Smokey Robinson to Perform at Greek Theater

Jonny Whiteside

In the glorious hierarchy of American soul music stars, Smokey Robinson has long since ascended to the very highest degree. A towering paragon of individuated artistry, Robinson’s deft, low-key yet always emotionally arresting style is as instantly recognizable as it is irresistible, and when he strolls onto the bandstand at the Greek Theater on Saturday night, he will bring one of the finest set lists in existence. From the warm romping groove of Going to a Go-Go to the ache of The Tracks of My Tears,  the hypnotic rapture of You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me, the seemingly inexhaustible Smokey hit-list is one monster classic after another.

Now 74-years-old, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, multiple Grammy winner and, yes, it must be said, living legend, has scarcely slowed his pace. His just-arrived Smokey & Friends album (featuring contributions from the disparate likes of Elton John, CeeLo Green, Steven Tyler, Mary J. Blige, and, most fittingly, John Legend) offers not only a welcomed re-examination of some of his finest songs, it will also, hopefully, serve as a re-introduction and a calling card to a new generations of listeners who could benefit tremendously from a strong dose of the singer’s charm and skill.

After all, Robinson’s talent as both a composer and vocalist is beyond prodigious, and the ease and precision with which he manifests and examines the common human experience is nigh on unrivaled. Combined with his critically important creative history and role as one of the key spearheads at Motown Records in his native Detroit, this appearance by Robinson is a much more than just an evening’s entertainment – it’s an artistic and cultural opportunity not to be squandered.

An Evening with Smokey Robinson will arrive at the Greek Theatre on August 16.