There’s no denying Smokey Robinson is one of the most iconic singers and songwriters of all time. With a career spanning decades, his influence on music and pop culture is undeniable. But what advice would the legendary Smokey Robinson give to his younger self if he could travel back in time? Turns out, it’s advice we could all benefit from.
In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party, the 79-year-old legend opened up about what he would tell his younger self. “Slow down, be cool, and wait because it’s gonna happen (laughs),” Smokey shared. “And you can’t rush it, and you don’t want to rush it because you want it to last for as long as you can.”
A Legacy Built on Great Relationships
As one of the most notable figures in Motown music history, alongside the legendary Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson has been at the forefront of creating timeless hits for nearly six decades. Their partnership has been nothing short of extraordinary, and it’s clear that their relationship is the foundation of their success.
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In another exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, Berry Gordy, now 90, echoed the importance of their bond. “In life, great relationships bring happiness, and happiness is the greatest thing in the world,” Berry explained while promoting the documentary Hitsville: The Making of Motown. “It’s all about the relationship between Smokey Robinson and me.”
Smokey chimed in on their enduring legacy: “It’s been 60 years, and we’re still here. Generations of kids who haven’t even been born yet will know about it.” This incredible impact has not only shaped the music industry but also inspired countless artists, including the legendary Lionel Richie.
Learning From the Best
For Lionel Richie, being mentored by the likes of Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Berry Gordy was nothing short of a dream come true. “I had the best mentors ever because they were right down the hall,” Lionel, 70, told Closer Weekly and other reporters at the American Idol premiere press event earlier this week. “There’s Marvin Gaye and there’s Stevie Wonder and there’s Berry Gordy, and then you’ve got Bob Marley down the hall.”
Reflecting on his early days in the music industry, Lionel continued, “We all started at the same time, and it was an interesting class. When we walked in, they had the best songwriters in the business. That’s Smokey Robinson. I mean, give me a break. So when you got ready to write a song and you had a problem, they would just walk in and say, ‘Little brother, that’s not right. You need…’ And I love that word, ‘little brother.’ Back then, I was the kid. But then you grew into Hollywood.”
