Cam & Smokey Robinson to Team Up for 'CMT Crossroads'
Cam performs at T-Mobile Arena
CMT has teamed up some of country and pop music’s biggest stars over the years in their Crossroads series,
and the next pairing -- Motown legend Smokey Robinson and
critically-acclaimed sensation Cam -- promises to provide plenty of
magical musical moments. The new episode will tape this week, and will
air Wednesday, March 28 at 10 p.m. ET on CMT.
Robinson’s musical
contributions and influence spans five decades and 4,000 songs. A
multi-talented artist and businessman, the Detroit native climbed to
world renown and dominated R&B charts as the lead singer of The
Miracles with hits including “Shop Around,” “The Tears of a Clown" and
"I Second That Emotion." He penned some of the most influential hits in
American music including “My Girl,” and experienced massive success both
as a solo artist and as Motown record producer and executive. Among his
many accolades, Robinson was named a Grammy Living Legend and received
NARAS’ Lifetime Achievement for his impact in music. Though his success
lies in the pop and R&B formats, there are a few links to country
music on Robinson’s resume. His 1962 hit “You’ve Really Got A Hold On
Me” (recorded with The Miracles) was recorded in 1984 by Mickey Gilley,
who notched a No. 2 peak on the Hot Country Songs chart with the
classic, and in 1988, he partnered with Dolly Parton for “I Know You By
Heart,” a song that hit No. 22 on the Adult Contemporary listing.
Country singer/songwriter Cam skyrocketed to widespread acclaim in
2015 with her Grammy-nominated single “Burning House”; it was the
highest-selling female country song that year with more than 500,000
copies sold. The California-born artist developed her powerful vocals
from childhood, and learned to sing in 14 languages. She recently
released her new single “Diane” to broad reception from radio, and
anticipates the release of a new album later this year. Just like
Robinson, Cam’s music has made an impact with artists outside of her
format – as she has co-written and composed material for other artists
including Miley Cyrus and Sam Smith.
Of each other, there is
definitely a mutual admiration society. “I grew up listening to Smokey
Robinson," Cam says. "My dad used to walk around the house singing his
songs and I would try to harmonize along with him and Smokey so it’s
kinda insane that I’m getting to do this. There’s a feeling you get when
you hear Smokey's music. I’ve always been drawn to it and I think
everyone who listens to his music feels that way too - it’s pure magic.”
As for Cam? Consider Smokey Robinson impressed. “I’m looking forward to
working with Cam on our episode of Crossroads,” the legendary performer tells Billboard. "I can’t wait to hear what she brings to my songs.”
CMT Crossroads debuted
in January of 2002 with Elvis Costello and Lucinda Williams and since
has showcased dream musical partnerships including Kid Rock and Hank
Williams, Jr.; Ray Charles and Travis Tritt; Dave Matthews and Emmylou
Harris; Bon Jovi and Sugarland; Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire; Def
Leppard and Taylor Swift; Sting and Vince Gill; John Mayer and Keith
Urban; Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood; Stevie Nicks and Lady
Antebellum; Katy Perry and Kacey Musgraves; and Alicia Keys and Maren
Morris.
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