Smokey Robinson To Give Keynote Address At SXSW 2010

There’s going to be a definite ‘Motown’ vibe next year at the 2010 South By Southwest (SXSW) festival. Organizers have announced that none other than the legendary Smokey Robinson will deliver the keynote address at the music conference.

Robinson’s keynote will kick off the 24th edition of the SXSW activities at the Austin Convention Center on Thursday, March 18, 2010.

The R&B icon joins a list of previous keynote speakers at the festival that includes Lou Reed, Pete Townshend and Neil Young.

A musical legend in every sense of the word, Robinson is one of the architects of the “Motown sound,” a singer and songwriter that has received a Kennedy Center Honor, membership in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the “UK Special Achievement Award” at the Ivor Novello Awards and The ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Heritage Award.

Bob Dylan called Robinson “America’s greatest living poet.”

The list of hit songs is staggering, not too mention the songs he wrote for so many great artists. With his band the Miracles, Robinson scored 27 big hits for the Motown label between 1960 and 1971. No doubt Robinson should bring an excellent perspective to the SXSW event – a real treat to if you happen to find yourself in Austin next year.

Robinson’s current album, Time Flies When You’re Having Fun, was released on August 25, 2009 on his own Robso Records.

Registrations are now available for SXSW 2010 at the website.

What’s your favorite Smokey Robinson song?