This year, Smokey Robinson received the Golden Heart award by the Midnight Mission during the 19th Annual Golden Heart Awards. Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy, Jr., presented the award. Motown family and friends were also in attendance, including Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Motown songwriter/producer Mickey Stevenson; film star, Leon Isaac Kennedy; former lead of the Temptations, Louis Price, among others.

“It’s just wonderful to be around people who want to do good things: help the less fortunate, not forget where they came from. When you have that kind of stuff happening, you feel good about yourself,” said Berry Gordy.

William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. has been noted as America’s “greatest living poet” (Bob Dylan) and has accumulated over 4,000 songs to his credit. He has numerous Grammy’s, Hall of Fame awards, and other top awards spanning his 50+years in the music industry and is undeniably a living legend and music icon known worldwide. This humanitarian award was much deserved for Smokey’s efforts with the Midnight Mission, including hosting an annual golf tournament in Santa Clarita wherein the public may participate to benefit the cause.

Many at the event commented on Smokey’s benevolent spirit and said he has a heart of gold. Past honorees include Dick Van Dyke, Tim Allen, and other industry icons.