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Still performing and still in demand, the years have been good to . Soul Survivor by Steve Dale

It's 1958: A 17-year old from named Smokey Robinson, and his high school chums, who call themselves , release the first record ever on a new label called . The song is called "Get a Job." It's not a hit record, but it sure proves important. "Get a Job" turns out to be a prophetic title, since it helps to create work, and a whole direction for Motown founder and President . Before long the Motown label provides work for , , Temptations, Vandellas, Pips, and all the others. Meanwhile, The Miracles record hit records. In 1972 Robinson leaves the group to work behind the scenes for Gordy at Motown, and to embark on a solo career. He has never stopped touring, at least not for very long. It seems that audiences can't get enough of Smokey Robinson. Before a recent appearance at the Holiday Star Theatre in Merrillville, IN, Robinson talks with Steve Dale on the phone from his Motown office in Los Angeles.

Steve Oale: You're a survivor. Still per- from your days with The Miracles. Mean- forming, still in demand... while, they bring their children who expect so: You don't even know if Dylan ever groomed his image for years, and he stuck Smokey Robinson: Yeah. Isn't that nice? to hear you croon "Being With You" and really said it? with it. Even at 8 or 10 years old he pre- And thank God. I feel very blessed. I your latest single "I Can't Find." How do SR: To tell you the truth, no. I guess I ferred to stay at home and practice rather remember years ago watching Frank Sina- you please such diverse taste? should ask him. than go out and play with his brothers. He tra, , and you know, those SR: It's easy. I'm onstage for a long-long so: Over the years, different fads in music worked so hard. I'm happy about his suc- older dudes. I'd dream about being in the time. I still love to sing "," have come and gone. Yet it seems to me cess. But I feel sorry for him. He can't go business for 25 years and having their dur- "Tracks of My Tears," "Ooh Baby, Baby," that your music has stayed pretty much anywhere. People won't leave him alone. ability. With God's help that dream has and all the others. I would never divorce the same. You didn't go or punk or So far, he's handled everything quite well. come true. myself from The Miracles. whatever the trend was at the time. I have my fans, but I can at least go out. so: Do you ever feel old? (He's 44) SO: once called you "the grea- SR: Thank you. I take that as a compli- Michael has to live in a prison. If! did that, SR: No way. Physically, I feel better than test living poet in America." ment. I don't believe in fadding. Can you how could I golf or jog? ever. I remember when I could hold my son SR: Don't get me wrong, Bob is a good imagine me doing disco? It would never Hey guy, I've got this meeting, but I want in the palm of my hand. Today, that dude friend of mine. But I do wonder why that work. Berry (Gordy) always taught me that to add one more thing. I was really rooting is so big. But I still can beat him at basket- one quote has gotten so much press. I mean a good song will always be a good song. for the Cubs. After all these years, they ball. My band kids me about having grown performers always say things about other SO: Do you remember really really deserved it. I was devastated up listening to my music. Can you believe performers. If Bob really did say that, I do when he was just beginning? when they lost. the nerve of those cats? appreciate it. But I don't understand the SR: Sure. I'm very proud of him. You SO: Parents come to hear your oldies, big deal. know we raised him at Motown. We Slew Dale is a/ree lance wriler. 16 OTLI December OTLI December 17