Credit: Courtesy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Update: The Rock Hall has just announced the first batch of performers scheduled to appear at the tribute. Dennis Edwards, Martha Reeves and Mary Wilson — all of whom are Rock Hall inductees — will perform along with Grammy winner the Robert Glasper Experiment. Adam Blackstone, a guy who’s served as the Musical Director for top-flight acts like Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Maroon 5, Jay Z, Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake, will serve as the tribute concert’s Musical Director. “As an iconic songwriter, Smokey Robinson was a driving force that pushed America’s legendary soul music label, Motown, towards greatness. I, and many of today’s songwriters, continue to be influenced by his timeless lyrics and lush vocals that helped define ‘pop soul.’ I am honored to be a part of this special event with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum celebrating Mr. Robinson,” he says ina press release. Robison will attend the festivities but isn’t scheduled to perform.

Originally posted: July 31, 2015 at 1:15 p.m.

An annual week-long event that pays tribute to an inductee, the Rock Hall’s Music Masters is one of the institution’s signature programs. The Rock Hall has just announced that this year’s event will pay tribute to R&B and soul singer William “Smokey” Robinson. Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame way back in 1987. “Smokey Robinson’s accomplishments as a songwriter, performer, and producer are unparalleled. It is particularly fitting that we honor him this year, the 20th year of Music Masters,” says Dr. Lauren Onkey, Vice President of Education and Public Programs for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in a press release. “The longstanding popularity and impact of his work shows us the power of popular music in our lives, which is what Music Masters is all about.”
The weeklong celebration will take place from Nov. 2 to 7 and will culminate with a gala concert at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Playhouse Square’s State Theatre.Tickets to the tribute concert will go on sale at 11 a.m. on Fri., Sept. 18 at playhousesquare.org. A Rock Hall member pre-sale will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 16.  

This article appears in Jul 29 – Aug 4, 2015.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.