Band Details

From the Promoter

Once pronounced by Bob Dylan as America’s “greatest living poet,” acclaimed singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson’s career spans over 4 decades of hits. He has received numerous awards including the Grammy Living Legend Award, NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award, Honorary Doctorate (Howard University), Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts Award from the President of the United States. He has also been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Robinson founded The Miracles while still in high school. The group was Berry Gordy’s first vocal group, and it was at Robinson’s suggestion that Gordy started the Motown Record dynasty. Their single of Robinson’s “Shop Around” became Motown’s first #1 hit on the R&B singles chart. In the years following, Robinson continued to pen hits for the group including “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Going to a Go-Go,” “More Love,” “Tears of a Clown” (co-written with Stevie Wonder), and “I Second That Emotion.”

The Miracles dominated the R&B scene throughout the 1960’s and early 70’s and Robinson became Vice President of Motown Records serving as in-house producer, talent scout and songwriter.

During the course of his 50-year career in music, Robinson has accumulated more than 4,000 songs to his credit and continues to thrill sold-out audiences around the world with his high tenor voice, impeccable timing, and profound sense of lyric. Never resting on his laurels, Smokey Robinson remains a beloved icon in our musical heritage.

-----

Martha Reeves thrills audiences around the world. Her self-produced 2004 CD, "Home to You" was named one of the year's best by the Asbury Park Press. In 2005, Will Smith mined the Motown vaults to uncover her unreleased gem, "It's Easy to Fall In Love," and included it in the hit movie "Hitch." Also in 2005, Motown released Martha's "Lost and Found" collection, which included the rare Smokey Robinson-penned "Spellbound," her studio recording of "For Once In My Life," and covers of hits by the likes of Aretha Franklin, the Marvelettes, Vikki Carr, Sam & Dave, and the Four Tops. She was also featured in the PBS special, "Motown: The Early Years," writing liner notes for the four-set CD package. A "Gold" collection was released in March 2006 and "The Definitive Collection" in 2009. (Her 1968 "Live at the Copa" remains in the vaults, but we hope for a release in the not-too-distant future.

Martha just completed a four-year run as a member of the Detroit City Council. She is back on the road full time, making sure that no one ever forgets the Motor City!