As we first reported as being in the works a year ago, Billboard magazine today reported that Smokey Robinson has finished recording an album of duets with an all-star group of artists, produced by American Idol album Randy Jackson. As with other recent duet albums, Smokey and Friends will focus on some of Robinson's biggest past hits (including his compositions for other Motown stars) and will reimagine them with new arrangements and the duet partners.
As we first reported as being in the works a year ago, Billboard magazine today reported that Smokey Robinson has finished recording an album of duets with an all-star group of artists, produced by American Idol album Randy Jackson. As with other recent duet albums, Smokey and Friends will focus on some of Robinson's biggest past hits (including his compositions for other Motown stars) and will reimagine them with new arrangements and the duet partners.
Elton John will team with Robinson on "Tracks of My Tears" and James Taylor will sing on "Ain't That Peculiar," a song that Robinson wrote and produced for Marvin Gaye.
We love Smokey, but these types of projects have typically tended by be cynical money grabs, with little artistic merit. We really hope this one is different.
Smokey and Friends will be released by Verve Records in September.
Read our biography of Smokey Robinson
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