Smokey Robinson – Smokey & Friends CD (Universal)

The legendary Smokey Robinson returns with an All-Star duets album, Smokey & Friends. Produced by American Idol star and renowned record producer Randy Jackson, Robinson is joined by a stunning roster of acclaimed artists from Steven Tyler and Elton John to Mary J. Blige, Jessie J, Cee-Lo and, especially for the UK edition, Imelda May

Smokey & Friends features the best loved songs from Robinson’s unmatched catalogue of hits including those he has written for his solo career, his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group, The Miracles, as well as hits he wrote for others, including Marvin Gaye and The Temptations.

Once pronounced by Bob Dylan as America’s “greatest living poet,” acclaimed singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson’s career spans over four decades of hits. He has received numerous awards including two Grammy’s, the Grammy Living Legend Award, NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award, Honorary Doctorate (Howard University), Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts Award from the President of the United States. He has also been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame.

During the course of his 50 plus year career in music, Robinson has accumulated more than 4,000 songs to his credit and has written and produced hits for Motown greats including The Temptations, Mary Wells, Brenda Holloway, Marvin Gaye and, of course, The Beatles.

He continues to thrill sold-out audiences around the world with his high tenor voice, impeccable timing, and profound sense of lyric. Never resting on his laurels, Smokey Robinson remains a beloved icon in our musical heritage.