In 1968, I was teaching 6th Grade Science in Katonah, NY, and brought my 45 rpm by Dion to school and taught this song causing a great discussion about the purpose of life, death, and mysteries beyond these. Of course I was just about to get married, then drafted to go to Vietnam. (I ended up becoming a Lutheran pastor and chaplain.)
Smokey Robinson: Just saw him on a TMZ Christmas special this evening-caught the last couple of minutes, when he started to sing, but man, when he sang, it sounded even better than when he was in his prime, back in the 60s and 70s! I don't know anyone whose voice has ever been as well preserved as his! Truly I was blown away to hear this legend sound as good as he did tonight-and he's 82 years old! And I'm sorry to say that, when he dies, there won't be anyone of this newer and younger generation of singers to replace him-they won't even come close! And I was blessed and fortunate, to have grown up in that era, where there were so many other GREATS-just like Smokey! Thank God he was not the only one of that generation to have made such great music; it's all gone now-and I'm sorry to say, maybe all that's left is for Russia to nuke us! 12-13-22.
A large reason Smokey still has his voice is he let's the amplifiers do their work and doesn't SCREAM the lyrics. I don't recall ever hearing he was so big into the drug and alcohol abuse scene that was (and still IS) so common among music stars. Of course THAT may be due to his roots in Gospel.
I had never heard the song in this version, I only knew it in Dion's voice (I'm not American and wasn't born at that time). What a wonderful harmony, perhaps more beautiful than the version I knew; although I'm not from your country, I always thought this song managed to encapsulate so many feelings about this part of US history that it's impossible not to get emotional listening to it.
There were three hit versions of this song in 1968-69. The other two were by Dion and Moms Mabley. The latter was a spoken rendition, a serious recording by someone who was usually a comedian.
Just realised they are singing about Abraham Lincoln, John Fitzgearld Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Tough times in a great country, great singing by Smokey and The Miracles 🙂👍
Please don't hate me for saying this but this version seems a little too upbeat for the subject matter. The Dion, Moms Mabely or Marvin Gaye versions are much more moving.
Pete, Ronnie and (particularly) Big Bobby never get enough credit for those immense vocal/performing talents, among co-writing abilities.
From left to right: Warren "Pete" Moore, William "Smokey" Robinson, Bobby Rogers, Ronnie White.
In 1968, I was teaching 6th Grade Science in Katonah, NY, and brought my 45 rpm by Dion to school and taught this song causing a great discussion about the purpose of life, death, and mysteries beyond these. Of course I was just about to get married, then drafted to go to Vietnam. (I ended up becoming a Lutheran pastor and chaplain.)
A Phenomenal voice, Fantastic harmony, and those Mesmorizing eyes of his 👀
Happy Monday... thank you for sharing! 🎄
Fantastic. I had never heard them cover this song, that is some impressive tight harmony work for sure. I just love his voice.
It was a top 20 hit for them, it was very popular
@@michaelrochester48 I dimly remember it now. I remember Dion's version very clearly. Evidently Marvin Gaye also covered it as a single in the UK.
Top 30. Marvin's UK release was Top 10.@@ronrice1931
I’m here to honor the words works and deeds of Dr. Martin Luther King RIP gone but never forgotten.
Thanks from Costa Rica.
I do believe this is the moment I fell forever in love with this man ❤
Go Smokey go. What a great performer either with the Miracles or solo.
Smokey Robinson:
Just saw him on a TMZ Christmas special this evening-caught the last couple of minutes, when he started to sing, but man, when he sang, it sounded even better than when he was in his prime, back in the 60s and 70s! I don't know anyone whose voice has ever been as well preserved as his! Truly I was blown away to hear this legend sound as good as he did tonight-and he's 82 years old!
And I'm sorry to say that, when he dies, there won't be anyone of this newer and younger generation of singers to replace him-they won't even come close! And I was blessed and fortunate, to have grown up in that era, where there were so many other GREATS-just like Smokey! Thank God he was not the only one of that generation to have made such great music; it's all gone now-and I'm sorry to say, maybe all that's left is for Russia to nuke us! 12-13-22.
A large reason Smokey still has his voice is he let's the amplifiers do their work and doesn't SCREAM the lyrics. I don't recall ever hearing he was so big into the drug and alcohol abuse scene that was (and still IS) so common among music stars. Of course THAT may be due to his roots in Gospel.
@@michiganengineer8621 I didn't know about his Gospel roots, but other than that, all of what you've said sounds about right-and thank you. 1-2-23.
Amen!
Believe it or not, hes Michael Jackson’s father
@@jiml8637 😂YEP!😂
The Ed Sullivan was an superb show! The re-runs are still shown on TV.
This was excellent. I feel as though I will cry every time I hear this song. It is very poignant. Thank you for sharing this.
No autone or fancy machines. Just pure sangin
Beautiful composition and harmony ! 😍
Beautiful harmonies
I had never heard the song in this version, I only knew it in Dion's voice (I'm not American and wasn't born at that time). What a wonderful harmony, perhaps more beautiful than the version I knew; although I'm not from your country, I always thought this song managed to encapsulate so many feelings about this part of US history that it's impossible not to get emotional listening to it.
This is actually my first time hearing this version as well. And I'm from Smokey's hometown. I do remember the killings of Martin and Robert. I was 7.
Stop virtue signaling. There wasn't any sincerity in their voices like with Dion, who owns the song!
@@daviddomino4480virtue signaling? Stop using language you don’t know about and let us listen to the music in peace ✌️ 😂
Thank you so much for the memories from Toronto, Canada. I DO REMEMBER!
The best version!!
Smokey has very unusual eyes. Lovely
I heard that’s why they call him Smokey
I love this version ☮️✌🏾love not war.
Great performance
Music and lyrics by Dick Holler. Published by Wixen Music obo Stonehenge Music, and Primary Wave Music
After going through the deaths of those three hero’s(John,Martin & Bobby)this song was almost too painful to listen to!
🌎💯👏👏👏desde Cuba
There were three hit versions of this song in 1968-69. The other two were by Dion and Moms Mabley. The latter was a spoken rendition, a serious recording by someone who was usually a comedian.
Yes
Just realised they are singing about Abraham Lincoln, John Fitzgearld Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Tough times in a great country, great singing by Smokey and The Miracles 🙂👍
the voice begin remember freddy "somebody to love" and verse michel "heal the world" sweet voice smokey R
❤❤❤❤❤
Жду уведомления!
FAB :)
💃🕺🕺💃🎼👍👏👏
hermosa cancion.....realmente hermosa
1:17 1:57 2:07
❤
🌷❤️🌞
Please don't hate me for saying this but this version seems a little too upbeat for the subject matter. The Dion, Moms Mabely or Marvin Gaye versions are much more moving.
Marvin Gayes version is by far the best
This is the one my Mother played and it always moves me to tears.
Yhuhhh
And Robert (Kennedy).
They mention Bobby at the 2:00 mark.
One of the worst arrangements despite the vocals. Marvin is the only one who does this song justice
Agree Awful arrangement