One of the greatest Motown songs ever, and that's saying something. Who' else is still cranking up this perfect classic in their 70s in 2024? And surely no other song in the top-40 era mentions Pagliacci!
Been listening to this song 🎵 since it came out in the 70's, one of my all time favorite motown sound use to watch soul train as a kid,just turned 67 yrs young,still going strong,like this song❤❤❤
Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, got my dad through Vietnam. He said his music lifted him spiritually and got his mind out of that place while he served. My dad passed away in 2009. He was a huge fan of the Supremes, Gene Chandler, the Four Tops, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. I listen to Motown to reminisce my dad. Thank you
This comment made me laugh out loud. Wish I had a dollar for every time they played this on the radio in the 70s. Came here from this just uploaded FredFlix video, he included it there - czcams.com/video/BqmWr_2EvFI/video.html
Two things I have to acknowledge about this song other than it OUTSTANDING 1. I Hear a females voice. I'm going to presume it's Ms. Claudette. Smokey's first wife. She's not pictured on the album cover....Why not? 2. I finally found out what the words are towards the end....."the greatest pretender". Until this video, no other person had the words to that particular verse. Which makes me appreciate this song all that much more. This is one of my favorite songs of all time. Mr. Robinson and Mr. Wonder are musical genius's!
If Smokey Robinson sees this I would like to thank him for singing the soundtrack of our lives. So many of our life's memories are tied to your music thank you for sharing it with us.
This has been "My Song" ever since being bought it back in 1970. I was only 8 & didnt even have anything to play it on except for my sisters player. The "B" side of "Who's Gonna Take The Blame" still blows my mind too - a perfect song with a beginning, middle & end. I now have a few notes from "Tears" incorporated in a tattoo I had done for my 50th birthday, and (without being morbid) I asked a piano-playing friend to do a version at my funeral if I go before he does. Love you Smokey. xx
One year, at Motown’s annual Christmas party, Stevie Wonder approached Smokey Robinson and told him about a track he’d just finished recording but hadn’t written words for. Robinson took it home and the song’s bright, swirling melody immediately made him think of a circus. As Robinson later recalled, he wondered, “What can I write about the circus that’s going to touch people’s hearts? Can’t write about the animals. People love animals, but what’s that got to do with touching people’s hearts, unless I write something tragic about an animal.” He eventually landed on the idea of a sad clown; “Tears of a Clown” appeared on the Miracles’ 1967 album Make It Happen, but wasn’t released as a single until 1970, when it went to the top of the charts in the U.S. and U.K.
The best song ever recorded back in the day! I loved this song. I was only five years old, but I do remember it well. My mother had the 45 record at the time and she used to play it a lot is the reason I remember this song. Me and my mom used to sing along every time she played it. :D Those were the good old days! :D ♥♥♥♥♥ Life wasn't so bad back then like it is now. :(
I amuse myself every so often by making my "Greatest Recordings of All Time" list. This record makes the top 5 every time. Often it's #1. Just a masterpiece.
Nice! This is in my top 3 Smokey songs ever along with Tracks Of My Tears and Cruising. The musicianship in this song and the back and forth background repeated vocals by the other Miracles to compliment Smokey's voice is inimitable!!
The drumming is top notch, just phenomenal! One of my all-time favorite songs. I grew up with this in the 80s, thank God, my parents had great taste in music, and thank God, for great music, altogether!!🎶🎵🎶
I've said this about numerous songs, but, I'm saying it again here - one of my top 10 favorite songs of all time. Top 10 lists are hard... Because there's so many good ones out there. But this is definitely GOLD.
#SMOKEYROBINSONANDTHEMIRACLES #TEARSOFACLOWN Smokey Robinson was another of the talented singer/songwriters at #MotownRecords. He wrote many hit songs for his group, as well as for other singers #EXCEPTIONAL 😄👍👍👍👍🎸🎹🥁🎷🎸💛💝💜💙
Smokey Robinson and The Miracles final No.1 song on Billboard's charts Tears Of A Clown together as a group in 1970 wouldn't be until six years later when they returned with Love Machine also No.1 from 1976 this time without Smokey it's Billy Griffin
I grew up in the 90's but no matter the boy band heavy metal band I always went to Motown classic Rock and good old 80's and earlier music according to my grandparents God rest their souls I have an oldies spirit and if that ain't the truth this song along with their music is in every one of my devices and playlists I love that smooth voice of his so well controlled Motown 2024
I went to see Madonna in concert when i was a kid and literally just before she came on they played this at the time I had no idea who it was or hadn't heard the song before and took me few years (no Internet no google) to find out who n what it was and it's become my favourite song since then fcukin classic motown what a voice n what a vibe and trust me hearing it thousands of watts loud with 75,000 people at wembley stadium hight of the summer was amazing trust me!
I love the beat of this; even the instrumental part after Smokey sing, “The Tears of a Clown” especially the low part. Being totally blind, sometimes I catch more things than sighted people. It also is a good workout song
Cackling is a sign of neurological issues. It reminds me of a song by Smokey Robinson and the miracles. The tracks of my tears If you listen to the song, you will understand Harris . Statistically women who do not bear children of their own They are statistics. You can look it up, such as depression.
I could actually have one special sound system to play this song and this song only! The rest of the music can be played on that one over there in the corner.
Smokey I met you vaguely in Wichita Kansas I have felt that way ! I love ❤ this song and I would love to perform with you someday soon and I am a song writer and a entertainers so let's get together and I pray for you all ❤️ love a fan for life
This is one of the best songs about depression.
One of the greatest Motown songs ever, and that's saying something. Who' else is still cranking up this perfect classic in their 70s in 2024? And surely no other song in the top-40 era mentions Pagliacci!
I’m right here with u
Not the best in my opinion, maybe tied 100
Music by a 16 year old Stevie Wonder and Hank Cosby, lyrics by Smokey Robinson.
I am my friend hello from Brisbane Australia what a song ❤️❤️❤️
@@andywilliams6965
That heartbeat drum, that voice, that lyric, thats the perfect song.
For sure about that ❤
One of the great songs everybody needs in their music collection!
That includes millenials like me 😂
One of the greatest songs written, arranged, and recorded. So many amazing moments.
One of the greatest songs ever recorded.
I may be millennial but I love the old school music
la vieille école est la meilleure école !!!!!
You have Great Taste !
There's nothing like Old School!
Best Mo Town Song of All Time 2024 still listening!
Been listening to this song 🎵 since it came out in the 70's, one of my all time favorite motown sound use to watch soul train as a kid,just turned 67 yrs young,still going strong,like this song❤❤❤
The song came out in 1968
This is catchy. They should play it on the radio.
Yeah its so sad they never play such classics. This is a banger.
Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, got my dad through Vietnam. He said his music lifted him spiritually and got his mind out of that place while he served. My dad passed away in 2009. He was a huge fan of the Supremes, Gene Chandler, the Four Tops, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. I listen to Motown to reminisce my dad.
Thank you
I listen to Gold radio and its played on there very often ....one of my all time favourites.
You're about 60 years late
This comment made me laugh out loud. Wish I had a dollar for every time they played this on the radio in the 70s.
Came here from this just uploaded FredFlix video, he included it there -
czcams.com/video/BqmWr_2EvFI/video.html
Two things I have to acknowledge about this song other than it OUTSTANDING
1. I Hear a females voice. I'm going to presume it's Ms. Claudette. Smokey's first wife. She's not pictured on the album cover....Why not?
2. I finally found out what the words are towards the end....."the greatest pretender". Until this video, no other person had the words to that particular verse. Which makes me appreciate this song all that much more. This is one of my favorite songs of all time.
Mr. Robinson and Mr. Wonder are musical genius's!
Claudette left the group as far as performances but still remained an active member until Smokey left.
@@mathenellwoods95 So you've proved my point🤷
If Smokey Robinson sees this I would like to thank him for singing the soundtrack of our lives. So many of our life's memories are tied to your music thank you for sharing it with us.
This song and “Tracks Of My Tears” add up to a dynamic duo.
96 Tears also!
The Tracks of My Tears of a Clown. Haha.
Still lovin this song! I was 8 years old when I first heard it. It still makes me smile and dance.
Oh don't it, though!
probably of my fav by smokey robinson & the miracles. they made this sad song sound sooo good!
SMOKEY STILL GOT IT IN 2023!!! LIT UP THE GRAMMY AWARDS, WITH STEVIE WONDER…WHAT A BLESSING!!!❤
This has been "My Song" ever since being bought it back in 1970. I was only 8 & didnt even have anything to play it on except for my sisters player. The "B" side of "Who's Gonna Take The Blame" still blows my mind too - a perfect song with a beginning, middle & end. I now have a few notes from "Tears" incorporated in a tattoo I had done for my 50th birthday, and (without being morbid) I asked a piano-playing friend to do a version at my funeral if I go before he does. Love you Smokey. xx
Bassoon, bari sax, harpsichord, and more. Such an incredible song and that’s not even mentioning all the other fantastic talent involved.
Facts......
❤ This song! It's a great storytelling song. Real music when they actually sang!
This tune is awesome! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
One year, at Motown’s annual Christmas party, Stevie Wonder approached Smokey Robinson and told him about a track he’d just finished recording but hadn’t written words for. Robinson took it home and the song’s bright, swirling melody immediately made him think of a circus. As Robinson later recalled, he wondered, “What can I write about the circus that’s going to touch people’s hearts? Can’t write about the animals. People love animals, but what’s that got to do with touching people’s hearts, unless I write something tragic about an animal.” He eventually landed on the idea of a sad clown; “Tears of a Clown” appeared on the Miracles’ 1967 album Make It Happen, but wasn’t released as a single until 1970, when it went to the top of the charts in the U.S. and U.K.
I want radio stations to get back playing this on their “old school” stations, especially the morning shows. I miss Tom Joyner and Russ Parr.
The best song ever recorded back in the day! I loved this song. I was only five years old, but I do remember it well. My mother had the 45 record at the time and she used to play it a lot is the reason I remember this song. Me and my mom used to sing along every time she played it. :D Those were the good old days! :D ♥♥♥♥♥ Life wasn't so bad back then like it is now. :(
@Smokey Robinson ♪ You're welcome! 😳Are you the real Smokey Robinson?? 😲 If so, I applaud you Sir! 👋👋👋👋👋 😀 God bless you. 😃
Scammer alert 🚨
Music from the sixties is still as good today June 2024!! How much music today will still be as good in sixty years??
I amuse myself every so often by making my "Greatest Recordings of All Time" list. This record makes the top 5 every time. Often it's #1. Just a masterpiece.
An all time classic I sing to myself for the past 50 years. Almost perfect in every sense. Get well Smokey!
Wow, I never knew the name of this song until now. I really like this song.
This has been my daughter's favorite song since she was 4 and still at 16 she still LOVES it
Nice! This is in my top 3 Smokey songs ever along with Tracks Of My Tears and Cruising. The musicianship in this song and the back and forth background repeated vocals by the other Miracles to compliment Smokey's voice is inimitable!!
This is one of my favorite song of Smokey Robinson ! He always had a beautiful voice when he sings . I will continue listening to your music .
The drumming is top notch, just phenomenal! One of my all-time favorite songs. I grew up with this in the 80s, thank God, my parents had great taste in music, and thank God, for great music, altogether!!🎶🎵🎶
This is still one of my favorite songs.💃💃💃💃❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for your sincere compliment and love. I'm not complete without you as my Fan, I have you to be most thankful for ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This is not the real Smokey Robinson it is a scammer scamming money and gift cards from people please report to u tube and authorities
I've said this about numerous songs, but, I'm saying it again here - one of my top 10 favorite songs of all time.
Top 10 lists are hard... Because there's so many good ones out there. But this is definitely GOLD.
This has to be the greatest song/lyric every written.
#SMOKEYROBINSONANDTHEMIRACLES #TEARSOFACLOWN Smokey Robinson was another of the talented singer/songwriters at #MotownRecords. He wrote many hit songs for his group, as well as for other singers #EXCEPTIONAL 😄👍👍👍👍🎸🎹🥁🎷🎸💛💝💜💙
Motown still has a deep place in my soul of sounds I just cant never let it go
Could not have said it anybetter Sing it Smokey ❤❤❤❤
Their (as a group) ONLY hit song to reach #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart - circa 1970.
Imagine Smokey Robinson and the Miracles singing that awesome 1970 song at a circus!!
The song came out in 1968
Smokey Robinson and The Miracles final No.1 song on Billboard's charts Tears Of A Clown together as a group in 1970 wouldn't be until six years later when they returned with Love Machine also No.1 from 1976 this time without Smokey it's Billy Griffin
The song came out in 1968
Any rock song with bassoon is automatically awesome.
Oh man, it took me YEARS to figure that out, after hearing it on a jukebox in 1970 when I was 12!
My favourite song of all time. I don't know why. It just is
I grew up in the 90's but no matter the boy band heavy metal band I always went to Motown classic Rock and good old 80's and earlier music according to my grandparents God rest their souls I have an oldies spirit and if that ain't the truth this song along with their music is in every one of my devices and playlists I love that smooth voice of his so well controlled Motown 2024
You don't hear many bassoons in 60s music. As good as cowbell!
I love this song
I wasn’t even born yet but I like Smokey music
Great song !!! 🙂
I remember all the words 🙏🏻❤️
A good music can make you smile😊 I hope my simple Hello can make you smile🌹
Thanks for your sincere compliment and love. I'm not complete without you as my Fan, I have you to be most thankful for ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Just makes u feel good💞💞
This some bad ass Motown song !!!!!!!!!!
This song is as close to perfect as a pop song can be.
They played it tons in 1970-71 when I was in 6th grade.😃
Man, so much going on in this classic jam. Such a shame my generation mostly doesn't pay attention to music like this.
I am enjoying this MOTOWN DANCE PARTY PLAYLIST 2024!!!! PARTY OVER HERE IN TEMPE ARIZONA!!🎉🎉💃🏿💃🏿🎷🎷🎶🎶
I'm a metalhead but completely dig this song!!!
one of my moms favorites she passed away last week but i have happy memories of her
95.1 FM The Wow Factor in Phoenix, AZ plays it all the time! Never gets old!! True classic!!
I've been listening to Smokey's music all my life....he is the greatest....love you Smokey.... ❤❤❤
Saddest song that still want to get up and dance to! Love the bass!
순풍 ㅋㅋㅋ 아아~~ 너무욱껴^^
I went to see Madonna in concert when i was a kid and literally just before she came on they played this at the time I had no idea who it was or hadn't heard the song before and took me few years (no Internet no google) to find out who n what it was and it's become my favourite song since then fcukin classic motown what a voice n what a vibe and trust me hearing it thousands of watts loud with 75,000 people at wembley stadium hight of the summer was amazing trust me!
What a timeless song 🔥
He is the best of Motown.
1:00 - 1:10
The best ten seconds of music ever recorded
You know I like this soul music everybody that knows me
I love the beat of this; even the instrumental part after Smokey sing, “The Tears of a Clown” especially the low part. Being totally blind, sometimes I catch more things than sighted people. It also is a good workout song
Brill song with great lyrics ... still sounds as good as when it was released
Best pop song with a bassoon and piccolo ever.
Smokey, Motown. 'nuff said.
This is my FAVORITE song by Smokey and The Miracles.-Hands down.
As a 52yr old white man I love Motown so much beautiful music from so many great artists 😁😁😁😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩
There's no need to mention your race. Just enjoy da 🎶 music
Great song God bless you guys
They are my people! Thank God! {=(I WAS RAISED RIGHT=)}✓
Crazy that this song mentions Pagliacci!! Love it!!
When hits had sophistication and great lyrics. Not the mindless gumph churned out today.
Ah yes, the memories.
Another brilliant piece of Motown I love this one ktf ❤❤❤🎉🤩😊😎🤗
I had never heard this song, nor had I heard of it... I came here because it is mentioned in "Spending my time" by Roxette.
Good song!!!
Totally unique rock/pop song. Can anybody think of another pop song that used a bassoon ?? Great idea....!!!! 😃😃😃😃 Thanks for posting.
Love ❤️
That Bassoon!
Awesome song
One of my all time favorites.
I was 16. This, San Bernardino, Love is like candy Raindrops keep falling on my head, Heartbreak hotel, Maxicalli moon, White cliffs of Dover...
Awesome song. Amazing bass and great drumming, too.
Great bass guitar.
James Jamerson, I think. If not, it's Bob Babbit.
This song is one of the reasons why Smokey Robinson ,( is in the Songwriters Hall Of Fame )!
...love love love!!!
Stone cold classic!! They don't make 'em like this anymore...
Bring it on 😎🕺🕊️👁️
This song is so whimsical.
Masterpiece!🌹💙🌹💙🌹💙🌹💙🌹💙🌹💙🌹💙🌹💙🌹💙🌹💙🌹💙🌹💙🌹💙🌹💙🌹💙🌹💙🌹💙🌹💙🌹
My neighbour has the radio on and this was blasting out from his radio. I love this song ❤
what an incredible mixing of all these different instruments and blending the singers into it, amazing>
great song
Cackling is a sign of neurological issues. It reminds me of a song by Smokey Robinson and the miracles.
The tracks of my tears
If you listen to the song, you will understand Harris .
Statistically women who do not bear children of their own
They are statistics. You can look it up, such as depression.
smokey robnson our music is realey good to
Thanks for your sincere compliment and love. I'm not complete without you as my Fan, I have you to be most thankful for ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
thank you
I could actually have one special sound system to play this song and this song only! The rest of the music can be played on that one over there in the corner.
Smokey I met you vaguely in Wichita Kansas I have felt that way ! I love ❤ this song and I would love to perform with you someday soon and I am a song writer and a entertainers so let's get together and I pray for you all ❤️ love a fan for life
Just makes u feel good😎😎🔊🔊
Smokey is just the best.
Best lyric ever.
“Tears Of A Clown” is among my top favorites💛.
Perfected Old Home Place, holding the fort down.