Smokey Robinson “could not possibly have experienced everything” he has written about in music. The legendary Motown artist’s songwriting career spans more than six decades, with countless hits that have influenced generations of musicians.
The 84-year-old musician has penned famous tracks such as “My Girl” and “Baby That’s Backatcha” but when pressed on whether his 1975 song “The Agony and the Ecstasy” was about the affair he was having with Diana Ross at the time, he simply called the “Chain Reaction” legend a “babe” and thought that it was a “good situation” to write about. “My Girl” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965 and has since become one of Motown’s most enduring classics.
“As a songwriter, I could not possibly have experienced everything I’ve written about, and that song seemed like a good idea because so many people were in that situation,” he told The Times. His songwriting catalogue includes more than 4,000 songs, with more than 375 million records sold worldwide.
“I’ve known Diana Ross since she was 8 years old, man! She’s precious to me,” he said. “She’s my longest-living friend. Oh yeah, she’s my babe.” The two artists’ friendship has spanned more than seven decades, marking one of the longest-running relationships in music industry history.
Robinson had been married to Claudette Robinson for more than a decade when he started up the year-long affair in the mid-1970s, but they did not divorce until 1986. Their marriage was a significant part of Motown’s early history, with Claudette being a member of The Miracles alongside Smokey.
Meanwhile, Robinson — who has Berry, 55 and Tamla, 53, with Claudette but then went on to have Trey, 39, as a result of another affair — is now married to Frances Gladney. He insisted that he still leads a “pretty normal life” despite his decades of success and doesn’t understand when he sees “people tripping” amid fame. His success with The Miracles made him one of Motown’s first stars, helping to establish the label’s signature sound.
“I lead a pretty normal life,” he said. “I’m married to a wonderful woman. I drive my own car. I don’t need a chauffeur or anyone else going everywhere I go. I’m in show business, so people recognize me, but I don’t mind it because that’s a part of the life and when I see people tripping on fame, man, that’s so stupid!” His down-to-earth attitude has remained consistent throughout his career, earning him respect from peers and fans alike.
Robinson’s impact on popular music cannot be overstated, with his contributions to Motown helping to shape the sound of American popular music. His songwriting style, which combines complex emotional narratives with accessible melodies, has influenced countless artists across multiple genres.
The relationship between Robinson and Ross represents a unique chapter in music history, with both artists playing pivotal roles in Motown’s success. Ross went on to achieve international stardom with The Supremes, becoming one of the most successful female artists of all time.
Throughout his career, Robinson has received numerous accolades, including the Grammy Living Legend Award, Kennedy Center Honors, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His ability to maintain both his artistic integrity and personal relationships throughout decades in the spotlight is particularly noteworthy.
The song “The Agony and the Ecstasy” remains a testament to Robinson’s songwriting prowess, regardless of its inspiration. Released during Motown’s golden era, it showcased his ability to capture complex emotional situations in his lyrics while maintaining the label’s signature sound.
Today, both Robinson and Ross continue to be celebrated as pioneers who helped break down racial barriers in the music industry during the 1960s and 1970s. Their contributions to popular music extend beyond their hit records, influencing social change through their artistry and success.
