Tonight PBS aired the Gershwin Prize ceremony of its latest recipient, Smokey Robinson. This is notable for many reasons, not the least of which being that this may be the last vestige of non-white culture that will ever appear on American public television.
After sitting through a questionable selection of artists plow through a selection of the greatness that is the musical catalog he helped establish, Smokey took no time in honoring the great Jewish songwriters who are the namesakes of the lifetime achievement award presented by the Library of Congress (yes, the United States Congress, as hard as it is to believe).
His selection was “Our Love Is Here To Stay”, and it was heartbreakingly epic. Smokey was eager to honor the roots of his groundbreaking Motown greatness, and he did not disappoint. It was refreshing to see him pay tribute to the forebears of his success, even as his own success was being immortalized.
Unfortunately, I can’t post that performance, but here is a timeless rendition presented by two of the all time great interpreters of song. And just in time for Valentine's Day.
And here is a 1980s new wave band paying tribute to Smokey in a last gasp of relevance. (Sorry, ABC fans.)
No comments:
Post a Comment