Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight Deliver 7 Memorable Highlights at Hollywood Bowl Concert

On July 24, 2026, Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight graced the Hollywood Bowl stage, captivating an audience that has revered them as musical icons for decades. Both artists, with legacies that span generations, showcased their talents in a concert that celebrated their rich histories in the music industry.

A Legacy of Hits

Smokey Robinson, 86, and Gladys Knight, 82, have been influential figures in the music scene since the early 1960s. Robinson, along with his band The Miracles, made a significant impact on the Billboard Hot 100 with their 1961 hit “Shop Around.” Knight and her group, The Pips, followed suit with “Every Beat of My Heart” just months later. Their contributions to music have solidified their status as national treasures, a sentiment echoed by fans and critics alike.

Both artists have recently been recognized in Billboard’s list of “The 50 Best R&B Groups of All Time,” further emphasizing their enduring influence. The concert at the Hollywood Bowl marked the beginning of a two-night performance series titled “Just the Two of Us.”

Smokey Robinson’s Performance

Robinson’s performance was a testament to his enduring talent. He demonstrated remarkable vocal prowess and stage presence, engaging the audience with his charisma. Known for his songwriting skills, Robinson also proved to be an exceptional live performer. He shared anecdotes about his long-standing friendship with Knight, referring to her as “one of the greatest voices of our time.”

During his set, he entertained the crowd with a humorous impression of Stevie Wonder, adding a personal touch to his performance. His rendition of “The Tears of a Clown,” co-written with Wonder, resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing the emotional depth of his work.

However, some audience members noted that a segment of audience participation during “Cruisin'” felt prolonged and detracted from the overall flow of the concert. Despite this, Robinson’s setlist included numerous classics that left a lasting impression.

Gladys Knight’s Set

Knight’s performance, while still powerful, revealed some limitations in her vocal delivery. Many of her songs were shortened or rearranged to accommodate her current vocal capabilities. She leaned heavily on her backup singers, who occasionally took lead roles, which some fans found disappointing.

Despite these challenges, Knight still managed to evoke the passion and fire that have characterized her career. She performed a medley that included “The Nitty Gritty,” paired with The Jacksons’ “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground),” offering a fresh interpretation of her classic hits.

Knight also dedicated a segment of her performance to gospel music, featuring songs like “Stand” and “Take Me to the King,” both of which highlighted her roots in the genre. Gospel has played a significant role in her musical journey, contributing to her two recent Grammy wins.

Highlights from the Concert

The concert featured several standout moments that showcased the talents of both artists:

1. Interpolations Freshen Knight’s Songs: Knight’s medley of “The Nitty Gritty” and “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” provided a new perspective on her classic hit.

2. Knight’s Gospel Segment: The inclusion of gospel songs underscored Knight’s deep musical roots and her recent Grammy achievements in the genre.

3. All Hail Jim Weatherly and Curtis Mayfield: Knight performed several songs by Weatherly and Mayfield, including “Midnight Train to Georgia,” a highlight of her set.

4. An Extended Ovation for “Ooh Baby Baby”: Robinson’s performance of this beloved ballad garnered a lengthy applause, illustrating its lasting impact on audiences.

5. Saluting an Album That Inspired a Radio Format: Robinson performed tracks from his influential album A Quiet Storm, which helped shape a radio format.

6. The Temptations Segment: Robinson included several of his compositions for The Temptations, reminding the audience of his extensive songwriting legacy.

7. Finding Room for Other Writers: Robinson’s set included the Grammy-winning “Just to See Her,” a song he did not write, showcasing his respect for fellow songwriters.

Setlists

Gladys Knight Setlist

• “Taste of Bitter Love”
• “The Nitty Gritty” / “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)”
• “Make Yours a Happy Home”
• “Every Beat of My Heart”
• “Love Overboard”
• “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me”
• “If I Were Your Woman”
• “Oh! What a Love I Have Found”
• “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination”
• “Save the Overtime (For Me)”
• “Oh My Love” / “Never Too Much”
• “On and On”
• “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”
• “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)”
• “That’s What Friends Are For”
• “Stand”
• “Take Me to the King”
• “Midnight Train to Georgia”

Smokey Robinson Setlist

• “Being With You”
• “I Second That Emotion”
• “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me”
• “Quiet Storm”
• “The Agony and the Ecstasy”
• “The Way You Do the Things You Do”
• “Get Ready”
• “My Girl”
• “Gasms”
• “Ooo Baby Baby”
• “The Tears of a Clown”
• “Just to See Her”
• “The Tracks of My Tears”
• “Cruisin'”
• “Be Thankful for What You Got”

As reported by www.billboard.com.

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Published on 2026-07-25 22:58:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk