Gershwin Prize For S.Robinson

The US Library of Congress announced Tuesday, July 5th that seminal Motown legend Smokey Robinson will receive its highly regarded Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

Acting Librarian of Congress David S. Mao said regarding Robinson’s award: “As a singer, songwriter, producer, and record executive, Smokey Robinson is a musical legend. His rich melodies are works of art — enduring, meaningful, and powerful. And he is a master at crafting lyrics that speak to the heart and soul, expressing ordinary themes in an extraordinary way. It is that quality in his music that makes him one of the greatest poetic songwriters of our time.”

Robinson said in a statement: “It gives me such joy and gratitude to be included among the past recipients of this most prestigious songwriting award.” Robinson will receive the award in the nation’s capital Washington D.C. in November.

Robinson came to the public’s attention in the ’60s with his group The Miracles. The group had hits like “Shop Around” and “The Tears of a Clown”. The singer also had a successful solo career including hits like 1979’s “Cruisin” and 1981’s “Being With You”. The Miracles song “The Tracks of My Tears” was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in 2007.