Soul music legend Smokey Robinson will be honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this November as its 20th annual "Music Master."
Each year, the Rock Hall spends a week examining the career of a performer who helped changed the shape of popular music. Smokey Robinson's impact can be seen in his numerous hits with the Miracles, as well as the chart-topping tunes he wrote for the other members of the Motown Records roster, including Mary Wells, the Temptations and Marvin Gaye. In a 2011 interview with 90.3, Robinson recalled he grew-up hearing music from across the spectrum.
"In our home, everything from gut-bucket blues to gospel to jazz to classical was being played, all day long. All those musics have had an influence on me."
The Rock Hall's Vice-President of Education and Public Programs Lauren Onkey says Robinson's songs are just as impressive as his singing.
"Right out of the gates, as a young guy, he's writing these beautiful, sophisticated lyrics --- it's a great catalog and a great story."
Robinson's role as a performer, songwriter, producer and businessman over the course of a 60-year career will be the focus of the week-long tribute that concludes with an all-star concert. The Rock Hall says the 75-year-old performer will come to Cleveland to accept his Music Master award, but is not expected to perform.