SMOKEY ROBINSON to Get Up Close and Personal at McCallum Theatre, 10/26

One of the most beloved and influential figures in the history of popular music, Smokey Robinson will bring his trademark vocal style and his incredible songbook to The McCallum Theatre on Friday, October 26 for one special night, celebrating his 50th anniversary in the music business and the 50th anniversary of Motown Records.  Smokey has logged an incredible 37 Top 40 hits in his career. He wrote and produced hits for Motown greats including The Temptations, Mary Wells, Brenda Holloway, Marvin Gaye and others. "The Way You Do the Things You Do," "My Girl," "Get Ready," "You Beat Me to the Punch," "Don't Mess with Bill," "Ain't That Peculiar," and "My Guy" are just a few of his songwriting triumphs during those years.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Smokey founded The Miracles while still in high school. The group was Motown founder's Berry Gordy's first vocal signing, creating the Motown Record dynasty. Smokey's "Shop Around" became Motown's first #1 hit on the R&B singles chart and in the years following, Smokey continued to pen hits for the group including "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "Ooo Baby Baby," "The Tracks of My Tears," "Going to a Go-Go," "More Love," "Tears of a Clown" (co-written with Stevie Wonder), and "I Second That Emotion."

The Miracles dominated the R&B scene throughout the 1960's and early 70's and Smokey became Vice President of Motown Records, serving as in-house producer, talent scout and songwriter.

John Lennon of The Beatles made countless remarks regarding Smokey's influence on his music. The Beatles had recorded The Miracles' "You've Really Got A Hold On Me" in 1963 and in 1982 The Rolling Stones, covered The Miracles' hit "Going To A Go-Go."

Smokey later turned to a solo career where he continued his tradition of hit-making with "Just to See Her," "Quiet Storm," "Cruisin'," and "Being with You," among others.  He remained Vice President of Motown records until the sale of the company, shaping the label's success with friend and mentor Berry Gordy. Following his tenure at Motown, he continued his impressive touring career and released several successful solo albums.

During the course of his 50-year career in music, Smokey has accumulated more than 4,000 songs to his credit and continues to thrill sold-out audiences around the world with his signature tenor voice, impeccable timing, and profound sense of lyric. Never resting on his laurels, Smokey Robinson remains a beloved icon in our musical heritage.

The McCallum Theatre presents Smokey Robinson on Friday, October 26 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $85, $75, $55 and $45. For tickets or further information, visit www.mccallumtheatre.com.  

David Green is the Executive Director of The Carol Channing-Harry Kullijian Foundation for the Arts -- working to restore the Arts to our nation’s public schools and provide an arts education to every child in America. He is the founder and President of the nationally acclaimed Conservatory Musical Theatre University, a training ground for talented young people with aspirations for careers in theatre, most specifically musical theatre. Mr. Green's Broadway alumni include Tony -nominee Matthew Morrison, Stephanie Block, Lindsay Mendez, Scott Barnhardt, Anneliese VanDerPol and Krysta Rodriguez, to name a few. As a producer and director, he has staged over 150 theatrical productions for both educational and professional theatre and with such stars as Carol Channing, Cathy Rigby, Jonelle Allen, Eric Kunze, Davis Gaines, Stephanie Zimbalist, John Raitt, Betty Garrett and more. Mr. Green is honored to serve the Inland Empire of Southern California as a contributor to BroadwayWorld.

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