Smokey Robinson Comes to The Family Arena!

 

WHAT:         William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. is a legendary singer-songwriter, record producer, record executive and co-founder of Motown Records.

 

In 1960, Miracles recorded their and Motown’s first million selling hit, "Shop Around.” Between 1960 and 1970, Robinson would produce 26 top forty hits with the Miracles including several top ten hits such as "You've Really Got a Hold on Me", "I Second That Emotion" and the group's only number-one pop hit, "The Tears Of A Clown". Other notable hits include, "Ooo Baby Baby,” and “The Tracks Of My Tears".

 

Robinson was one of the major songwriters and producers for Motown, penning several hit singles such as, “Who’s Loving You” "My Guy,” "The Way You Do The Things You Do", "My Girl", "Get Ready" and "Ain't That Peculiar".

In 1975, Robinson released his most successful solo album, A Quiet Storm, which yielded three hit singles, "Baby That's Backatcha", "The Agony & The Ecstasy" and "Quiet Storm".

His classic hit, "Cruisin'" peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Robinson topped the charts again with another sensual ballad, "Being with You and teamed up with fellow Motown label mate Rick James recording the R&B ballad, "Ebony Eyes".

 

Robinson made a triumphant return with the album, One Heartbeat and the singles, "Just to See Her" and "One Heartbeat,” both Top 10 hits."Just To See Her" won Robinson his first Grammy Award. In the same year, he was inducted as a solo artist to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the UK group ABC released a tribute song, "When Smokey Sings."

 

Robinson has been Inducted into the Kennedy Center, awarded an individual star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a second star with The Miracles. He was awarded a medal at the National Medal of Arts, A Heritage Award at the Soul Train Music Awards and a BET Lifetime Achievement Award. Howard University conferred on Robinson the degree of Doctor of Music as did the Berklee College of Music.

 

.WHEN:         Saturday, October 6, 2018 @ 7:00pm

 

WHERE:       The Family Arena - 2002 Arena Parkway * St. Charles, MO 63303

 

TICKETS:     On Sale Friday, April 27 @ 10am

Tickets can be purchased at the Family Arena Ticket Office or online at www.metrotix.com.

 

Prices: $105 (Gold Circle), $90 (Floor), $85 (100 Level Sidelines), $75 (100 Level Endzone), $60 (Upper Level)

                                                           

To charge by phone call MetroTix at 314-534-1111.  For help purchasing accessible seating, please call The Family Arena ADA Hotline at 636-896-4234.

TICKET LINK:        http://www.metrotix.com/events/

 

FURTHER INFO:    Please call The Family Arena event hotline at 636-896-4242 for more information, or visit our web site at www.familyarena.com.

 

Suites Available For Single Events – Treat the family, reward employees or celebrate a special occasion.  For info and pricing, contact Blake Rapert at 636-896-4211.

 

Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Janelle Monae, Tamar Braxton, Smokey Robinson, Karen Clark Sheard And Wayne Brady Announced As Performers For "BET Honors"  

REV. AL SHARPTON, JOE MORTON, LUDACRIS AND MACK WILDS SCHEDULED TO PRESENT

"BET HONORS" PREMIERES MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2014

 BET Networks announced today that Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Janelle Monae, Tamar Braxton, Smokey Robinson, Karen Clarke Sheard and Wayne Brady are set to bring down the house at the Warner Theatre with a series of powerful and magnetic performances for "BET Honors" 2014. Honoring distinguished African Americans performing at exceptional levels, this year's show will celebrate the achievements of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, Motown Records founder and creator of the smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, Berry Gordy, American Express CEO & Chairman, Ken Chenault, visual artist, Carrie Mae Weems and entertainment trailblazer, Ice Cube. Hosted by actor and comedian, Wayne Brady, "BET Honors" will premiere during Black History Month on Monday, February 24 in the USA and around the world on BET's international network on February 28, 2014 at 9:00pm GMT (check local listings
Esteemed gentlemen, Rev. Al Sharpton, Joe Morton, Ludacris and Mack Wilds are also scheduled to present at this year's show. "BET Honors" has become a staple in BET history by celebrating extraordinary African-Americans including Cicely Tyson, Jamie Foxx, Iman, Herbie Hancock, Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, Sean "Diddy" Combs along with memorable past performances by Trey Songz, Ne-Yo, Yolanda Adams, Keyshia Cole, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige and Patti LaBelle.
Proceeds from "BET Honors" limited ticket sales will benefit the Women Veterans Interactive (WVI), an organization that helps restore hope as well as provides housing options and support for veterans and their families in need. WVI was created to address the unique, and often unrecognized, challenges facing our nation's 1.8 million woman veterans as they return to civilian life.
Stephen Hill, President of Music Programming and Specials, BET Networks, and Lynne Harris Taylor, Vice President of Specials, BET Networks are executive producers, along with Jesse Collins of Jesse Collins Entertainment.
For more information on "BET Honors,"  visit www.bet.com/bethonors. Also, join the conversation about the special on Twitter by using hashtags: #BETHonors; follow the show for all updates & special surprises @BET.
About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

Follow us on Twitter: @BET_PR

The GRAMMY Museum® To Honor Berry Gordy And Smokey Robinson With First-Ever Architects Of Sound Awards On Nov. 11

 

Motown-Themed Gala, Hosted by Randy Jackson, Will Take Place at Club Nokia at L.A. LIVE and Will Help Celebrate the Museum's Five-Year Anniversary

Boyz II Men and Kelly Rowland Are the First Artists Announced to Perform at Gala Tribute Concert, with Proceeds Benefitting Museum Programs

LOS ANGELES, -- Motown founder Berry Gordy and GRAMMY^® winner Smokey Robinson will be honored with The GRAMMY Museum ^®'s first-ever Architects of Sound Award, it was announced today by Bob Santelli, executive director of the Museum. Proceeds from the inaugural GRAMMY Museum benefit gala dinner and concert — to be held on Monday, Nov. 11 , 2013, at Club Nokia in Los Angeles — will provide essential support for the Museum, an educational and interactive museum dedicated to engaging both children and adults in the power of music through dynamic exhibits, educational programs, live performances and more. The event will be hosted by music industry veteran and television personality Randy Jackson.

In recognition of their unparalleled contributions to the Motown genre, Gordy will receive the Architect of Sound: Vision Award and Robinson will receive the Architect of Sound: Artist Award. Selected by the Museum and its Board of Directors, the Architect of Sound Awards are dedicated to honoring those who are catalysts in changing the musical legacy of America, and who helped shape the sound of a specific genre.
"We are honored to celebrate both Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson as the first-ever recipients of the Architects of Sound Awards," said Santelli. "Their contributions to Motown have truly changed the landscape of American music. We are grateful to these extraordinary industry leaders who will be helping us celebrate not only our first gala, but also our upcoming five-year anniversary of The GRAMMY Museum."
Berry Gordy is the founder of Motown Records, the hit-making enterprise, birthed in Detroit, that nurtured the careers of Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5, and many other music greats. Mr. Gordy is also a songwriter, boxer, producer, director, innovative entrepreneur, teacher and visionary. Actively involved in the Civil Rights movement, he also released the recorded speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His films include Mahogany and Lady Sings the Blues, which together garnered five Academy Award^® nominations. Among the awards recognizing Gordy's accomplishments are the Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award, the Gordon Grand Fellow from Yale University, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, the Rainbow Coalition's Man of the Millennium Award, the Rhythm & Blues Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award, the T.J. Martell Foundation's Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award, and the GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons^® President's Merit Award. Berry Gordy's unparalleled contribution to music and popular culture is chronicled in his autobiography, To Be Loved: The Music, The Magic, The Memories of Motown. It is the basis for his play, Motown the Musical, which had its world premiere on Broadway on April 14, 2013, garnered four Tony nominations, with the New York Times calling it "the biggest box office hit of the year."
Once pronounced by Bob Dylan as America's "greatest living poet," acclaimed singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson's career spans more than four decades of hits. He has received numerous awards including the GRAMMY Legend Award, The Recording Academy^® Lifetime Achievement Award, Honorary Doctorate (Howard University), and the National Medal of Arts Award from the President of the United States. He has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Songwriters' Hall of Fame and has been honored at The Kennedy Center. Born and raised in Detroit, Robinson founded The Miracles while still in high school. They were the first group managed by Berry Gordy. 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. In addition to writing hits for the Miracles, Robinson wrote and produced hits for other Motown greats including The Temptations, Mary Wells, Brenda Holloway, Marvin Gaye and others. Following his tenure at Motown, he continued his impressive touring career and released several successful solo albums.  Robinson 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, Robinson remains a beloved icon in our musical heritage. In early 2014, Robinson plans to release a duets collection of his greatest hits and compositions performed with today's top recording artists.
Gala Tribute Concert
The 2013 GRAMMY Museum Architects of Sound Gala will begin with a reception and touring of the GRAMMY Museum, followed by a dinner and awards presentation, hosted by Jackson. The celebration will culminate with a concert, produced by Ken Ehrlich Productions, featuring four-time GRAMMY-winning group Boyz II Men and four-time GRAMMY winner Kelly Rowland. In addition to serving as a GRAMMY Museum Board member, Ken Ehrlich has produced the GRAMMY Awards^® telecast since 1980 and is responsible for the creation and presentation of the show's most iconic GRAMMY moments during that time.
Major gala sponsors include The Recording Academy, AEG, Sony Music Entertainment and Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Additional sponsors include CBS Corporation, Greenberg Traurig LLP, Ziffren Brittenham LLP, Carolyn Powers and The David Geffen Foundation. Media sponsorship will be provided by Los Angeles Magazine.
The GRAMMY Museum is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created as a partnership  between The Recording Academy and AEG. Paying tribute to music's rich cultural history, the one-of-a-kind, 21st century Museum features interactive, permanent and traveling exhibits — with four floors of dynamic and engaging multimedia presentations — and is located within L.A. LIVE, the downtown Los Angeles sports, entertainment and residential district.
For more information, please call 213.765.6800 or visit www.grammymuseum.org . For exclusive content, join the organization's social networks on Twitter (@TheGRAMMYMuseum) and Facebook.
SOURCE The Recording Academy

Legendary Singer-Songwriter Smokey Robinson Signs With Verve Music Group To Release First-Of-Its-Kind Duets Album In Fall Of 2013

ROBINSON SIGNED TO LABEL BY GRAMMY®-WINNING SONGWRITER DAVID FOSTER

AMERICAN IDOL HIGHLIGHTS ROBINSON'S NEW RECORD ON 3/27 BROADCAST

 

LOS ANGELES, March 28,  Legendary Motown icon and Grammy^® award-winning songwriter, Smokey Robinson, has signed a record deal with Verve Music Group.  Robinson was signed to the label by its Chairman, David Foster, to release his 29^th career LP, a special duets album, due out this coming fall.  The album will also be guided by highly regarded A&R executive, Jay Landers.  In addition, Robinson made a surprise appearance on last night's American Idol where he served as a mentor to the show's contestants.  During the broadcast, Idol host Ryan Seacrest brought attention to Robinson's forthcoming album and spotlighted the artist's new project. 
"I'm really excited about signing with Verve Music Group to release this upcoming album," said Smokey Robinson.  "Not only do I have a musical history with the guys involved, but a longstanding friendship as well.  I'm looking forward to bringing our talents to the table as we collaborate on this project."
"From the early 60's to this very day, you can turn on a radio anywhere in the world and hear his music," said David Foster, Verve Music Group Chairman.  "Smokey Robinson's contributions to the world of music as a performer, producer and songwriter are nothing short of a 'miracle'.  I'm so pleased to welcome Smokey to the Verve Music Group family.  We're looking forward to a great collaboration worthy of the legacy of this great label."
The album, which is due out in the fourth quarter of 2013, features Robinson performing his greatest hits alongside a celebrated roster of contemporary and classic artists whose influence will span the depth of Robinson's stellar 50 plus year career.  Unlike any other duet-themed project produced to date, this unique album will include hits all written by Robinson, such as all-time favorites: "My Girl," "Cruisin," and "The Tears of a Clown," to name a few.
ABOUT SMOKEY ROBINSON
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.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Robinson founded The Miracles while still in high school. The group was Berry Gordy's first vocal group, and it was at Robinson's suggestion that Gordy started the Motown Records dynasty. Their single of Robinson's "Shop Around" became Motown's first #1 hit on the R&B singles chart. In the years following, Robinson continued to pen hits for the group, including "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "Ooh Baby Baby," "The Tracks of My Tears," "Going to a Go-Go," "More Love," "The Tears of a Clown" (co-written with Stevie Wonder), and "I Second That Emotion."
The Miracles dominated the R&B scene throughout the 1960's and early 70's and Robinson became Vice President of Motown Records serving as in-house producer, talent scout and songwriter.
In addition to writing hits for The Miracles, Robinson wrote and produced hits for other Motown greats including The Temptations, Mary Wells, Brenda Holloway, Marvin Gaye and others. "The Way You Do the Things You Do," "My Girl," "Get Ready," "You Beat Me to the Punch," "Don't Mess with Bill," "Ain't That Peculiar," and "My Guy" are just a few of his songwriting triumphs during those years.
John Lennon of The Beatles made countless remarks regarding Robinson's influence on his music. The Beatles had recorded Robinson and The Miracles' "You've Really Got A Hold On Me" in 1963 and in 1982 another popular British group, The Rolling Stones, covered the Robinson and the Miracles' hit, "Going To A Go-Go."
He later turned to a solo career where he continued his tradition of hit making with "Just to See Her," "Quiet Storm," "Cruisin'," and "Being with You," among others.
He remained Vice President of Motown records until the sale of the company, shaping the label's success with friend and mentor Berry Gordy. Following his tenure at Motown, Robinson has released several successful solo albums and continues his impressive touring career to date.
During the course of his 50 plus year career in music, Robinson has accumulated more than 4,000 songs to his credit and 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.
www.smokeyrobinson.com


SOURCE The Verve Music Group