The
release date for "Smokey & Friends," the new duets album from
legendary Motown icon and Grammy® award-winning singer-songwriter, Smokey
Robinson has been moved up to August 19 on Verve Records.
The
track listing for "Smokey & Friends" features Robinson alongside
a celebrated roster of contemporary and classic artists who revisit the best
loved songs from Robinson's unmatched catalog of hits including those he has
written for his solo career, his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group, The Miracles,
as well as hits he wrote for others, including Marvin Gaye and The
Temptations.
On the
Randy Jackson-produced set, Robinson is joined by old friends like James
Taylor, Sir Elton John, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Sheryl Crow, and Mary J.
Blige, as well as with some of today's hottest new artists including John
Legend, John Mayer, Miguel, Aloe Blacc, JC Chasez, CeeLo, Ledisi and Jessie J.
Robinson
and his guests pay homage to the timeless originals, while creating new
versions that feel instantaneously contemporary and classic. Robinson and John
turn "The Tracks of My Tears" into an organ-drenched call and
response; while Legend's graceful piano playing adds a new elegance to
"Quiet Storm." On "My Girl," Miguel, Aloe Blacc, and 'N
Sync's JC Chasez match The Temptation's unforgettable harmonies, as John Mayer
recreates the song's instantly recognizable opening guitar riffs. The album's
11 tracks will delight longtime Robinson fans, as well as introduce these
ageless songs to younger listeners not necessarily familiar with the enduring
melodies and lyrics.
Once
pronounced by Bob Dylan as America's "greatest living poet,"
acclaimed singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson's career spans over four decades of
hits. He has received numerous awards including two Grammy's, 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. Their single of
Robinson's "Shop Around" became Motown's first #1 hit on the R&B
singles chart. The Miracles dominated the R&B scene throughout
the 1960's and early 70's. In addition to writing hits for The Miracles,
Robinson wrote and produced hits for other Motown.
"Smokey
& Friends" Track Listing:
1. The
Tracks Of My Tears - Elton John
2. You
Really Got A Hold On Me - Steven Tyler
3. My
Girl - Miguel, Aloe Blacc & JC Chasez
4.
Cruisin' - Jesse J
5. Quiet
Storm - John Legend
6. The
Way You Do (The Things You Do) - CeeLo Green
7. Being
With You - Mary J. Blige
8. Ain't
The Peculiar - James Taylor
9. The
Tears Of A Clown - Sheryl Crow
10. Ooh
Baby Baby - Ledisi
11. Get
Ready - Gary Barlow
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