Today, Robinson still continues to grace us with his Motown soul. He has been given such awards as the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Smokey has continued to perform and tour periodically. In 2003, Robinson served as a guest judge for American Idol during "Billy Joel Week." He issued a gospel LP, Food for the Spirit in 2004. In 2005, Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame. A new album of pop standards from the early 20th century, Timeless Love, was released in June 2006. It was originally recorded with a jazz combo, but strings were added after the fact, giving the album more of a lush sound but removing much of the jazz feeling of the disc.At its 138th Commencement Convocation in May 2006, Howard University conferred on Robinson the degree of Doctor of Music, honoris causa. In December 2006 Robinson was one of five Kennedy Center honorees, along with Dolly Parton (with whom Robinson had recorded a 1987 duet, "I Know You By Heart"), Zubin Mehta (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zubin_Mehta) , Stephen Spielberg, and Andrew Lloyd Webber. On February 11, 2007 Robinson sang "Tracks Of My Tears" at the 49th annual Grammy Awards, as part of a tribute to R&B music which included Motown labelmate Lionel Richie and current R&B star Chris Brown. Robinson performed on the sixth season finale of American Idol on May 23, 2007. Robinson and the top six male contestants performed a medley of his hits.On March 25, 2009, Robinson appeared again on American Idol this time as a mentor. He coached the top 10 contestants of Season 8, who performed classic Motown songs. He also premiered the first single, "You're the One For Me", which features Joss Stone. The song also became available on iTunes and Amazon, March 26, 2009. The song is an updated version of the song "You're The One For Me Bobby," which he wrote and produced for The Marvelettes in 1968 for their album "Sophisticated Soul." On March 20 2009, The Miracles were finally honored as a group with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Smokey was present with original Miracles members Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore ,ex-wife (and Bobby's cousin) Claudette Robinson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claudette_Robinson), and ,Gloria White, accepting for her husband , the late Ronnie White Smokey's replacement, 70's Miracles lead singer, Billy Griffin was also honored. Controversially, original Miracle Mary Tarplin was not honored, against the wishes of his fellow Miracles, and the group's fans, who felt that he should have also been there to share the honor.On May 9, 2009, Smokey Robinson received an honorary doctorate degree and gave a commencement speech at Berklee College of Music (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berklee_College_of_Music) 's commencement ceremony.On August 25, 2009 Robinson released Time Flies When You're Having Fun. A self produced and written CD of mostly new material on his own RobSo label. The CD includes a cover of the Norah Jones hit "Don't Know Why". Special guests on the LP include India Arie, Carlos Santana (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Santana) , and Joss Stone. The Joss Stone duet "You're the one for me" was performed on American Idol. The CD also contains a homage to early Motown and Michael Jackson with the hidden bonus track "I Want You Back."Smokey Robinson is, truly, a living legend, accomplishing more in his lifetime than most even dream about. Music pioneer Smokey Robinson will grace the stage at the Viva Health Starlight Gala, April 24 at 7 p.m. If you have yet to get tickets, call (205) 975-ARTS for information on how you can see this once-in-a-lifetime performance of one of the greatest artists of all time.
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