Latest news with #TheTracksofMyTears'
Express Tribune
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Smokey Robinson files $500m counterclaim lawsuit against accusers
Motown legend Smokey Robinson has launched a $500 million defamation lawsuit against four former housekeepers who earlier this month accused him of sexual assault and abuse spanning more than a decade. Filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Wednesday, the suit alleges that the women – identified in the original filing as Jane Does 1–4 – fabricated their allegations to extort the 85-year-old singer. Robinson's legal team has also filed a motion seeking the dismissal of the assault lawsuit, arguing it was improperly submitted under false names. Robinson, whose career spans hits such as 'The Tracks of My Tears' and 'You've Really Got a Hold on Me,' has denied all claims of misconduct. The women, all of Hispanic descent, allege they were repeatedly assaulted while employed as housekeepers at the singer's Chatsworth residence between 2012 and 2024. Their lawsuit, filed earlier in May, is seeking at least $50 million in damages and accuses Robinson's wife, Frances, of complicity in the alleged abuse and of using ethnically derogatory language. One woman alleges Robinson assaulted her at least 23 times between 2014 and 2020, often in areas without surveillance. Another says the singer performed a ritual involving appearing nearly naked and placing a towel on his bed prior to alleged assaults. Two others describe similar experiences, with one claiming seven incidents over 13 months of employment. Robinson's defamation complaint names the four Jane Does, their attorney John Harris, his law partner Herbert Hayden, and their Los Angeles-based firm Harris & Hayden. The lawsuit singles out Harris's statements during the press conference, in which he labelled Robinson a 'serial and sick rapist.' In response, Harris and Hayden dismissed the defamation action as a 'baseless and vindictive legal manoeuvre' designed to 're-victimise' survivors. They announced plans to file a motion under California's anti-SLAPP statute, which protects individuals from lawsuits intended to suppress free speech on public matters. Earlier, it was also reported that Robinson is under criminal investigation in Los Angeles, though no charges have been filed to date. Robinson has previously stated he welcomed the inquiry, asserting, 'exposure to the truth is a powerful thing.' Robinson's civil suit claims defamation, emotional distress, and invasion of privacy. He is seeking damages of no less than $500 million.
Gulf Today
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Robinson is ready to bring his timeless hits to audiences
There's a reason Smokey Robinson is known as the 'King of Motown.' His voice — smooth, drenched in soul — has carried across generations, weaving through love stories, heartbreaks, and dance floors for more than five decades. Whether it was the unmistakable falsetto that made 'The Tracks of My Tears' an anthem or the lyrical touch that gifted 'My Girl' to the Temptations, Robinson's mark on music is unmistakable. When asked if it feels surreal to look back on all he's accomplished, Robinson's response is grounded in humility. 'None of it, or the magnitude of it, was expected,' he shared over the phone, still lively as ever. Robinson hails from Detroit, where he was a kid with big dreams and a notebook full of lyrics long before Motown existed. He formed The Miracles in the mid-1950s and when Berry Gordy took notice, everything changed. Robinson didn't just become a star — he became the architect of a sound that broke racial barriers and shaped American music. The Miracles' hits, from 'Shop Around' to 'You've Really Got a Hold on Me,' became top hits and cultural gems. And even beyond his own recordings, Robinson was the pen behind some of Motown's greatest classics, writing for Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and Mary Wells. 'When we first started out, I never imagined this level of success,' he continued. 'I met Berry Gordy before Motown even began. On that very first day, neither of us anticipated that Motown would become a global phenomenon. We were just making music because we loved it. Back then, it wasn't even guaranteed that we'd be paid fairly, especially being Black. It's gone far beyond what we ever imagined.' At the time, music was still deeply segregated, and mainstream success for Black artists was far from guaranteed. But Motown wasn't just a record label—it was a movement. 'Berry Gordy said, 'We're not just going to make Black music; we're going to make music for everyone,'' Robinson recalled. 'And I'm proud to say we accomplished that.' Now, at 84, Robinson is still doing what he loves—performing, creating, and proving that timeless music never really fades. As he celebrates 50 years of 'Being With You,' Robinson is reflecting on his journey, his enduring passion, and the music that continues to bring people together. Songs like 'Ooo Baby Baby,' ' Cruisin',' and 'Being With You' became soundtracks to people's lives, and Robinson's ability to write with both heartache and hope ensured his music never lost relevance. For Robinson, the connection with his audience has always been at the heart of his performances, and it's something that has only deepened over the years. 'I do concerts, honey,' he said, his voice filled with joy. 'And it really makes me feel good. I see people at my concerts with their children, their children's children, all sitting on their laps. When I first saw them, they were on their parents' laps.' Despite the decades that have passed, he finds that every night offers a new opportunity to rediscover the joy in his own music. 'Every night, those songs feel new to me,' he continued. 'I'm extremely blessed to have a job I love, and I look forward to it every night. I'm having such a good time.' It's that sense of excitement that he brings to every show, often adjusting his setlist based on the energy of the crowd. 'I mix it up depending on where I'm performing,' he explained. 'If it's a younger crowd, I'll pick songs that resonate with them. Every concert is a unique experience.' Though his music is timeless, Robinson isn't one to look back when creating new work. 'I don't think about the past or any of that when I write,' Robinson said. 'Inspiration just hits me. When I write a song, I aim for it to resonate today and 50 years from now.' His approach to songwriting remains as fresh as ever, with his upcoming album 'What the World Needs Now' being a prime example. Associated Press
The Independent
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Smokey Robinson shares verdict on Trump returning to the White House
Smokey Robinson has shared his opinion on Donald Trump returning to the White House. The songwriter, 84, who's known for hits including 'You've Really Got a Hold on Me', 'The Tracks of My Tears' and 'I Second That Emotion' admitted he's already looking forward to Trump's term being over. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th US President just one month ago but has already signed a slew of concerning executive orders targeting LGBT+ rights and immigration pathways. Speaking to The Times, Robinson said: 'I don't know about him, man. I'm not a Trumper. Whatever he says, I take it with a grain of salt.' He added: 'I was at the Obama inauguration, the Biden inauguration, and there was no way I would have gone to this one. I didn't even watch it. And I'll be glad when the next four years are up.' Elsewhere in the interview, Robinson expressed his admiration of Martin Luther King, who Trump bizarrely compared himself to in 2020. 'He was a regal man,' the Miracles frontman said of the civil rights leader. 'Even if you didn't know who he was you would respect him, simply through his presence.' Robinson added: 'He came to Motown and said, 'I want to record a speech here, because you guys are doing with music what I'm trying to legislate. You're bringing the races together.' 'The Miracles played down south when there would be a rope in the centre of the hall – white people on one side, black people on the other – and by the end of the concert they would all be dancing together. Martin Luther King recognised the power the music had.' Back in October last year, Robinson urged American voters to support Kamala Harris in the presidential election. 'I'm not a Democrat or a Republican, I'm an American and I love my country,' he said. 'I've been blessed to have a job that's afforded me the chance to go all over the world and as far as i'm concerned the United States of America is the greatest place on earth.' He continued: 'I've never felt the need to campaign publicly until now. This is the most important election of my lifetime and as far as I'm concerned it's a choice between good and evil.' 'I really don't understand how any person of colour or any woman could find it in their hearts to vote for Donald Trump. He's a spoilt brat child who retaliates against anyone who opposes him on any issue.' Robinson added: 'He thinks he's better than you. He thinks he's slicker than you. That he can stand up and lie in your face and then turn right around and say he didn't do it…I hope you all wake up and vote.'
