Hear Smokey Robinson Tell the Secrets Behind ‘My Girl’ and Other Motown Classics

Listen to our definitive interview with the Motown legend on the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast

One of the greatest songwriters ever, Smokey Robinson, looks back on his singular career in the latest episode of our Rolling Stone Music Now podcast, breaking down his artistic process and telling vivid tales of how he wrote “Shop Around,” “My Girl,” “My Guy,” “I Second That Emotion,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” and many other classic songs. Robinson, who has a new autobiographical Audible release, Smokey Robinson: Grateful and Blessed, out now, also talks about the early days of Motown Records, his friendships with Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Berry Gordy, his collaboration with Rick James, and much more.
“There are no new words,” says Robinson. “There are no new notes. My thoughts as a songwriter have always been this: ‘How can I say ‘I love you’ in a way like it’s never been said?'”
To hear the entire episode, press play below, or download and subscribe on iTunes or Spotify.