SMOKEY ROBINSON UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL (PT-1): Singer/songwriter discusses entertainment industry and spirituality.
by J.C. Brooks

Smokey Robinson
(Oct. 31, 2003) One of America's most prolific singer/songwriters of our time is Mr. Smokey Robinson. The Detroit native, who came to us as a Miracle in the 60s and then on to a solo career throughout the 70s, not only made an explosive career for himself, but was the writing genius behind numerous Motown acts. He's blessed our lives with many tunes that may have brought some of us into this world.
The songwriting marvel has effortlessly taken on a new hat as a poet with a recent offering on Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam. He gave his genius contribution in a poem called "The Black American Poem."

Our Lee Bailey was fortunate enough to catch up with the balladeer and find that Smokey has some serious things on his mind. He has some strong opinions on the music world, his spiritual music and the entertainment industry as a whole.

But first, everyone has to notice how great the 60 plus-year old looks these days. He claims there's no top secret to his timeless looks.

"I try to take care of myself. I exercise. I try to eat right and take my vitamins," he laughs. "I don't drink or smoke or any of that. I've never done that."

He's been sporting twists in his hair for almost a year now. He decided on the "do" because of its easy upkeep.

"I actually saw a buddy of mine about maybe 10 months ago and his hair was twisted. At the time, I was wearing my hair short and cropped and I had to let it grow so that I could start the twists," he explained. "I'm just letting it grow and it's so easy to maintain. I'm enjoying it."

The songwriter is preparing to release a spiritual CD that he's been working on for several years.

"I have a spiritual CD. I won't say gospel, but it's a spiritual CD called 'Food for the Spirit,' and it's made up of some songs that I wrote," said Smokey. "I've been working on it probably about six years. Originally, I had in mind to send them out because I know a lot of people in the spiritual business like the Winans, Mighty Clouds of Joy, and Kirk Franklin. I never got around to sending them and just started to record them myself."

He explained in further detail why he doesn't refer to the music as gospel, but spiritual.

"I haven't done a gospel CD or a religious one. I'm not a very religious man. I have a relationship with God that's very strong," he explained. "So, it's not done 'gospelly.' It's done very contemporary. But for the words, it can be whatever you hear me sing all the time."

Smokey is excited that he has the opportunity to do this album because he's never gotten a chance to formally say thank you.

"I felt like I wanted to do the spiritual. In my mind's eye, all the music that I've ever done is a gift from God. I've been blessed. And through his grace, I'm able to write songs. Being in the music world is my dream and I get a chance to live my dream, so now I get a chance to actually come right out lyrically and pay tribute to Him through song."

Next week in part 2, Smokey gives his surprising thoughts on Hip-Hop and today's poet's, the rappers.