Open Letter to Smokey Robinson

Hey Smokey! We go back a long way! I've been a fan of yours for many years. I still get excited when I hear that you are going to make a celebrity appearance on a TV show.

Whichever show it is Sunshine is there beaming with pride. It's because of you and Berry Gordy that we have been given the gift of Motown.

I, thank you from the depths of my heart. Without the both of you starting Motown in Detroit your fans could have possibly missed out on some amazing groups and talent!

You were born and bred in Detroit. Heck they must be so thankful for you! It's no wonder you achieved the title "King Of Motown"!

Your plan was to attend college after you graduated high school. I'm sure you would have become an excellent electrical engineer, but I'm glad you chose another path. I think I can speak for millions of fans who are thrilled you became the sensational R&B singer Smokey Robinson!

My intention isn't to embarass you, but your green eyes are mesmerizing! One suggestion though is cut back on the cosmetic surgery. Allow yourself to age gracefully, trust me you still got that swagga!

I was always intrigued by your name so I went in search of an answer and found it very interesting. Your uncle was looking out for you and gave you an imprint so that you never forget where you came from. At 6 years old you thought Smokey Joe was your uncle's way of calling you cowboy due to your love of western movies. Since you were light-skinned he actually rendered you Smokey Joe so you would never forget that you were black. Your uncle was a clever man. I also had the nickname Smokey in my younger years, but it was for different reasons.

I once had a car that I nicknamed Smokey, yep after you! The name and the man will forever leave an everlasting impression on Sunshine. That's been my nickname for the past 15 years courtesy of my husband, can you guess why?

I actually became a fan of yours in the 80's. Your first song that caught my attention as a solo artist was Just To See Her in which you won a Grammy! You captured my heart and soul! This was your comeback after beating your cocaine addiction. I'm so glad you won that fight! You re-entered back into your career in a blaze of glory. Those western movies paid off for you! Shortly thereafter your song One Heartbeat hit the radio and I couldn't get enough of you. Both of these hits topped the chart in three categories! Outstanding! Cruisin' is my favorite Smokey and the Miracles song! My daughter and son-in-law had that song on their wedding reception playlist just for you and I. Sweet!

At that point I wanted to learn more about you so I back tracked and began listening to the Miracles. You were the original member and your group was phenomenal! Your sultry voice stood out and you made the Miracles a very successful group. The group was a bit disappointed when you went solo in 1973, but you dedicated your first hit single Sweet Harmony to them. That was thoughtful of you. You had to look out for your future.

You inspired many musicians. In 1987 the band ABC premiered their tribute song to you, When Smokey Sings! What a fabulous song that is!

You are a miracle in yourself, Mr. William Smokey Robinson Jr. You have given your fans and admirers your heart, body and soul with your musical genius.

The tribute song along with being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame made 1987 a wondrous year for you!

You deserve all the recognition you received then and continue to receive today.

Your two daughters from your ex wife must be very proud of you. Your son from an unspecified partner must be honored to call you dad! Your present wife must also beam with pride.

You created a legacy for which I will always be thankful. You became 74 years old on Feb. 19, 2014 and look at all you've accomplished during your lifetime!

Singer, songwriter, record producer, former record executive and mentor to many! Atta boy to you!

Thank you for all you've given your fans and I wish you many more healthy, happy years ahead.

Pssst...nix the botox! Just my opinion, I think you look fit and fabulous! When Smokey sings, we hear violins.