The other day, I had the honor of interviewing Smokey Robinson for TIME. I feel that I normally don't get too starstruck, but this is one the Motown Legends! I can honestly say that this was one of my favorite interviews. Don't get me wrong, Javier Bardem, Ron Howard, and the others were great. But Smokey offered so much insight about the civil rights movement, Mo-Town, the inauguration, Marvin Gaye, his love of performing, and the future stars of America.
Pictured: The view off of the Topanga Canyon exitas you drive down the hill.
Pictured: Not Smokey's house, but some other baller house. I approach the gate and see two women and a little girl approaching the gate. One of the women asks me if Courtney (Smokey's publicist) is there. I reply, "I'm not sure." I felt a little attitude with the conversation immediately after. I learn later that she is Smokey's most recent wife. Ooops!
So, we set-up in his pool house and wait around for Smokey to come. He shows up, and we introduce ourselves. Being 68, he doesn't look that age at all! I hope that I can still be youthful and at that age. Shoot, I hope to be able to still do backflips at that age! I notice his amazing looking green eyes (HAHA. Yeah, another gay moment like my other one with Javier Bardem..HAHA.). Immediately, you can tell he has a nice warm personality.
He talked about touring back in the day and the segregation that would go on at the concerts. He mentioned the bigotry and less than optimal treatment locals gave to him and his tourmates. He spoke of Marvin Gaye and Barry Gordy and how they were/are his best friends. He was also asked if he would have known about what was going on with Marvin that he could have saved him. Smokey replied, "No."
When asked who to this day has the potential for lasting power that Marvin Gaye and the many of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame greats had, he mentioned the obvious--Beyonce, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, and coouple others. One name that suprised me was Justin Timberlake. I guess Smokey thinks very highly of him! I will admit, I've been to his shows--one N' Sync show and the Justified/Stripped Tour. Hey! Don't judge me, I went with my then girlfriend at the time! I will admit, they were very entertaining shows. And from watching his shows, Justin definitely knows how to entertain his crowd.
He talks about going to the inauguration and wishes he was performing. Smokey did write a poem about it, and said a couple lines from it. It was beautiful. He was leaving the next day for the inauguration, so we were just in time to get the interview. Sounds like everyone and their mama is going. I wish I could go!
The interview ends and we talk to him for a bit. We then say bye, and he gives us hugs. Everyone else I've interviewed only shook hands, but he was the first to give a hug. I made this goal to try to take pictures with everyone I interviewed, especially with Smokey being a legend and everything. I got shy for a second and couldn't muster up the words to ask. Boo!!!
As we were about to leave, Alison, my co-worker/interviewer, was blocking Smokey's HYBRID ESCALADE. Yes, HYBRID ESCALADE. HAHA. Anyways, that was my time to ask. I asked him if we could take a picture, and without hesitation, he said, "Yes."
Pictured: Smokey and I
Pictured: Alison, my co-worker/interviewer, Smokey,and my car on Smokey's driveway. HAHAHA.
So, all in all, it was a great interview. I will probably post the link to the video when it's up. You can watch the other Time videos on my site.
http://www.jcaesarsalad.com
Till next time!
