Electric Proms - 2009 - 26/12/2009

Another chance to hear Smokey Robinson take to the Roundhouse stage, with the BBC Concert Orchestra and his band, for an Electric Prom celebrating 50 years of Motown records. He performs brand new arrangements of some of his greatest hits, alongside tracks from his new album, Time Flies When You're Having Fun. Operating out of the Hitsville U.S.A. studio in Detroit, Motown Records defined what popular music could be; and Smokey Robinson was integral to the label's success. One of Berry Gordon's first signings, Smokey delivered a string of hits with his band the Miracles including singles like The Tracks Of My Tears and Tears Of A Clown. With their pounding rhythm tracks, jubilant string arrangements and that intoxicating, instantly recognisable falsetto, Smokey's recorded output is emblematic of The Motown Sound. He was also the primary songwriter for the Temptations from 1963-6, penning classics like My Girl and Get Ready. Paul Gambaccini introduces this special celebration of Motown, which was recorded on Saturday 24th October, 50 years after Smokey first sang for the label.