There’s a reason Smokey Robinson is known as the “King of Motown.”

His voice — smooth, drenched in soul — has carried across generations, weaving through love stories, heartbreaks and dance floors. Whether it was the unmistakable falsetto that made “The Tracks of My Tears” an anthem, or the lyrical touch that gifted “My Girl” to The Temptations, Robinson’s mark on music is unmistakable.

When asked if it feels surreal to look back on all he’s accomplished, Robinson’s response is grounded in humility. “None of it, or the magnitude of it, was expected,” he shared over the phone, lively as ever.

Robinson hails from Detroit, where he was a kid with big dreams and a notebook full of lyrics long before Motown existed. He formed with The Miracles in the mid-1950s, and when Berry Gordy took notice, things took off.

Robinson didn’t just become a star — he became the architect of a sound that helped break racial barriers and shape American music. The Miracles’ best-known songs, from “Shop Around” to “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” became top hits and cultural gems. And even beyond his own recordings, Robinson was the pen behind some of Motown’s greatest classics, writing for Marvin Gaye, The Temptations and Mary Wells.

“When we first started out, I never imagined this level of success,” he continued. “I met Berry Gordy before Motown even began. On that very first day, neither of us anticipated that Motown would become a global phenomenon. We were just making music because we loved it. Back then, it wasn’t even guaranteed that we’d be paid fairly, especially being Black. It’s gone far beyond what we ever imagined.”

At the time, music was still deeply segregated, and mainstream success for Black artists was far from guaranteed. But Motown wasn’t just a record label — it was a movement.

“Berry Gordy said, ‘We’re not just going to make Black music; we’re going to make music for everyone,’ ” Robinson recalled. “And I’m proud to say we accomplished that.”

Now, at 84, Robinson is still doing what he loves—performing, creating and proving that timeless music never really fades. As he gears up for his show at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, celebrating 50 years of “Being With You,” Robinson is reflecting on his journey, his enduring passion and the music that continues to bring people together.

Songs like “Ooo Baby Baby,” “Cruisin’ ” and “Being With You” became soundtracks to people’s lives, and Robinson’s ability to write with both heartache and hope ensured his music never lost relevance. He says the connection with his audience has always been at the heart of his performances, and it’s something that has only deepened over the years.

“I do concerts, honey,” he said, his voice filled with joy. “And it really makes me feel good. I see people at my concerts with their children, their children’s children, all sitting on their laps. When I first saw them, they were on their parents’ laps.”

Despite the decades that have passed, he finds that every night offers a new opportunity to rediscover the joy in his own music.

“Every night, those songs feel new to me,” he continued. “I’m extremely blessed to have a job I love, and I look forward to it every night. I’m having such a good time.”

It’s that sense of excitement that he brings to every show, often adjusting his set list based on the energy of the crowd. “I mix it up depending on where I’m performing,” he explained. “If it’s a younger crowd, I’ll pick songs that resonate with them. Every concert is a unique experience.”

Though his music is timeless, Robinson isn’t one to look back when creating new work. “I don’t think about the past or any of that when I write,” Robinson said. “Inspiration just hits me. When I write a song, I aim for it to resonate today and 50 years from now.”

His approach to songwriting remains as fresh as ever, with his upcoming album, “What the World Needs Now,” being a prime example.

“It’s an inspirational album, not spiritual, but something that lifts people up,” he said. “And I’m really excited about it. I hope it brings positivity and hope.” For Robinson, it’s not about revisiting old material or re-creating past success but about crafting something that will have a lasting impact, both now and in the future.

His influence extends far beyond his own music. Robinson’s songwriting and signature sound have influenced generations of artists. Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak’s 2021 Silk Sonic project drew heavily from the smooth style of Motown. CeeLo Green’s 2010 megahit, “Forget You,” was another wildly popular song that pulled from that era of soul, while artists like Meghan Trainor and Charlie Puth had the world singing “Let’s Marvin Gaye and get it on” for all of 2015. Robinson’s impact is felt not just in sound but in songwriting, with artists from John Legend to Alicia Keys citing him as an inspiration.

And then there’s “My Girl.”

The Temptations’ first No. 1 hit, penned and produced by Robinson, became one of Motown’s defining songs, a track so universally adored that even today, audiences across the world sing every word — even in places where English isn’t the native language. “That’s the power of music,” Robinson said. “It’s universal.”

As he embarks on his Legacy Tour, Robinson is ready to bring his hits to audiences worldwide. “I just hope people come and experience the joy of music. That’s why I’m here. It’s what I do best.”