The Spelman spotlight. (Atlanta , Georgia) 1957-1980, March 12, 1980, Image 9

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Spelm^ii’^pot light March 28. 1980 Page 11 Where There's Smokey — There's Fire! Recording and producing one hit record is a strenuous, deman ding task that requires an inor dinate amount of talent, energy and luck. Recording and producing a string of hit records that spans two decades and weathers innumerable trends is an amazing feat. And recording and producing a string of- hit records that not only spans 20 years of trends, but also has a hand in shaping some of those trends is...incredible—something only a handful of artists have done. Smokey Robinson is one of that handful. Smokey Robinson is incredible. Pop music giant Bob Dylan is said to have once called Smokey “the world’s greatest living love poet”. Music critic Vince Aletti wrote that Smokey is “one of the finest contemporary lyricists”. And music lovers that world over continue to pay him perhaps that highest compliment 'of all—the lush romance music that is Smokey’s trademark continues to sell in huge numbers. Like last year’s “Cruisin’”, for instance, which proved to be one of the biggest Robinson hits of the last 10 years. And now, there’s a whole slew of new Robinson goodies served up in impeccable style—Smokey calls it “Warm Thoughts". It started in the late ’50s when high-school pals William Robin son, Claudette Rogers, Bobby Rogers, Ron White and Pete Moore—Smokey RObinson and the Miracles—auditioned before a fledgling songwriter/producer named Berry Gordy. Gordy, who SMOKEY ROBINSON would soon go on to found Motown Records, was impressed by the group’s songs-Smokey Robinson originals—and took them under his wing. In 1958, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles released their—and Motown’s—first record, “Got A J ob”, which was a hit in the Detroit area. Soon after that came “Way Over There” (the first nationally-distributed Motown disc) and then, the breakthrough record—1960’s “Shop Around”. Review: "Genetic Walk" By Kevin Flemming No matter what your musical preferences are, one can not help but like the soothing and rhyth mic sounds of “Genetic Walk,’ the latest work by veteren pianist Ahmad I amal. J amal is no rookie to the world of music. He was writing, producing and performing high quality jazz music before most of us were bom. With strong roots in mainstream jazz, Jamal has progressed with the years keeping his music current but yet not making that total crossover to the more popular commercial jazz fusion or disco sound that many jazz artists have choosen to persue. Demonstrating masterful skills on all keyboards, J amal’s current lp is “Genetic Walk” (T-600) on 20th Century Records. Four of the eight selections on “Genetic Walk” have single record poten tial. The currently released single is “Don’t Ask My Neighbors”, originally written by Skip Scar borough for the Emotions. Jamal also performs the tune, “La Costa,” borrowed from Natalie Cole. A personal favorite is “Spartacus Love Theme.” Highlighting his music with slow and soothing piano runs, Jamal takes you back to the good ole days of jazz while still main taining a sophisticated foun dation for the children of the 80’s. The title selection, “Genetic Walk”, captures your attention with a score of violins and classical chants before moving in to a jazzy beat and melody. A must for anyones’ record library, “Genetic Walk” from Ah mad J amal. You’ll be thoroughly satisfied with this musical master piece. That smash hit record began for the Miracles and Smokey a 10 year stay at the top, with such Robinson gems as: “You Really Got A Hold On Me’; “Mickey’s Monkey”; “Ooh, Baby Baby”; “Tracks Of My Tears”; “Yesterlove”; “Satisfaction”; and Tears Of A Clown” following. In addition to hits for the Miracles, Smokey found time to craft a huge number of hits for other Motown artists as well. The Temptations’ “My Girl” and “Get GEMINI: (May 21 to June 20)- Use your creativity at work and accept challenges. There are opportunities for advancement in career if you stay on the ball. People on the home front may not be doing their share, so guard against being irritable. CANCER: (June 21 to July 22)- A romance could come to an end for single Cancers, and those who are married may find the home front is filled with arguments. Be understanding and com municative. Workload is heavy but productive. Ready”, Mary Wells’ “My Guy”, Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t That Peculiar” and a truckload of others all sprang from the prolific pen of Smokey Robinson. Even today, Smokey is intricately in volved in the career of his nephews, Motown artists Keith and Darryl, and his songs have been redone by such stellar ar tists as Linda Ronstadt, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Eddie Rabbit. In 1971, a road-weary Smokey left the Miracles to concentrate on his position as a vice-president at Motown. But executive pur suits ultimately didn’t fill the hole his retirement had left and soon, Smokey was back in the studio again. The results produced some of the finest musical moments of the decade, including: Smokey (the solo debut, featuring the plush slow-grind of “Baby Come Close”); Pure Smokey (with the atypical tumble of “Virgin Man”); Quiet Storm (a classic album); Family Robinson (which contained a hectic “Open”); Love Breeze (“Shoe Soul” was the smooth, jaunty centerpiece here) and last year’s Where There’s Smoke, showcasing ‘ the aforementioned “Cruisin’”. After so many years of hits and. what he likes to call the “peaks and valleys” of showbusiness, Smokey Robinson is especially at ease now. Or, as Smokey noted in an interview with Soul magazine, “I can go into a studio and record my version of “Three Blind Mice’ if I want, ‘cause it if doesn’t work. I’ve only hurt Smokey Robinson, dig? I’ll just keep on makin’ good music and release records ‘till the people are tired of me and want me to stop.” And if that’s the case, it looks like the warm, personable music of Smokey Robinson will be part of all our lives for a long, long time to come. Horoscope for the week of March 30-Aprll 5 By GINA Campus Digest ARIES: (March 21 to April 19)- -Domestic tensions will subside if you don’t try to put the blame on others. Careerwise, take on added responsibility and supervise all projects yourself. Explore new ideas that will utilize your hidden talents. News Service TAURUS: (April 20 to May 20)- -Hold your temper in disputes with mate or partner. Get third- party advice to reach practical solutions. Don’t come on too strong at work-compassion and understanding go a long way here. Mix business and pleasure. LEO: (July 23 to Aug. 22)-Be careful whom you confide in when opposition you meet on the job makes you a sympathetic ear. Be patient with dear ones who make mistakes-don’t be judgmental. Get cooperation from others on sticking to the budget. VIRGO: (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)- Money worries may continue to bother you, but energy is high and you meet challenges easily. Formulate your creative ideas and enthuse others with your inventiveness. Don’t let other people’s depressions rub off on you. LIBRA: (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)- Get all legal papers in order. Be the mediator to settle disputes at work. Now is the time to resolve differences with family mem bers. Finances improve and you can make plans for travel. Don’t think of changing jobs. SCORPIO: (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)- -Get over your budget and resist any extravagant impulses. Unexpected expenses can bo—a- concern. Career situations could be disappointing and you should review the last three months to find where the trouble lies. SAGITTARIUS: (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)-Energy could be low and you should get plenty of rest to protect your health. You may need professional advice regarding your finances. Not the time to speculate or take monetary risks. Use imagination and creativity in career. CAPRICORN: (Dec 22 to Jan. 19)-Catch up all the loose ends of projects at work. Resist feeling negative or bored—a more creative period is coming up soon. Be discreet and truthful in romance. If looking for another job, keep your inquiries a secret. AQUARIUS: (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)-Don’t allow problems or snags in your plans to make you unsure of yourself. Work alone, on your own, with an optimistic outlook. Concentrate on the details of your long-range plans. Trust your intuition. PISCES: (Feb. 19 to March 20)- ■Don’t dwell on past mistakes that depress your self-image. Not the time to indulge in a spending spree either. Keep on top of routine duties and others will be cooperative. Don’t pick fights or lose your temper. Emory University Holds Sumposium on MLK The Candler School of Theology at Emory University in vites you to attend a symposium on the life and thought of Martin Luther King, J r. This symposium entitled “Martin Luther King: The Reassessment of the Dream,” will be held from 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. on March 27, 1980, April 1, 1980 and April 17, 1980. The programs will feature a distinguished series of speakers, scheduled as follows: Thursday, March 27, 1980 “In fluences on Dr. King’s Theology and Philosophy”; Speakers: Coretta Scott King, President Martin Luther King Center for Social Change; Dr. L. Harold Dewolf, (former professor and dissertation director of Dr. King); Dr. Benjamin Mays, (President Emeritus, Morehouse College). See MLK p. 10