603 - Motown! Smokey Robinson and the music of a generation.

Famous Lost Words

This week, a spectacular tribute to Motown. We begin with the legendary Smokey Robinson talking about his start with the label, his biggest hits, writing for others and his favourite Motown performer. Smokey also talks about Diana Ross, The Temptations and other Motown legends. In the most powerful interview clip, Smokey reveals the considerable challenges in being a black-owned company in America during the civil rights era.

Smokey also tells the amazing stories behind the hits “Shop Around”, “I Second That Emotion”, “Tears Of A Clown” and “Mickey’s Monkey”.

We also have a wonderful mid ‘80s interview with Mary Wells, whose 1964 hit “My Guy” was one of the first Motown smashes. In this interview, recorded a mere 5 years before Mary’s death, she explains why she left the label that made her famous.

We also speak to Motown legend Jimmy Ruffin, who talks about his biggest hit, “What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted” and the profound effect it had on him and his fans.

Next week, we continue our tribute to Motown with Diana Ross and Mary Wilson of The Supremes, a very young Michael Jackson talks about how the Jackson 5 got started, Stevie Wonder talks about his first massive hit, The Temptations talk about the legacy of their music, Lionel Richie recalls walking the halls of Motown for the first time and Martha Reeves explains how she started as a Motown secretary and became one of the biggest stars of the ‘60s.

Famous Lost Words is heard in 31 countries worldwide and on radio stations across Canada, including Newstalk 1010 Toronto, CJAD 800 Montreal, 580 CFRA Ottawa, AM 800 CKLW Windsor, Newstalk 1290 London, 610 CKTB St Catharines, CFAX Victoria, AM1150 Kelowna and 91x in Belleville.

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