Smokey Robinson says he is happier than ever. Fewer than two months ago, Smokey was the recipient of the BET Lifetime Achievement Award. However, that was not the reason for his ‘sweet happiness.’ When accepting that award, Smokey referred to his wife of fourteen years, Frances nee Gladney, as “my rock, my pillar who protects me from the madness.”
It is the shared trust that evolved between friends and blossomed into a lasting romance. But life has not always been a bed of roses in the relationship department for Smokey Robinson. As one of the most successful Motown artistes, Smokey has battled his share of demons over the last few decades. At the height of his career, he developed a serious cocaine addiction and confesses that such may have been a great part of his catastrophic relationships in the past.
He said, “It was over. I was dead. I was a walking corpse.” Although he states that he is not religious but spiritual, he’s been drug-free since 1986 after reconnecting with spirituality. He is an avid practiser of Transcendental Meditation. In 1987, he tipped the charts with “When Smokey Sings” – an album that catapulted him into his wife’s arms and where he sings unashamedly of love and making it.
In May 2002, the couple tied the knot with Smokey beaming over his bride and best friend. Smokey has other children from previous relationships, and Frances, a son from a previous relationship as well. Hollywood critics observe that the couple’s relationship came at the perfect time – when Smokey had quit his addictions; and when both were ready to begin new chapters in their lives.
The couple agrees that they would not have enjoyed bringing up children in today’s world. “Today’s kids aren’t stupid, they’re smart…but there are too many gadgets surrounding them. It’s as if they’re being fed too much information all at once.” Perhaps this is some good advice to take away from the couple. In this Information and Technology Age, it’s very easy to let the Kindle, iPad or television do the baby-sitting. But it is only meaningful communication that will ensure that there are no unnecessary barriers between parents and children.
Frances, a fashion designer, obviously has eyes for the exterior. And who could resist those smoky grey eyes and that smooth, sweet voice? But more than that, is the attraction to the soul of that poet, the songwriter who tells all in his music about love, affection and romance.
Although this song was written before they became man and wife, we think that this particular number describes how they feel – each about the other.
ONE HEARTBEAT: SMOKEY & FRANCES