A true soul legend takes to the Roundhouse stage for a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the birth of Motown records. Smokey Robinson performs his greatest hits plus songs from his new album Time Flies When You're Having Fun.
Smokey Robinson and his band will be joined by the BBC Concert Orchestra. For the first time, BBC Electric Proms has specially commissioned brand new arrangements of these cherished hits for what promises to be a magical performance.
Operating out of the Hitsville U.S.A. studio in Detroit, Motown Records defined what popular music could be; and Smokey Robinson was integral to the label's success. One of Berry Gordon's first signings, Smokey delivered a string of hits with his band the Miracles including singles like The Tracks of My Tears and Tears of a Clown. With their pounding rhythm tracks, jubilant string arrangements and that intoxicating, instantly recognisable falsetto, Smokey's recorded output is emblematic of The Motown Sound.
He was also the primary songwriter for the Temptations from 1963-6, penning stone cold classics like My Girl and Get Ready. Serving as Motown's vice president for over a quarter century, Smokey named his son Berry and his daughter Tamla, such was his affinity for the label.
Now, fifty years after he first sang for the label, Smokey Robinson joins the BBC Concert Orchestra for an evening celebrating the magic of Motown.
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