The name of William "Smokey" Robinson (Detroit 1940) remains forever associated with Motown. Robinson was a producer, composer, vice-president and also the famous artist soul label. With his group The Miracles scored with Shop Around 1960 a number-one hit, both for himself and Motown the first in a long line. Both Bob Dylan and John Lennon praised his original music and lyrics. From 1973, Robinson
… focused on a solo career. With a more mature soul jazz sound he wrote the perfect music for the late hours. His hit Quiet Storm (1975) was even a genre designation for this sultry soul variant. Even after reaching the retirement age will still Smokey Robinson albums. He was one of the judges on American Idol in 2009.more