King of Motown comes to Celebrity Theatre

Tickets are still available to see Motown Legend Smokey Robinson in concert with special guest Nayo Jones Wednesday at the Celebrity Theatre. The Sanderson Music Series event starts at 8 p.m.; doors open at 6:30.

Earlier this year, Smokey Robinson, along with Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr, were featured as mentors on FOX TV's ‘American Idol.' Filmed in Hitsville USA's famed Studio A in Detroit, the segment paid tribute to Motown's 50th Anniversary.

Save for founder Berry Gordy, no single figure has been more closely allied with the Detroit-based recording empire known as Motown than William "Smokey" Robinson. In addition to leading the Miracles, Robinson served as a Motown producer, songwriter, and talent scout. Robinson recorded thirty-seven Top 40 hits from 1960 to 1987 with The Miracles and as a solo artist. Chart toppers included "Being With You," "Cruisin," and "Just to See Her." Robinson also turned out hit after hit for other Motown acts: Mary Wells ("My Guy"), The Temptations ("My Girl"), and numerous others for The Marvelettes and Marvin Gaye.

Bob Dylan once called Robinson "America's greatest living poet." In 1987, Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards, and was a performer at this year's 51st Grammys. Most recently, Robinson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work with the Miracles. Still making music, his latest release is called "Timeless Love."

Tickets, ar $63, $78, and $103, are still available at Celebrity Theatre or online at www.celebritytheatre.com. To charge by phone, call 602-267-1600, Ext.1.

All tickets are subject to a surcharge. Celebrity Theatre is at 440 N. 32nd St., which is just four blocks south of the Loop 202 freeway in Phoenix.