​Smokey Robinson named recipient of Library of Congress' Gershwin Prize

Rhythm and blues icon Smokey Robinson, whose songs include "The Tracks of My Tears," "Shop Around," and "Cruisin'," has been named the next recipient of the Library of Congress' Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

Acting Librarian of Congress David Mao made the announcement on Tuesday, calling the singer-songwriter-producer a musical legend: "His rich melodies are works of art -- enduring, meaningful and powerful. And he is a master at crafting lyrics that speak to the heart and soul, expressing ordinary themes in an extraordinary way.

"It is that quality in his music that makes him one of the greatest poetic songwriters of our time."

Considered the poet laureate of soul, Robin's masterful lyrics and haunting falsetto were behind some of Motown's biggest hits, including "Mickey's Monkey," "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "Ooo Baby Baby," "More Love," "I Second That Emotion," "Baby, Baby Don't Cry," and "The Tears of a Clown."

The Detroit native founded the Matadors in 1954 while he was still in high school, and with the addition of a female vocalist the group became The Miracles. Their 1960 single, "Shop Around," became Motown's first million-selling hit.

Robinson was also a producer and lyricist for many other Motown artists, including Marvin Gaye ("Ain't That Peculiar"), Mary Wells ("My Guy"), Brenda Holloway ("When I'm Gone"), The Marvelettes ("Don't Mess With Bill"), and The Temptations ("The Way You Do the Things You Do," "My Girl").

Robinson's songs have also been covered by such artists as The Beatles ("You've Really Got a Hold On Me"), The Rolling Stones ("Going to a Go-Go"), and Michael Jackson ("Who's Loving You").

After his retirement from the Miracles in 1972, Robinson embarked on a solo career which produced such hits as "Being With You" and "Baby That's Backatcha." He won a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance in 1975 for his single, "Just to See Her."

He will receive the Gershwin Prize at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in November.

The prize honors living musical artists for their lifetime achievement in the field of popular song. Previous recipients include Billy Joel, Carole King, Sir Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, and the songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and the late Hal David.