Smokey Robinson
I never expected to see Smokey Robinson perform live. The Motown artists were in their heyday when I was a kid. All are up in years. Performing is demanding work. It is physically arduous, and one has to give one hundred percent emotionally if one is to meet one’s obligation to the audience.
Last night at the Genesee Theater in Waukegan I had the good fortune to be in the audience for a live performance by Smokey Robinson. As Smokey worked his way through the set I felt as if the retinue of Motowns great performers were present in spirit with him. That would have included Marvin Gaye, Stevie 
Wonder, Dianna Ross, The Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas, Wilson Picket. There are many more. I watched Robinson’s fluid movements on stage, and the stagecraft of his performance. That was taught by Barry Gordy who stood behind the success of this great artist.
The concert from start to finish was deeply satisfying. I am 
assured once again that there is a shared common humanity between us and that humanity is celebrated in our music, indeed is emphasized in all of the arts. As expected the audience was mixed, with black, caucasian patrons of different socio-economic classes present. That felt right, as it was meant to be.
The song held in reserve until near the end of the performance was Smokey’s biggest hit, The Tracks of My Tears. He performed the tune in a manner of triumph. Smoky Robinson is 78 years old. Of course my tears came as I listened to the all too human tale of loss, and survival.
It is the story of my life, indeed the story of all of our lives.
Here is a great rendition of Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder performing the song.
