Tears Of A Clown with Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

Originally released in 1967 as part of the ‘Make it Happen’ album, it wasn’t until 1970, when it was released as a single in its own right, that ‘Tears of a Clown’ became a number one hit in both the UK and the US. Indeed, it was apparently this success which convinced Smokey to remain with the Miracles until 1972, having already signalled his intention to leave beforehand.

Sample “Tears Of A Clown” on Motown 50 here:

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Being With You by Smokey Robinson

In 1981, Motown released “Being with You” by Smokey Robinson. It became a number one hit in the UK, but did mark the end of his singles success in the British charts. It was also number two in the US. It was the title track of his album of the same name. Smokey had few other solo hits however which were completely eclipsed by the body of work he created with the Miracles.

Sample “Being With you” on Motown 50 here:

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Wichita Lineman by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

Written by Jimmy Webb in 1968, “Wichita Lineman” was first recorded by glen Cambell. This is a cover version by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and it featured on their 1969 album “Time out for Smokey Robinson & the Miracles”. However, the major hit of the approaching new decade was to be “Tears of A Clown”.

Although Smokey parted company from the Miracles, both acts continued to make plenty of money for Motown throughout the ‘Seventies independently until the Miracles parted company in 1977 when they signed with Columbia.

Sample “Wichita Lineman” on Motown 50 here:

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