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The old saying "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" certainly holds true for today's Great Song of 1987.
When he British group ABC released "Alphabet City," their fourth studio album, it contained an amazing salute to Smokey Robinson.
"When Smokey Sings" (the first single from the album) not only paid tribute to "everything Smokey," it had an unmistakable
Motown flair. In fact, the bassline of the song was lifted directly from Smokey's 1970 hit "Tears of a Clown." (I've included a link below so you can compare).
The song was a worldwide hit, charting in 11 countries, including here in the US, where it was a four-chart smash: #1 on Billboard's Disco Chart, #2 on the Adult Contemporary Chart, #5 on the Hot 100, and the extended version went to #8 on the 12-inch Single Chart.
So with all this happening, how did Smokey feel about it? He loved it!
And here's something cool: While ABC was topping the charts, Smokey was right there with them, reaching #10 on the Hot 100 and #8 on the Adult Contemporary Chart with his OWN hit: "One Heartbeat!"
So whether it was ABC...or the man himself, 1987 was a Great Year for Great Songs about--and by--Smokey Robinson!
"When Smokey Sings" (Long Version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTV5FvNCbhk " One Heartbeat:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A39xfn3K_Ps
"Tears of a Clown" (1970): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51B55OQysj8
Tomorrow: 1-2-3.
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