor white children listened to your wonderful lyrics and it directed our lives ( well mine anyway!) God bless you xx

[@ldawg7674]

I'm digging them background set all those crazy pipes and colors would have been a stoner's dream

[@BlackRaven156]

That voice!!!

[@jonanthonystille3662]

Over n over I'd listen to this song. I was pending getting expelled from school for puffing; and this song made me relax ..haha Greg Fisher & I never got expelled. ;)

[@skwelders]

love it,, and smokey is soooo good looking