You cheer me up! Sometimes on difficult days, you pop up with a musician that I dearly love and it is such comfort to hang out with you Phil. Thank you for this wonderful thing that you do. I love Smokey! Love you too Phil! 🥰
I always loved Smokey Robinson, and go on board with "Shop Around," "Tears of a clown" and my fave. "I Second that Emotion,. " In college, when I should have been studying, I pestered my pals in the dorm with my schtick "I do a great Smokey Robinson impression, but don't expect miracles. " pun intended. Thanks for navigating Smokey's earlier mixing of vocal registers. the later songs seemed to have a lot of falsetto or head voice if I misused falsetto. Thanks, Fil!
Marcia Hess Oprah had a show called MasterClass. I watched two editions. One was Smokey. He looked so young, and healthy, vibrant. He told his whole storey, including the depths of his coke addiction, and how he beat it. It was really interesting . The other edition was James Taylor.
I will never take this song for granted again! Awesome explanation of the song structure, evolution of Smokey, The Miracles and Motown and wow you sure got a lot in there!
Oh this is great :) my family moved to Detroit in 1964 when I was a just a toddler and my older sisters loved Motown. They always disagreed on who was better The Four Tops or The Temptations.
Hi Fil! Oh how I love Smokey Robinson and the Miracles! My first memory of them was Shop Around...Wow is the word that comes to mind! They were one of the outstanding groups of my generation! Thanks Fil! Made my day with this memory! Hugs for this one! BTW Claudette Rogers sang on Shop Around but wasn’t with the Miracles on this one! ✌️
I love this song, such a classic. I had 2 friends, identical twins who had a band and they did this song beautifully. 1 played a Hammond B3 organ, and bass pedals w his feet, while his twin was an astonishingly accomplished drummer. Their voices were--identical!--and sounded a lot like early Beatles, so they did a lot of covers. This song brings me right back to those memories of college. Thanks for the fun, Fil!
Met Smokey several times. By the time I met him, he was extremely disgruntled with the music industry and wasn’t such a nice guy and very angry. He is a great performer. One thing you don’t hear about him much is how intelligent he is. He could have been a doctor, Attorney, engineer...whatever he wanted. Glad he choose to share his entertaining ability with us. His elevator goes WAY WAY up there in the intelligence category. I’ve met some of the most iconic business men in the world, and I’d put him up against any of them...maybe Harvey Golub (American Express) was the single most intelligent guy I’ve ever met. Smokey has an incredible brain!!!!
This 1964 performance of THE MIRACLES was just a few months after Claudette Robinson retired from live shows so she and husband Smokey could have kids. The Miracles lineup here are original members Pete MOORE (Bass) Bobby ROGERS, (2nd Tenor), Ronnie WHITE (Baritone) , Marv TARPLIN (Guitarist) and Smokey ROBINSON ( 1st Tenor/ Lead )
I was a late comer to Smokey Robinson's music through the "Crusin" version by Huey Lewis & Gwyneth Paltrow in the movie Duets. Outstanding interpretation.
Hello Fil. I have another suggestion, and forgive me if you've already done any one of the songs I suggest, I am not the brightest crayon in the box and my memory is not what it used to be. Hocus Pocus Focus ruclips.net/video/RFDW9b_ejfI/видео.html
I don't like you, but I love you Seems that I'm always thinking of you.. Such a great line. I remember watching my older sister listening to her little record player usually 45's singing along with her favorites, This song being one of them. She taught me how to slow dance to this song and others like it. So many memories come to me almost every day because of you Fil, mostly good. Sigh. Thank You.
@@debishaw9355 I'm sorry for the loss of your sister, thankfully my dance instructor is still with ys but she's not in good health. I started thinking about her teaching me how to dance and knit along with other things and how I taught my younger sisters how to tie dye and do bead work. Lol
So many of our memories involve music. Please tell your sister and any loved ones about memories you have of them. Tell the older ones what you remember, even if they cannot answer you. You don't want to have regrets.
@@janetbaker3616 I have done as you say and more. I'm a writer and have written many short stories about growing up. Most are about the shenanigans we and our animals git up to on our family dairy farm, they are funny and poignant. Thank you for your wise advice, words well spoken.
So excellent Fil, thank you ! It's so cool to hear your breakdown of the Great Smokey Robinson's voice! Makes me realize that I listen sometimes with too lazy of an ear. Really encouraging to learn that Smokey worked hard at his craft! It's so cool how he could keep his voice so light, but truly soulful at the same time...practise practise practise! What a glorious instrument he had, and still has! Thanks again!
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles are my personal Motown Group favorite . Thank you for showcasing Smokey's wonderful vocal range and the group's dynamic sound.
you really need to check The Temptations when David Ruffin was the front man - There's a video from the Ed Sullivan show, 1967 I believe, a medley of Why You Wanna Make Me Blue & All I Need & My Girl & I'm Losing You - at their absolute peak - Never done before and hasn't been done since.
The year I was born, in April 64 They were so wonderful and smooth. What great performers they were. I just love that song. Isn't it true for so many cases of love, you may not really like a person, but can love them? Performances like these can bring up anyone's unhappy mood. Thanks for sharing. Oh and it surprises me that they weren't mainstream. Also, that song sounds fantastic played on the guitar. And their music seems too sophisticated for just teens.
Hello Fil, What a legendary artist and group, classic song. Still watching as am able, some long busy day's lately. I don't like missing my analysis videos and the guitar breakdown of the chords, it adds a lot to the analysis. Thank you for producing interesting videos featuring top artists. All the best from Oregon, C.
I was afraid you were going to use the Miracles' performance from the T.A.M.I show when you said 1964...and you did. Unfortunately Smokey's voice was in bad shape that day. Normally his intonation is absolutely perfect but he misses some notes big-time here and is pretty hoarse instead of his usually silky smooth delivery. Nonetheless it is great to see the fabulous Miracles even when Smokey's voice is hurting. Thanks as always! I saw Smokey once, after the Miracles broke up, but while he was still making hits like "Baby That's Back at 'Cha".It was around 1977 or 78. Of course he also sang some of the old Miracles songs too. His voice was perfect that night. The opening act was the Persuasions...what a great concert.
Buried my comment in another post by mistake. Reposting here... Smokey Robinson and the Miracles bring back such good memories! One of those groups I didn't appreciate enough back in the day. Listening to all of their accomplishments was amazing!
@@mevrammcoyoteV8f150 You mean the Angels' stadium? I took my youngest brother there for a "picture day" Angels' game, where they let little kids go onto the field and photograph their favorite player! It's a very nice stadium, but Dodger Stadium is more poetic with its gorgeous views. Or were you teasing me and meant Disneyland? I'm super gullible and never know!
When Smokey Sings ...one of the greatest voices of Motown... icon! So much of the Motown sound we need to praise and draw attention to because it gave life to many of the songs we would come to love and cherish. Just awesome!
This video performance was 1964, and it was nice while it lasted but it quickly slipped into Britain’s hands with the Beatles, Stones, The Who and Pink Floyd and the whole British Invasion
M McCartney I like The Supremes too, but they had no where near the impact on music, culture and influence on the youth as the Beatles or Stones. Not even close
@@HamiltonRb I respectfully disagree. I'm almost 76, and was around when Rock & Roll got started. There were many artists that had a huge impact and influence on the youth, not the least of which was Chuck Berry, Elvis, Buddy Holly, and Little Richard, just to name a few. I saw The Beatles in Hamburg, Germany in 1962 while serving in the Navy, with Pete Best still behind the drum kit, and a year later in Liverpool at The Cavern Club when Ringo took over as drummer. I bought their album Please Please Me over there, and have been a fan ever since I first saw them. Yes, they had an incredible impact on the youth, and music as a whole, but so did Elvis, and the others. In fact, John Lennon said if it wasn't for Elvis, there would be no Beatles.
M McCartney You are 8 years older than me and I liked pretty much every act you named and did see Elvis in Vegas. My point wasn’t to play down any of those acts but to point out, as I did in my original message, that in the year that the video Fil played, 1964, everything changed from that moment the Beatles played on Ed Sullivan, and they and other bands from the British Invasion took over. Motown had its day, pre Beatles, but Beatlemania was not a mirage
One thing you have to say about that era, there was some real singing going on. No hiding behind tuning effects. How can you not appreciate that. Alot of fun songs. Smokey was definitely one of the best. Even with the crack you mentioned. If you have heard him, and well.. everyone has at some point.. you know he could sing.
Hey Fil! I loved this video and I’m a big fan of the channel overall. I’d really love it if you’d do some analysis videos of a couple of my favorite songwriters, Paul Williams (of “Rainbow Connection” fame) and the criminally overlooked Buffy Sainte Marie.
I heard this in about '69, when I was 6 1/2; it was used later by Sesame Street. Unfortunately, years later, when my son saw it, he had nightmares about Smokey Robinson being held by a big letter U - something which Smokey seemed to had fun doing. BTW, I have heard a lot of good bands backing up muppets over the years. I wish I knew who some of them were
Finally some Smokey! Not the strongest voice but he does well with what he has, not to mention, a great writer. Since it was just her birthday not too long ago, I would love to see some Vi Redd. The first time I have ever seen a sax playing woman who also incorporated it into the Blues: ruclips.net/video/n_C9fvuGpkw/видео.html
You can't beat this number.Boy band before the tag had been invented Such an emotional voice. When you broke it down it just shows how well it was composed and why it stands the test of time.
If I didn't know better Fil, you are comfortable singing in the same key as Smokey did. I'd bet you could do some great covers of all the Miracles' hits!!
That classic unique great voice of Smokey is a beautiful thing! Along with his fantastic songwriting skills! A real legend. Excellent energetic performance working the crowd! Excellent analysis and demo Fil!😎🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦🇨🇦
OMG. I was born and raised in Chicago and grew up listening to Smokey and the Miracles, and Marvin Gaye... We poor girls didn't have a chance, with such voices and such songs!! And then, our mamas telling us to be "good girls" -- screech!!!😬😂
Great analysis👏. Such a cool song, love the piano/guitar in the beginning. My favorite line" You really got a hold on me". Btw, will you analyze Joshua Lee Turner & Carson Mckee singing & playing " I'm on Fire ". I think they do it better than Springsteen! I listen to them alot when I can. Oh Fil I would love to hear you sing I'm on Fire which you would be on fire if you did but I figure you wouldn't so I will listen to Joshua & Carson. I'm curious what you think about them. They have several videos together. Take care & have a great day Fil, love ya❤
Always loved Smokey and Motown! Hey Fil, I think you need to take a look at one of your own: Engelbert Humperdinck. I was listening to his live Las Vegas show from '71 and this guy's pipes are astounding. Everything full voice and an effortless range that's amazing. I just thought he was there for old ladies to throw panties at, but holy smokes can he sing.
Fil, hit singer/songwriter Mac Davis passed away on Sept 29, 2020. Please do a tribute reaction to him. He wrote several big hits for Elvis, "In The Ghetto", A Little More Conversation" to name a few.. Mac also had hits as a singer with his own songs, "Baby, Don't Get Hooked On Me" was one of his best. Maybe you could do a reaction to him performing that one.
I like the Miracles but I prefer the Beatles version on "With the Beatles", mainly because although Smokey does a great vocal the others seem all over the place vocally and he's carrying them.
The Miracles put out this song as a B-side in 1962 but DJs preferred it to the A-side so it became the hit. Reached #8 on the US charts. The Beatles were the first major act to cover it. John changed the lyric from "Oh, oh, oh" to "Oh, ho, ho" to tell Smokey he got the dirty joke. Smokey was highly flattered by the attention to detail in the Beatles' recording and said it was one of the greatest honours he ever received. At the 1966 Motown Christmas Party Little Stevie Wonder came up to Smokey and said he'd written some music but was having difficulty finding a lyric. Smokey reworked it into 'Tears Of A Clown'. It was originally just an album track but in 1970 UK Motown decided to release it as a single, since the Miracles hadn't done anything for more than 2 years. It got to #1 there so Motown US released it, and it got to the top there. A close reading will identify it as Smokey's "thank you" to the Beatles. You can immediately get a sense of it in the way the drumming imitates Ringo's great show on 'I Feel Fine'. The lyric is based on 'I'm A Loser' and it has references to other Beatles songs, starting with the opening "yeah-yeah-yeah."
I am a big fan of Smokey and The Miracles. Early soul rnb like this just kills and the performances on these 60s shows are just killer. I can't get enough. A lot of the acts are incredible and the performances are classic, timeless. Check out this rarity from the TV Gospel Time series: ruclips.net/video/3I8XoPIlAuU/видео.html You might notice Sister Rosetta Tharpe in the picture towards the end of this number, then it's her turn and she does not disappoint. ruclips.net/video/4xzr_GBa8qk/видео.html
A lot of great music came out of Motown. The good old days :). Thanks for sharing. I know nothing about singing just which I could. Don’t know a head voice from a chest voice LOL.
Fil, click, check it out. I want to see your reaction to this reaction. Lol ruclips.net/video/7TeqyovfJzE/видео.html Ps- as for this video , i learned a lot from Smokey. My favorite thing about him is the way he seemed to work around voice cracks, etc. so well. Like swimming across a river Glen Campbell said. Gotta just keep going. No going back. 🙂
The elephant in the room! Successful R&B acts, ie African American performers, would find their hits covered by WHITE artists who would find it easier to get airplay on US & UK Pop Radio stations propelling the cover version to greater mainstream chart success. Twist & Shout, Do You Love Me, Sweet's For My Sweet, Just One Look, Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, It's All Over Now, I'm Into Something Good, Go Now, I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself, Anyone Who Had A Heart, Make It Easy On Yourself, Shout, Tell Him. These are just a few of the records covered by white artists- mainly UK acts
And Kim Carnes covered The Miracles ‘ 1967 hit, “MORE LOVE” . One interesting fact : THE MIRACLES are one of theMOST-COVERED and SAMPLED GROUPS in recording history, and the most covered Motown group EVER !, Over SIXTY of their songs have been covered by artists from all different music genres: Pop, Rock, Country, Reggae, Jazz, MOR/ Easy Listening, Rap/Hip -Hop, and R&B/ Soul. The list of artists that have covered The Miracles’ songs is so extensive, it will SHOCK you. Check Wikipedia. Also, the Miracles have the distinction of having more Grammy Hall of Fame Inducted Songs, then ANY other Motown group !!! Not even the Supremes can or the Temptations can match their record!! Again, check Wikipedia. Also, Rolling Stone magazine just selected the 100 Greatest Motown Songs of All Time, and the Miracles grabbed the #1 position with their 1965 Grammy Hall of Fame million-seller, “THE TRACKS OF MY TEARS. “
Ha, you are so right about everyone covering this song! The awesome Bonnie Bramlett has it on one of her albums-but her a cappella version from the 90s TV show Rosanne is so much better. Really memorable, in spite of being so short! ruclips.net/video/4qlocP12JAU/видео.html
![Natanael Cano - Amor Eterno [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EO4prCs6WpM/mqdefault.jpg)
Smokey used to say: “ People always ask me how I got my name. I always say, “Easy. My father’s name was Robinson.”
You cheer me up! Sometimes on difficult days, you pop up with a musician that I dearly love and it is such comfort to hang out with you Phil.
Thank you for this wonderful thing that you do.
I love Smokey! Love you too Phil! 🥰
You're so right! A Fil video always cheers me ☝
I second that emotion!
I always liked the bluesy sound of this song. My friends and I would sing this when we were sitting around having drinks, etc. 😉
It really comes across in this presentation as a Blues based Soul number, one of the if not the first.
I always loved Smokey Robinson, and go on board with "Shop Around," "Tears of a clown" and my fave. "I Second that Emotion,. " In college, when I should have been studying, I pestered my pals in the dorm with my schtick "I do a great Smokey Robinson impression, but don't expect miracles. " pun intended. Thanks for navigating Smokey's earlier mixing of vocal registers. the later songs seemed to have a lot of falsetto or head voice if I misused falsetto. Thanks, Fil!
Marcia Hess Oprah had a show called MasterClass. I watched two editions. One was Smokey. He looked so young, and healthy, vibrant. He told his whole storey, including the depths of his coke addiction, and how he beat it. It was really interesting .
The other edition was James Taylor.
I will never take this song for granted again! Awesome explanation of the song structure, evolution of Smokey, The Miracles and Motown and wow you sure got a lot in there!
I truly love your facial reactions when you watch musical groups. Your feelings are always clear, you have a great smile👍👍
Oh this is great :) my family moved to Detroit in 1964 when I was a just a toddler and my older sisters loved Motown. They always disagreed on who was better The Four Tops or The Temptations.
Another of the Motown Greats ,Smokey.
Is there any wonder why they were such a hot group and Smokey is still knocking them dead with that sexy voice and those eyes!
His solo efforts of "Quiet Storm" and "Cruisin'" are both super sexy!
"But dad, it's Smokey!!"...✌♥️🤘😎
Smokey one of the backbones of Motown. He was so talented. He didn’t just sing, he helped a lot oof others.
Hi Fil! Oh how I love Smokey Robinson and the Miracles! My first memory of them was Shop Around...Wow is the word that comes to mind! They were one of the outstanding groups of my generation! Thanks Fil! Made my day with this memory! Hugs for this one! BTW Claudette Rogers sang on Shop Around but wasn’t with the Miracles on this one! ✌️
Good times, Fil. I really enjoy your musical expertise. Keep on...Keeping on!
I love this song, such a classic. I had 2 friends, identical twins who had a band and they did this song beautifully. 1 played a Hammond B3 organ, and bass pedals w his feet, while his twin was an astonishingly accomplished drummer. Their voices were--identical!--and sounded a lot like early Beatles, so they did a lot of covers. This song brings me right back to those memories of college. Thanks for the fun, Fil!
Met Smokey several times. By the time I met him, he was extremely disgruntled with the music industry and wasn’t such a nice guy and very angry. He is a great performer. One thing you don’t hear about him much is how intelligent he is. He could have been a doctor, Attorney, engineer...whatever he wanted. Glad he choose to share his entertaining ability with us. His elevator goes WAY WAY up there in the intelligence category. I’ve met some of the most iconic business men in the world, and I’d put him up against any of them...maybe Harvey Golub (American Express) was the single most intelligent guy I’ve ever met. Smokey has an incredible brain!!!!
Loved Smokie and the Miracles back in the day. They were always so classy.
What a great tribute to a legendary vocal group. Thank you, Fil 😌🙏🏼
Love Smoky. He just got better over the years. Love motown and all the r&b and soul that came before. 👍
Yeah...brilliant Fil! Another fabulous band from Motown that sang with such feel and class! Smokey Robinson was just incredible! Cheers Mario! 😀👌👍
This 1964 performance of THE MIRACLES
was just a few months after Claudette Robinson retired from live shows so she and husband Smokey could have kids. The Miracles lineup here are original members Pete MOORE (Bass) Bobby ROGERS, (2nd Tenor), Ronnie WHITE (Baritone) , Marv TARPLIN (Guitarist) and Smokey ROBINSON ( 1st Tenor/ Lead )
They got on quite well Fil, haha!
Smokey had soo many great songs, you can't go wrong. Good job man.
Love me some Motown. So dang fun! Looks like a streaker running across the stage🤣
Smokey was smoking!!!
Really working up the crowd into a frenzy. Fil...Will you show us how to do some of those Miracles dance steps??? 🤗
Guitarist MARV TARPLIN was an original member of THE MIRACLES , and was inducted with them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
I was a late comer to Smokey Robinson's music through the "Crusin" version by Huey Lewis & Gwyneth Paltrow in the movie Duets. Outstanding interpretation.
TIME STAMPS -
0:43 Song (Part 1)
4:21 Analysis Start
7:44 Vocals
10:00 Range
11:55 Guitar
13:02 Shared notes chords and melody
15:37 Background/Career
Is it me or do you look tired in this one Phil . . .
Hello Fil. I have another suggestion, and forgive me if you've already done any one of the songs I suggest, I am not the brightest crayon in the box and my memory is not what it used to be.
Hocus Pocus Focus
ruclips.net/video/RFDW9b_ejfI/видео.html
I don't like you, but I love you
Seems that I'm always thinking of you.. Such a great line. I remember watching my older sister listening to her little record player usually 45's singing along with her favorites, This song being one of them. She taught me how to slow dance to this song and others like it. So many memories come to me almost every day because of you Fil, mostly good. Sigh. Thank You.
Melissa Khalar , funny how we used siblings to learn to dance. I miss her . She passed 3 years ago already. Wow
@@debishaw9355 I'm sorry for the loss of your sister, thankfully my dance instructor is still with ys but she's not in good health. I started thinking about her teaching me how to dance and knit along with other things and how I taught my younger sisters how to tie dye and do bead work. Lol
So many of our memories involve music. Please tell your sister and any loved ones about memories you have of them. Tell the older ones what you remember, even if they cannot answer you. You don't want to have regrets.
@@janetbaker3616 I have done as you say and more. I'm a writer and have written many short stories about growing up. Most are about the shenanigans we and our animals git up to on our family dairy farm, they are funny and poignant. Thank you for your wise advice, words well spoken.
"Going To A Go-Go" -- my fave. I think Mick Jagger liked it too. Thanks Fil, for the look back. It was an amazing time with amazing musicians/music!
So excellent Fil, thank you ! It's so cool to hear your breakdown of the Great Smokey Robinson's voice! Makes me realize that I listen sometimes with too lazy of an ear. Really encouraging to learn that Smokey worked hard at his craft! It's so cool how he could keep his voice so light, but truly soulful at the same time...practise practise practise! What a glorious instrument he had, and still has! Thanks again!
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles are my personal Motown Group favorite . Thank you for showcasing Smokey's wonderful vocal range and the group's dynamic sound.
you really need to check The Temptations when David Ruffin was the front man -
There's a video from the Ed Sullivan show, 1967 I believe, a medley of Why You Wanna Make Me Blue & All I Need & My Girl & I'm Losing You - at their absolute peak -
Never done before and hasn't been done since.
The year I was born, in April 64 They were so wonderful and smooth. What great performers they were. I just love that song. Isn't it true for so many cases of love, you may not really like a person, but can love them? Performances like these can bring up anyone's unhappy mood. Thanks for sharing. Oh and it surprises me that they weren't mainstream. Also, that song sounds fantastic played on the guitar. And their music seems too sophisticated for just teens.
Hello Fil, What a legendary artist and group, classic song. Still watching as am able, some long busy day's lately. I don't like missing my analysis videos and the guitar breakdown of the chords, it adds a lot to the analysis. Thank you for producing interesting videos featuring top artists. All the best from Oregon, C.
Wow! Came for Smokey...Left with Chords...The song will go on...! Take it, Fil..! 🎹🎶🎵🎸🎙️
Tremendous review, Fil. Thanks!
Great analysis. Thanks Fil
I was afraid you were going to use the Miracles' performance from the T.A.M.I show when you said 1964...and you did. Unfortunately Smokey's voice was in bad shape that day. Normally his intonation is absolutely perfect but he misses some notes big-time here and is pretty hoarse instead of his usually silky smooth delivery. Nonetheless it is great to see the fabulous Miracles even when Smokey's voice is hurting. Thanks as always!
I saw Smokey once, after the Miracles broke up, but while he was still making hits like "Baby That's Back at 'Cha".It was around 1977 or 78. Of course he also sang some of the old Miracles songs too. His voice was perfect that night. The opening act was the Persuasions...what a great concert.
I can attest that 1964 was a superlative year. lol
The whole decade was superlative and I was there yay!
Buried my comment in another post by mistake. Reposting here...
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles bring back such good memories! One of those groups I didn't appreciate enough back in the day. Listening to all of their accomplishments was amazing!
When Smokey Sings....thanks Fil
Hi Mark! and now I know why it's always awesome 'when Smokey sings'!
@@lynndow3185 Hi Lynn ..off subject..have you been by that 8th wonder of the world stadium in Anaheim
.
@@mevrammcoyoteV8f150 You mean the Angels' stadium? I took my youngest brother there for a "picture day" Angels' game, where they let little kids go onto the field and photograph their favorite player! It's a very nice stadium, but Dodger Stadium is more poetic with its gorgeous views. Or were you teasing me and meant Disneyland? I'm super gullible and never know!
@@lynndow3185 Sorry..the new Chargers/Rams football stadium
@@mevrammcoyoteV8f150 Oh! Well, it looks magnificent from the outside and I think is a first for 2 teams to share a stadium! HUGE project!
Wow!!! GREAT..👏👏👏🎙🎤👍👍👍🎺🎷🎸♩🎶🎵🎼👌👌👌 No more words 💯✔💯✔👊🤘
"So and so and the" is always the death knell of a band.
I've never heard Smokey crack n squeak before; so much. This group is still one of the best.
And there we have it
My favorite Smokey song.
This is my favorite Smokey & the Miracles song!
"The Tracks of My Tears" for me, but he sure wrote a LOT of great ones!
How do you pick just one?! Love Smokey💕
This has a Sam Cooke style that morphs into a Smokey style. Truly different. I love them both. “Cruisin” is only one of my faves.
Have always admired motown music and smokey and the miracles were always ny favorite of all those great acts nobody can make those notes like he can
Fil, check out Smokey and Daryl Hall at Live At Daryl’s House. He’s still got it- singing Sara Smile and Ooo Baby Baby.
His control and dynamics of his voice were amazing!
When Smokey Sings ...one of the greatest voices of Motown... icon! So much of the Motown sound we need to praise and draw attention to because it gave life to many of the songs we would come to love and cherish. Just awesome!
No wonder the world was in the palm of our hands once upon a time, American magic.
This video performance was 1964, and it was nice while it lasted but it quickly slipped into Britain’s hands with the Beatles, Stones, The Who and Pink Floyd and the whole British Invasion
@@HamiltonRb Diana Ross, and some others would disagree. :)
M McCartney I like The Supremes too, but they had no where near the impact on music, culture and influence on the youth as the Beatles or Stones. Not even close
@@HamiltonRb I respectfully disagree. I'm almost 76, and was around when Rock & Roll got started. There were many artists that had a huge impact and influence on the youth, not the least of which was Chuck Berry, Elvis, Buddy Holly, and Little Richard, just to name a few. I saw The Beatles in Hamburg, Germany in 1962 while serving in the Navy, with Pete Best still behind the drum kit, and a year later in Liverpool at The Cavern Club when Ringo took over as drummer. I bought their album Please Please Me over there, and have been a fan ever since I first saw them. Yes, they had an incredible impact on the youth, and music as a whole, but so did Elvis, and the others. In fact, John Lennon said if it wasn't for Elvis, there would be no Beatles.
M McCartney You are 8 years older than me and I liked pretty much every act you named and did see Elvis in Vegas. My point wasn’t to play down any of those acts but to point out, as I did in my original message, that in the year that the video Fil played, 1964, everything changed from that moment the Beatles played on Ed Sullivan, and they and other bands from the British Invasion took over. Motown had its day, pre Beatles, but Beatlemania was not a mirage
"I don't like you, but I love you." I remember thinking that very thing about my ex-husband. I was 19, he was 18.
One thing you have to say about that era, there was some real singing going on. No hiding behind tuning effects. How can you not appreciate that. Alot of fun songs. Smokey was definitely one of the best. Even with the crack you mentioned. If you have heard him, and well.. everyone has at some point.. you know he could sing.
Thanks Fil. How about covering a UK band we might not know over here in North America. Or Jason Isbell, or Tyler Childers, both singer/ songwriters.
Hey Fil! I loved this video and I’m a big fan of the channel overall. I’d really love it if you’d do some analysis videos of a couple of my favorite songwriters, Paul Williams (of “Rainbow Connection” fame) and the criminally overlooked Buffy Sainte Marie.
I heard this in about '69, when I was 6 1/2; it was used later by Sesame Street. Unfortunately, years later, when my son saw it, he had nightmares about Smokey Robinson being held by a big letter U - something which Smokey seemed to had fun doing.
BTW, I have heard a lot of good bands backing up muppets over the years. I wish I knew who some of them were
Great analysis and demonstration. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles had great songs
thanks for this one Fil.
Finally some Smokey! Not the strongest voice but he does well with what he has, not to mention, a great writer. Since it was just her birthday not too long ago, I would love to see some Vi Redd. The first time I have ever seen a sax playing woman who also incorporated it into the Blues: ruclips.net/video/n_C9fvuGpkw/видео.html
oh that's a good song
“Pure Smokey” George Harrison
Great track and album.
You can't beat this number.Boy band before the tag had been invented Such an emotional voice. When you broke it down it just shows how well it was composed and why it stands the test of time.
My favorite from this band is; Tracks of my Tears.
Bravo!
Good morning, from Austin TX
well done AS USUAL Mr. Fil.
If I didn't know better Fil, you are comfortable singing in the same key as Smokey did. I'd bet you could do some great covers of all the Miracles' hits!!
That classic unique great voice of Smokey is a beautiful thing! Along with his fantastic songwriting skills! A real legend. Excellent energetic performance working the crowd! Excellent analysis and demo Fil!😎🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦🇨🇦
Thanks!
"Everybody Loves Smokey"!
One of motown legends still going today some great classic songs have a look at him save the best till last with Kenny g off his album 👍
OMG. I was born and raised in Chicago and grew up listening to Smokey and the Miracles, and Marvin Gaye... We poor girls didn't have a chance, with such voices and such songs!! And then, our mamas telling us to be "good girls" -- screech!!!😬😂
Phil, Please consider an early Kansas performance with Steve Walsh. Thank you.
Great analysis👏. Such a cool song, love the piano/guitar in the beginning. My favorite line" You really got a hold on me". Btw, will you analyze Joshua Lee Turner & Carson Mckee singing & playing " I'm on Fire ". I think they do it better than Springsteen! I listen to them alot when I can. Oh Fil I would love to hear you sing I'm on Fire which you would be on fire if you did but I figure you wouldn't so I will listen to Joshua & Carson. I'm curious what you think about them. They have several videos together. Take care & have a great day Fil, love ya❤
Thank you Phil O:)
SMOKY 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Always loved Smokey n his band... how about the guitar player in the back playing the Gibson “Trini Lopez “
Always loved Smokey and Motown! Hey Fil, I think you need to take a look at one of your own: Engelbert Humperdinck. I was listening to his live Las Vegas show from '71 and this guy's pipes are astounding. Everything full voice and an effortless range that's amazing. I just thought he was there for old ladies to throw panties at, but holy smokes can he sing.
We had Sir Tom Jones for that!
avanti anni luce sia come arrangiamenti che come voce.
Fil, hit singer/songwriter Mac Davis passed away on Sept 29, 2020. Please do a tribute reaction to him. He wrote several big hits for Elvis, "In The Ghetto", A Little More Conversation" to name a few.. Mac also had hits as a singer with his own songs, "Baby, Don't Get Hooked On Me" was one of his best. Maybe you could do a reaction to him performing that one.
Thanks for letting me know that he has departed! Didn't know.
I always preferred The Miracles over the Temptations and my fav song is "The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage. "
I like the Miracles but I prefer the Beatles version on "With the Beatles", mainly because although Smokey does a great vocal the others seem all over the place vocally and he's carrying them.
Thanks Fil...
I've never seen a live clip of theirs - the guy with the glasses looks like he could play linebacker in the NFL XD
I love your know how on everything 😊
The Miracles put out this song as a B-side in 1962 but DJs preferred it to the A-side so it became the hit. Reached #8 on the US charts. The Beatles were the first major act to cover it. John changed the lyric from "Oh, oh, oh" to "Oh, ho, ho" to tell Smokey he got the dirty joke. Smokey was highly flattered by the attention to detail in the Beatles' recording and said it was one of the greatest honours he ever received.
At the 1966 Motown Christmas Party Little Stevie Wonder came up to Smokey and said he'd written some music but was having difficulty finding a lyric. Smokey reworked it into 'Tears Of A Clown'. It was originally just an album track but in 1970 UK Motown decided to release it as a single, since the Miracles hadn't done anything for more than 2 years. It got to #1 there so Motown US released it, and it got to the top there.
A close reading will identify it as Smokey's "thank you" to the Beatles. You can immediately get a sense of it in the way the drumming imitates Ringo's great show on 'I Feel Fine'. The lyric is based on 'I'm A Loser' and it has references to other Beatles songs, starting with the opening "yeah-yeah-yeah."
I am a big fan of Smokey and The Miracles. Early soul rnb like this just kills and the performances on these 60s shows are just killer. I can't get enough. A lot of the acts are incredible and the performances are classic, timeless. Check out this rarity from the TV Gospel Time series: ruclips.net/video/3I8XoPIlAuU/видео.html
You might notice Sister Rosetta Tharpe in the picture towards the end of this number, then it's her turn and she does not disappoint.
ruclips.net/video/4xzr_GBa8qk/видео.html
A lot of great music came out of Motown. The good old days :). Thanks for sharing.
I know nothing about singing just which I could. Don’t know a head voice from a chest voice LOL.
We had the greatest music.Thanks Fil
Berry good Fil.
Rock!
:-)
Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea and...Honnalee
Frolicked in the land
@@CHET1 In the autumn mist...
Was it a real dragon, or was he high? Either way
Fil, click, check it out. I want to see your reaction to this reaction. Lol
ruclips.net/video/7TeqyovfJzE/видео.html
Ps- as for this video , i learned a lot from Smokey. My favorite thing about him is the way he seemed to work around voice cracks, etc. so well. Like swimming across a river Glen Campbell said. Gotta just keep going. No going back. 🙂
The elephant in the room! Successful R&B acts, ie African American performers, would find their hits covered by WHITE artists who would find it easier to get airplay on US & UK Pop Radio stations propelling the cover version to greater mainstream chart success. Twist & Shout, Do You Love Me, Sweet's For My Sweet, Just One Look, Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, It's All Over Now, I'm Into Something Good, Go Now, I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself, Anyone Who Had A Heart, Make It Easy On Yourself, Shout, Tell Him. These are just a few of the records covered by white artists- mainly UK acts
And Kim Carnes covered The Miracles ‘ 1967 hit, “MORE LOVE” . One interesting fact : THE MIRACLES are one of theMOST-COVERED and SAMPLED GROUPS in recording history, and the most covered Motown group EVER !, Over SIXTY of their songs have been covered by artists from all different music genres: Pop, Rock, Country, Reggae, Jazz, MOR/ Easy Listening, Rap/Hip -Hop, and R&B/ Soul. The list of artists that have covered The Miracles’ songs is so extensive, it will SHOCK you. Check Wikipedia. Also, the Miracles have the distinction of having more Grammy Hall of Fame Inducted Songs, then ANY other Motown group !!! Not even the Supremes can or the Temptations can match their record!! Again, check Wikipedia. Also, Rolling Stone magazine just selected the 100 Greatest Motown Songs of All Time, and the Miracles grabbed the #1 position with their 1965 Grammy Hall of Fame million-seller, “THE TRACKS OF MY TEARS. “
Can you do the Ronnetts
Any chance for 'It Bites' playing live in Tokyo? 'Calling all the heroes' would be a nice one.
Ha, you are so right about everyone covering this song! The awesome Bonnie Bramlett has it on one of her albums-but her a cappella version from the 90s TV show Rosanne is so much better. Really memorable, in spite of being so short! ruclips.net/video/4qlocP12JAU/видео.html
Omg, that was great!
That's entertainment!
I’d like to see you do something by Gino Vannelli. Like “Where am i Going”.
Or... Sailing... Christopher Cross??🤗
great career. remember George Harrison sang lead when the Beatles covered this early on
@@oldermusiclover yes I think you are right
Review Carrie Underwood How great thou art
Uh, no..
I guess I don't know what I'm supposed to be listening at.😎