Music being the cyclical beast it is, Robinson’s brand of silky sweet soul came back in favor at the end of the ’70s. In 1979, “Cruisin’” became his first Top 5 pop hit as a solo artist.

That’s exactly why it works. Smokey Robinson, ever the master of lyrical duality, crafts a persona here that feels deeply human—hopeful, self-aware, and a little bit scared.

Rita Wilson is going back to the '70s with the help of some of the greatest musical artists, including Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson and more. I spoke with Wilson about her superb new album, 'Now ...

Throughout the 1960s and ’70s, Robinson also wrote for other artists, everyone from The Supremes, The Temptations, and Marvin Gaye, and continued to work with Motown Records until 1990.

The Miracles dominated the R&B scene throughout the 1960s and early 70s, and Robinson became Vice President of Motown Records, serving as in-house producer, talent scout, and songwriter.

DURING A BRIEF LONDON STOP-OVER, en route to perform at Edinburgh Castle in celebration of the start of the Commonwealth Games, Smokey Robinson is taking time out to promote his new album of duets. He ...