Smokey Robinson To Perform With DSO

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) What do the tears of a clown look like when no one's around -- or sound like when the song written in their honor is performed by one of the country's most legendary orchestras?

You can judge for yourself when Motown legend Smokey Robinson performs with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) at 8 p.m. Sept. 15 at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.

Tickets priced at $85, $65, $45 and $25 go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 16, at Palacenet.com, The Palace and DTE Energy Music Theatre Box Offices and all Ticketmaster locations, including The Palace Locker Room Store at Great Lakes Crossing.

Tickets may also be charged by phone to American Express, Discover, Visa and MasterCard by calling 1‑800‑745‑3000.

Born and raised in Detroit, Robinson founded The Miracles while still in high school. The group was Berry Gordy's first vocal group, and promoters said it was at Robinson's suggestion that Gordy started the Motown Record dynasty. Their single of Robinson's "Shop Around" became Motown's first No. 1 hit on the R&B singles chart. In the years following, Robinson continued to pen hits for the group including "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "Ooo Baby Baby," "The Tracks of My Tears," "Going to a Go-Go," "More Love," "Tears of a Clown" (co-written with Stevie Wonder), and "I Second That Emotion."

The Miracles dominated the R&B scene throughout the 1960s and early 1970s and Robinson became Vice President of Motown Records serving as in-house producer, talent scout and songwriter.

In addition to writing hits for the Miracles, Robinson wrote and produced hits for other Motown greats including The Temptations, Mary Wells, Brenda Holloway, Marvin Gaye and others. "The Way You Do the Things You Do," "My Girl," "Get Ready," "You Beat Me to the Punch," "Don't Mess with Bill," "Ain't That Peculiar," and "My Guy" are just a few of his songwriting triumphs during those years.

He later turned to a solo career where he continued his tradition of hitmaking with "Just to See Her," "Quiet Storm," "Cruisin'," and "Being with You," among others.

Robinson's fans include John Lennon of The Beatles, who made countless remarks regarding Robinson's influence on his music. Bob Dylan called him "America's greatest poet."

During the course of his 50-year career in music, Robinson has accumulated more than 4,000 songs to his credit. He's playing with the DSO, the fourth-oldest symphony orchestra in the United States. For more information visit www.dso.org.