In 2006 I had a tix to see Bruce Springsteen at MSG when Smokey Robinson was announced to perform at Carnegie Hall. So I didn't what any guy would do, I gave away my Springsteen tix and went to see Smokey.
Towards the end he told the story of how he came to write "Tracks Of My Tears" and sitting next to Smokey was the great Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin playing the wonderful lick Marv had written, playing it over and over again while Smokey paid tribute to his guitarist for over 40 years.
Besides being Smokey's secret weapon, he co-wrote songs like "Going to a Go-Go," "The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage." ), "Ain't That Peculiar" and "I'll Be Doggone".
Marv Tauplin, who retired in 2008 died in Las Vegas last week.
An enormous loss for music lovers everywhere.