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Oral history interview with Smokey Robinson, 2008

Creator: Robinson, Smokey, 1940-
Project: Apollo Theater oral history project
(see all project interviews)
Phys. Desc. :transcript 52 pages
Location: Columbia Center for Oral History
Full CLIO record >>

Biographical Note

Singer-songwrite; record producer

Scope and Contents

Recent passing of prominent entertainer, genuine roots of Black music in the United States; Apollo Theater: former variety show structure of the Apollo theater, Miracle's first Apollo Theater performance, stage fright, depictions of various Apollo musical acts, popular Apollo disc jockeys, detailed, daily Apollo show schedule, sense of community, camaraderie amongst musical artists at the theater, brief discussion of theater management; present-day music business: the current format of theater shows, the present-day situation of popular Black artists; early life: Detroit, Michigan, immersion in various Black music forms blues, bebop, and blues, life with mother and two older sisters; musical career: brief discussion of the Shaw Booking Agency (New York City), numerous Miracle hits, skill as songwriter; Motown Records: introduction to the future founder of Motown Records, reminiscence of Motown Records, depiction of famous, popular Motown artists, structure of Motown artistic development, personal interactions with Motown choreographers, vocal coaches, Motown's promotion of "color-blind" music, mixed fan base, Motown deconstruction of racial barriers through music

Subjects

Access Conditions

Copyright by the Trustees of Columbia University of the City of New York and the Apollo Theater Foundation, 2008

Using this collection

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