GRAMMY-winning soul music icons Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin had a close friendship that began long before either of their singing careers had launched.
Robinson moved to Detroit with his family as a young kid, where he would go on to make history with songwriter/producer Berry Gordy and his legendary Motown label. Moving to Detroit was game-changing for young Smokey in more ways than one, as he would also meet a then six-year-old Aretha, who was already turning heads with her angelic singing.
Following Aretha's passing last August, the music world united in celebrating her legacy. Her many loved ones celebrated her life with a star-studded, music filled memorial in her hometown of Detroit, and the many artists she inspired and influenced continue to offer musical tributes, including on the 2019 GRAMMY stage.
Shortly before the GRAMMYs, the Recording Academy brought together many of these artists to sing Aretha's praises—and her unforgettable songs—for a powerful tribute concert, which will air on CBS this March.
"[It's] a special night for a special lady, especially a special lady to me." Robinson shared. "I've been hearing Aretha Franklin sing since she was six years old... She could sing the phonebook, really. Everything that she sang was her."
Tune in to hear the moving speech about his and Aretha's friendship, and watch "Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen Of Soul" on Sunday, March 10 at 9 p.m. EST / 8 p.m. CT on CBS.
Aretha Franklin's GRAMMY History: Remembering The Queen Of Soul
