Their songs have forged the soundtrack for generations: "You Really Got a Hold on Me," "The Tracks of My Tears," "I Second That Emotion," "Tears of a Clown" and "Ooh Baby Baby" — just to name a few.And it all began back in October 1960 when the Miracles, led by a then-unknown Smokey Robinson, gave Berry Gordy’s fledgling Detroit record company, called Motown, its first gold record with the single "Shop Around."
With that first single, the Miracles would help to create what would forever be known simply as the Motown Sound.
"Looking back, we didn’t really understand the power that our music had," says original member Bobby Rogers from his Detroit home. "We didn’t see the power it had. The power of love and the power to unite people — all people.
"In those days, we brought a lot of worlds together — black and white, men and women, young and old. Not to mention helping to bring a lot of babies into this world."
And they’re still doing it today — or, more to the point, this weekend as the Miracles perform as part of the month-long Music at McClellan concert series featuring the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
"We simply love to perform," Rogers says. "We love the music and love to watch as audiences respond to these songs that have meant so much throughout their lives."
Though Robinson left the Miracles for a solo career after a final concert in Washington, D.C., on July 16, 1972, Rogers has continued to tour, enlisting the vocal services of several "new" Miracles over the years.
The concert Saturday will feature the Miracles’ latest lead singer, Mark Scott, who has only been performing with the group for a few months. And while Scott has some tremendous shoes to fill, audiences should be pleasantly surprised, Rogers says.
"He’s an absolute natural who’s adapted very well," Rogers says. "And as fate would have it, his voice sounds just like Smokey’s. The audience will be absolutely amazed."
Rogers is still firming up the setlist for the concert, but he has promised a few surprises. In addition to hearing the familiar favorites among the Miracles more than 40 pop chart hits, the audience also will perform some lesser known B-sides and a medley in honor of the Temptations, for whom Robinson wrote such classics as "My Girl," "The Way You Do the Things You Do" and "Get Ready."
"We like to change things up, to keep the music fresh and keep the audience guessing," Rogers says with an excited laugh. "We all love to sing, but we also love to entertain. We want to put on a show that’ll be fun for everyone, including us."
Though he’s been performing most of these songs for upwards of 40 years, Rogers says he never gets tired when he sees the reaction from the crowds … and their children.
"Each new audience reinvigorates us," he says. "This is something that never ever gets old. It’s just a pleasure to be up there, singing songs for people who love that Motown sound and the Miracles music."
Music at McClellan
What: The Miracles & Alabama Symphony Orchestra.When: Sat. 8 p.m.
Where: Near McClellan’s Duck Pond, follow signs.
How much: $20 adults, $5 children 4-11; under 4 free.
Contact: 310-0852, 800-489-1087 or www.musicatmcclellan.org.
