Smokey Inside Life [Paperback]

S. Robinson (Author), D. Ritz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1990

An autobiography of Smokey Robinson.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Soul-music legend Smokey Robinson tells his story in this colorless and flawed autobiography. He is relatively candid about his extramarital affairs, cocaine addiction and eventual redemption at the hands of a faith healer, but jeopardizes his credibility to the reader by his uncritical acceptance of nearly everyone associated with his life. Motown founder Berry Gordy is an almost perfect human being, according to Robinson, as are Diana Ross, his ex-wife Claudette, his two mistresses and a variety of other friends and relatives. A powerful performer and a sensitive, intelligent songwriter, Robinson offers here only hints of his creative processes, but he does give readers a sense of the grueling pace of multi-city tours. Collaborator Ritz ( Divided Soul ) faithfully preserves Robinson's vigorous, streettalk narrative style yet falters badly in his stiff re-creations of dialogue. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Jove (July 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0515103470
• ISBN-13: 978-0515103472
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #322,290 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Smokey takes you inside his life, January 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Smokey: Inside My Life (Hardcover)

I am a 24 year old male, and i just finished reading this book "inside my life" about the life of Smokey Robinson, and I must tell you, that this is a very good book. I finished reading this book in 2 days and my only complaint is that I was mad when it was over. I have found a new respect for this man.For I am also a song writer, but if I was to compare myself to him, I would have to just stop writing,from jealousy alone. He is a true genius in his songs about love and affairs of the heart and soul. When he was 17 he had over 100 songs written, and he helped Motown become the legend that it is today . I found it great the way he described how he met Berry Gordy for the first time, and I laughed out loud about what he had to say about Berry Gordy's first check and what he did with it,It showed their determination and loyalty to each other through the good times as well as the bad.This book also shows how good of a person Smokey Robinson was and is, to his friends and people close to him and also that he's just a human being and even a genius can make mistakes in life. This book goes in detail about his drug addiction and how he was able to bounce back from it all. You will appriecate his honesty. So i recommend this book to you and all your friends. Thanks for reading my opinion Shawn

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All You need to know About Smokey Robinson the Legend, January 10, 2000

By 

Lorraine Romero (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Smokey Inside Life (Paperback)

From page 1 until the end of this book my eyes kept reading and reading and thanking God that this man is still alive today to give us his talent and energy and love. Smokey has come a long way from the 1st page of his biography. This is one you cannot put down. Believe ME.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pat's Opinion, April 7, 2000

By 

Pat Chisolm (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Smokey Inside Life (Paperback)

Smokey Robinson is not afraid to honestly and frankly outline the events that have transpired in his life. One has to appreciate the clarity and detail he uses in expressing the downfall of his marriage and his drift into drug use. Clearly a movie should be in the making.