Smokey Robinson has responded to a theory about a song he wrote which is speculated to be about an alleged affair with Diana Ross, saying he “could not possibly have experienced everything” he has written music about.
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The Motown icon, 84, spoke to The Times about his music, the soul genre, and hanging out with the likes of The Beatles and Marvin Gaye. He was also asked about his 1975 track ‘The Agony and The Ecstacy’, and whether it was about the affair he was having with Diana Ross at the time.
In the interview, he called Ross a “babe” and said: “As a songwriter, I could not possibly have experienced everything I’ve written about, and that song seemed like a good idea because so many people were in that situation.
“I’ve known Diana Ross since she was eight years old, man! She’s precious to me. She’s my longest living friend. Oh yeah, she’s my babe.”
According to Music News, Smokey had been married to Claudette Robinson for more than a decade when he had the affair with Ross.
Robinson added in his interview: “I lead a pretty normal life. I’m married to a wonderful woman. I drive my own car. I don’t need a chauffeur or anyone else going everywhere I go. I’m in showbusiness, so people recognise me, but I don’t mind it because that’s a part of the life and when I see people tripping on fame, man, that’s so stupid!”
In other Smokey Robinson-related news, he will play his first UK show in over 15 years this summer in East Sussex. He will play a headline set at the Love Supreme jazz festival in Glynde Place in the South Downs, which will run from July 4 to 6. You can find your tickets here.
Alongside Robinson will be a range of names from across the musical spectrum, including En Vogue, Thee Sacred Souls, Branford Marsalis, Sampa The Great, Jamila Woods, War, Arooj Aftab and Durand Jones & The Indications.
Robinson is considered one of the most influential songwriters and soul singers of all time, fronting the key Motown band The Miracles. Additionally, he wrote classic songs for other artists, including ‘My Girl’ and ‘Get Ready’ for The Temptations, ‘Ain’t That Peculiar’ for Marvin Gaye and ‘My Guy’ for Mary Wells.
Last year, the musician confirmed that he was in talks to perform at Glastonbury festival 2024. However, this did not come to fruition. “That’s one of the things we’ve been talking about,” he said, adding that he would “absolutely” love to take the stage at the Worthy Farm festival. “I love the UK, man. We’ve had some of our greatest times in the UK.”