singing with Smokey

Hi,
I have just crossed another item off my bucket list. I had the esteemed privilege of singing with Smokey Robinson last week. While it wasn't an intimate duet, it felt like the two of our voices were one... There just happened to be an audience of several hundred people also singing along.

I have always loved Smokey. I grew up in the 60's when his music and lyrics ruled the radio. Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Supremes and The Miracles were all singing his songs and I harmonized right along with them. Motown music was my sound of choice. At 72 years old, Smokey is still making that music come alive, in perfect pitch with a falsetto that never falters. He is truly amazing to listen to. It is as if the last 50 years have just faded away. It's 1962 all over again when he hits the stage.

The Mann Center in Philadelphia is an outdoor amphitheater with fabulous acoustics. Smokey's voice rang out loud and clear with his exceptional back up band and singers filling the night air. What made the concert so special was the audience singing along. It sounded like the most professional of gospel choirs accompanying the performers. Even Smokey seemed impressed with the wave of harmony coming back at him from the crowd. I have heard audiences sing with the musicians before and it is usually tolerable at best. This was a whole new level of sing-a-long. Attendees were mostly Afro-Americans in their late 50-60's, dressed to the nines and looking to party with the Motown Man. They came to sing loud & proud... And I joined in for every song.

Smokey, you are The Man.

xox
M