Smokey Robinson Concert Experience

Smokey Robinson at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (Photo by Me)

I’ll start with saying that this was definitely one of those pinch me moments in my life. Getting to see such a legendary artist still up and performing on tours at the age of 81 is incredible. The songwriter hall of famer Smokey Robinson held a very low-key show on an outdoor stage at the Seminole Casino in Coconut Creek, Florida, on what could not have been a more perfect night. I have grown up around listening to the greatest of Motown; Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, etc. I attended the once in a lifetime show with my dad, who is the reason for my love of Motown; as the music played around our house during my childhood years came from his playlist.

I absolutely love the kind of music that is timeless, that you can enjoy at any point in life. That is exactly what artists such as Smokey Robinson have done. Songs that he wrote 60 years ago at the beginning of Motown Records are still just as popular today. Even through my now adult years the love I have for Motown classics has not faded as I have even attended the Motown the Musical off-broadway show, not once but twice. Robinson strutted across the stage with pep in his step as he sang his greatest hits including “Tears of a Clown” “Tracks of my Tears” and “Shop Around.” Throughout the duration of the show Robinson shared stories of the Motown crew and how certain songs came to be. Even sharing a personal anecdote about an experience he had with Stevie Wonder when he was asked to work on a song for him. Smokey quoted “Stevie wanted me to work on this song so bad , he offered to drive me home to work on it.” The joke took me a minute to get, but as soon as I got it, I couldn’t stop laughing along with the rest of the audience.

I always love when artists share stories behind what gives them the ideas to write some of the worlds greatest songs that as fans, make up our daily playlists. It is one of the most fascinating and inspiring parts of the craft of songwriting. Along with his many entertaining anecdotes, the instrument that is his voice could not have been better for his age. Smokey sounding nearly identical to his many recorded hits. By the end of the night majority of the crowd was up on their feet and dancing like Smokey took them to church.

Thanks to my awesome parents for having such great taste in classic music, I get to have incredible experiences such as getting to be in attendance to a show like this. It will be one of many experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life!

-XOXO Rachel