Musical icon Smokey Robinson will be using his gift to help homeless Veterans Sunday, December 6 at The Peabody Opera House – where St. Louis serves as the kick off for the Voices for Veterans campaign of concerts.
Created by the Give Us Your Poor national campaign to end homelessness, Voices for Veterans will hold concerts to raise money and awareness, as well as inspire volunteerism to permanently house veterans and provide needed services to support their quality of life when they return home.
The Voices for Veterans St. Louis show will also feature rising classical music crossover star Mario Frangoulis – an internationally acclaimed tenor best known for his refined vocal interpretations and ability to sing in more than five languages. CNN described him as “pure sound, all voice.”
During the course of his 50-year career in music, Robinson has accumulated more than 4,000 songs to his credit, while he continues to thrill sold-out audiences worldwide with his high tenor voice, impeccable timing and profound sense of lyric.
One of the pioneers of the Motown Sound, he was honored recently as part of the American Music Masters by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, of which he and the Miracles are also members.
Recently Robinson has been using his talent and celebrity to stand for worthy causes – particularly in honor of military service personnel.
This summer he was one of the faces of the “Boots On” campaign that raised awareness and support to both veterans and active duty.
“I’m wearing my boots for all our troops around the world – especially those who have given their lives and their limbs,” Robinson said. “I feel really good to give thanks to those protecting our nation. I am honored.”
At 75, there is no sign of him slowing down – especially when it comes to lending his talent to worthy causes across the nation.
“I am so, so, very, very, very blessed. I get a chance to live my life and earn my living doing what I absolutely love. You can’t beat that,” Robinson told The Alabama News Center as he prepared to perform as part of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute’s Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Celebration last month.
“The favorite part of my work is performing. I don’t get that charge anywhere else than when I’m with an audience and all the fans.”
The Voices For Veterans Concert starring Smokey Robinson and featuring Mario Frangoulis will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 6 at The Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market St.
For tickets and information, call the Peabody Opera House at 314.499.7600 or visit www.peabodyoperahouse.com/tickets or www.ticketmaster.com.
For more information about Voices for Veterans and the concert series, visit www.VfVconcerts.org.
