Briefly, radio mogul Cathy Hughes, owner of Radio One, was the general manager at Howard University radio WHUR during the early ’70s when she created the format “the quiet storm.” She used Smokey Robinson’s composition as the theme song. The lyric of the ballad “The Agony and the Ecstasy” hit the Top Ten at number seven, and it was followed by the masterpiece “A Quiet Storm.” Although it only managed to seal the Top 25, it has since made a greater impact on the music charts and music industry. It was Robinson’s first number one single since leaving the Miracles.
Arranged in an intermittent rhythm, “Baby That’s Backatcha” ran up the Billboard R&B charts to number one inside 16 weeks. The album itself had three singles hit the charts. The title track became the namesake for a music format. As many of his prior songs had shaped R&B and pop music, this album would have a similar effect. The genius of William “Smokey” Robinson is immeasurable. As exemplified by „A Quiet Storm“, Smokey’s gift is constant and genuine. You can’t go wrong with a Smokey Robinson record, no matter what it’s decade of origin, but this is perhaps his definitive ’70s album, defining a smooth, contemporary R&B style that would be emulated for decades to come. No less an authority and devoted fan than Bob Dylan once called Smokey Robinson, ‘the greatest living poet in a America today.’ 1975’s „A Quiet Storm“ contains all the patented Smokey touches: the sweet irresistible melodies the slow-dancing ballads the jump-for-joy love songs. Smokey’s gentle, sensual vocals are effortlessly delivered but completely captivating.
Smokey Robinson invented a style of songwriting and singing that influenced artists as diverse as James Taylor, Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, Boyz ll Men and Linda Ronstadt, to name just a few. Studio Master, Official Digital Download – Source: Qobuz | Artwork: Front cover | © UNI/Motown
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