Motown Legend Smokey Robinson Brings Classic Cool & New Soul To ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’

Musical icon Smokey Robinson swung by Jimmy Kimmel Live on Wednesday to promote his new covers album What The World Needs Now. Robinson performed the record’s opening track, “Be Thankful For What You Got,” and sat for an extended interview.

The 85-year-old vocalist has written over 4,000 songs and discussed his prolific output with Jimmy Kimmel. Smokey talked about what an honor it is to have other artists cover his songs. He also called ABC “very nice” for honoring him with their 1987 hit “When Smokey Sings.”

Robinson was among the outrageously talented musicians who contributed to the 1985 charity single “We Are The World.” Smokey recalled his experiences with Michael Jackson and also discussed What The World Needs Now, the genesis of the title for his Gasm album and took questions from Kimmel’s dad, who is a Robinson superfan. Additionally, the Motown great revealed how he came up with bass line for “My Girl.”

The two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer released What The World Needs Now this past Friday, April 25. “Whenever I’m in the studio, I’m having fun. Recording this time was even more special because we went in with a purpose: to record an uplifting album in a time when the world needs some inspiration,” Robinson said of an album in which he put his own spin on songs by the likes of The Staple Singers, James Taylor, Louis Armstrong, Bob Marley and Louis Armstrong.

“Be Thankful For What You Got” was written and originally recorded by William DeVaughn. The single topped the U.S. R&B charts and peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the spring of 1974. Smokey Robinson performed the song with help from Kimmel house band The Cletones.

Watch Smokey Robinson’s appearance on Wednesday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live below: