If you go
Smokey Robinson in concert
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Info: $45 in-house, $25 lawn; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
How does the legendary composer of more than 4,000 songs top himself? The ever-young Smokey Robinson simply penned more numbers destined for greatness and put them all together in his latest CD, “Time Flies When You’re Having Fun,Ó due out later this month. During his Wolf Trap show Wednesday, he will introduce fans to these newest songs and reawaken memories from his vast repertoire of days gone by. “Wolf Trap has always been one of my favorite places,Ó he says. “I played there long before the first stage burned down and I always love returning. Since I write all the time, it was easy to select the songs I wanted to include in this recording about timeless love. We recorded it live in a studio, just like old times, and I had the pleasure of singing with three wonderful guest artists and friends, Carlos Santana, India.Arie and Joss Stone. It was perfect being together there because the best way to work is when great people, great artists and great friends feed off each other.Ó
The signature Smokey Robinson song has three components: tuneful melody, memorable lyrics and unstoppable rhythm. No matter which recording one plays, it’s impossible to shake the beat, sometimes for hours. He credits his knowledge of harmony to a childhood spent listening to his mother and two older sisters sing and play music all day long, everything from blues and gospel to pops and classics. His lyrics are born with observation.
“After 50 years, I’ve seen life all around me and I have the ability to pay attention and write about what I see,Ó he says. “I couldn’t possibly have experienced everything in my songs, but God gives everyone at least one gift. Some people don’t develop them, but I’ve been fortunate to use the gifts I’ve been given.Ó
Robinson began his career as lead singer with the Miracles and soon joined forces with producer and fellow songwriter Berry Gordon. As a key figure in the rise and triumphs of Motown, he wrote one hit after another for the Temptations. Mary Wells, the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye and most of the label’s stars. Wherever the first few notes of his “My GirlÓ are played, audiences leap up and burst into song.
That is sure to happen at Wolf Trap on Aug. 15 when the Temptations and the Four Tops appear in concert. Robinson’s songs, along with their slick moves and buoyant personalities, provide the glue that cements the ensembles’ continuing popularity even though there have been some personnel changes over the years.
Robinson’s solo career zoomed into high gear while he was vice president of Motown and he created one hit after another to light up Billboard charts, including the 1987 Grammy winner “Just To See Her.Ó
After resigning from Motown in 1988, he continued to perform and tour, amassing awards and honors along the way, among them induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Soul Train Music Award for Career Achievement and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
His 2006 Kennedy Center Honors was preceded by a doctor of music degree from Howard University and followed this year by an honorary degree from Berklee College of Music where he gave the commencement speech.
Robinson acknowledges that he has lived through a period of tremendous change in popular music, and yet his own songs remain fresh and appealing.
“I chose ‘Time Flies When You’re Having Fun’ for the title of my latest album because I’ve had a wonderful life filled with fun and good friends,Ó he says. “I just hope the music I write will be here for generations to come.Ó
