NASHVILLE (April 25, 2025)
There’s only one Smokey Robinson. He embodies soul music, but he has always defied categorization. One constant, however, throughout the two-time Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame inductee and four-time Grammy winner’s career, is his ability to inspire. That’s why Robinson’s music endures. Today, he adds to his legendary canon with his Gaither Music debut, What The World Needs Now, a collection of uplifting classics performed with Robinson’s unmistakable silken touch.
“Whenever I’m in the studio, I’m having fun. Recording this time was even more special because we went in with a purpose: to record an uplifting album in a time when the world needs some inspiration,” Robinson says. You can watch the behind-the-scenes mini-documentary about the making of the album here.
Robinson has recently released two multi-track singles from the album, bursting with the soulful, emotional elegance that has been his trademark throughout his six-decade music career. These new tracks showcase Smokey’s timeless talent and voice that is just as strong as it was in his Motown heyday.
His new record, What The World Needs Now, is quintessential Smokey Robinson. An exhilarating 10-song journey in music that traverses pop, folk, gospel, reggae, jazz, soul, and R&B. Robinson’s ability to speak directly to hearts of the masses shines majestically on the album which features classics by Burt Bacharach, Bob Marley, Bill Withers, The Staple Singers, James Taylor, Carole King, and Louis Armstrong. The ever-prolific Robinson, who has over 4,000 songs to his credit, also contributed a pair of originals to What The World Needs Now.
The album’s thoughtful arrangements, rich and varied orchestrations, and pristine and nuanced production recall the grandeur of the Motown days. Stately strings, delicate piano, ear-worm guitar flourishes, a righteously grooving rhythm section, and heavenly layered backup vocals beautifully set the stage for Robinson’s honeyed vocals which exude love, hope, and compassion. What The World Needs Now was produced by Warryn Campbell who is best known for his work with Mary Mary, Kanye West, Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Hudson, and Stevie Wonder.
Robinson recently partnered with TalkShopLive, and gave an in-depth interview about the inspiring new album. As part of the partnership, randomly selected CDs purchased through the platform will include inserts signed by the artist. Check out the interview and order from TalkShopLive here.
Robinson has been praised by Bob Dylan as “America’s greatest living poet.” He has won numerous awards, including four GRAMMY Awards, a GRAMMY Living Legend Award, the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize, and a NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award. He’s earned an Honorary Doctorate at Howard University, Kennedy Center Honors, a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, and the National Medal of Arts Award from the President of the United States. In addition, Robinson has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—once as a solo artist, and again as a member of the Miracles—and he’s also been inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. Robinson also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
These days, he remains as vital as ever. The 85-year-old singer, songwriter, and producer is still touring and performing shows across the country and in the UK later this year. This year he will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his 1975 breakthrough solo album, A Quiet Storm. Robinson’s upcoming “Legacy Tour” will highlight the album anniversary and celebrate all his top hits throughout the decades.
