Smokey Robinson makes first trip to The Grand

GALVESTON — Smokey Robinson, the “King of Motown,” will perform at 8 p.m. today at The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend, who recently released the album “Time Flies When You’re Having Fun,” will sing classics such as “The Way You Do the Thing You Do,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” “The Tracks of My Tears” and “I Second That Emotion.”

He’ll also sing new material.

“Right now, the title cut off my new album is my favorite song, but I’m attached to all the songs that I’ve written and sung over the years,” Robinson said.

William Robinson Jr. got the nickname “Smokey” when he was 3.

“I got the nickname through an uncle, and ever since then, everyone just called me ‘Smokey,’” Robinson said.

Robinson has worked with some of the most notable icons of R&B, such as Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. He worked closely with the founder of Motown, Berry Gordy.

“It was incredible,” Robinson said. “Motown was a once-in-a-lifetime event — nothing will happen like that again, as far as I’m concerned.”

Robinson has been making music for 50 years and got his start in his hometown, Detroit, when he founded The Miracles.

The group’s first hit was “Shop Around.”

Robinson had 37 Top 40 hits for Motown between 1960 through 1987.

“I’ve been blessed to still be able to do what I love to do,” Robinson said.

The family of Michael Jackson asked Robinson to be one of the speakers at the singer’s funeral at the Staples Center in Inglewood, Calif. Robinson was disappointed in the media’s portrayal of Jackson.

“He was my little brother,” Robinson said. “The media was dealing with the negative, instead of the positive, and he was the greatest entertainer of all time. His children didn’t need to be put on the spot. Michael had a connection to the world, and the media should’ve focused on that — not the negative.”

Tonight’s concert will be Robinson’s first at The Grand.

“I’m really grateful for all the accolades and awards that I’ve received over the years — that’s just the icing on the cake,” Robinson said. “This isn’t why I do what I do — to win awards. I do it because music is my life, and I’m blessed to do what I love.”