Smokey Robinson Named Celebrity Judge of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh's Annual Sing-Off Competition

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is pleased to announce that the legendary singer, songwriter and entrepreneur Smokey Robinson will serve as the judge for Highmark First Night Pittsburgh's annual Sing-Off competition. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is searching for musically talented students to audition for the fourth annual vocal competition celebrating the New Year. The deadline for submissions has been extended through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 12.

"I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting event that supports young talent and fosters arts education," shared Mr. Robinson. "I look forward to reviewing the auditions and hearing from some of the region's most promising stars of the future."

Once pronounced by Bob Dylan as America's "greatest living poet," Smokey Robinson's career spans over 4 decades of hits. He has received numerous awards including the Grammy Living Legend Award, NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award, Honorary Doctorate (Howard University), Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts Award from the President of the United States. He has also been inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters' Hall of Fame.

Robinson's latest project, "Smokey & Friends," was released August 19 on Verve Records and features new duets that pay homage to the timeless originals, while creating new versions that feel instantaneously contemporary and classic. On the Randy Jackson-produced set, Robinson is joined by old friends like James Taylor, Sir Elton John, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Sheryl Crow, and Mary J. Blige, as well as with some of today's hottest new artists including John Legend, John Mayer, Miguel, Aloe Blacc, JC Chasez, CeeLo, and Jessie J. The album is available at all physical and digital retail outlets including Starbucks locations nationwide.

Sing-Off Details
The Sing-Off winner, chosen by Robinson, will receive the opportunity to perform live as an opening act during Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2015, a cash prize of $500, a cash prize of $1,000 designated to the winner's school music department, compliments of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, media interviews and exposure and four complimentary Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2015 admission buttons.

Students from grades 6 through 12 who are affiliated with a middle or high school in Southwestern Pennsylvania are eligible to enter.

Eligible counties include:

Pennsylvania: Lawrence, Butler, Armstrong, Indiana, Cambria, Bedford, Somerset, Fayette, Greene, Washington, Westmoreland, Allegheny and Beaver.

Ohio: Jefferson, Harrison, Belmont, Monroe

West Virginia: Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, Marion, Monongahalia, Preston

Maryland: Garrett, Allegheny, Washington

To enter, fill out the form at www.TrustArts.org/FirstNightPGH and include a link to a YouTube video with your performance recording. Each applicant must choose one song written by the legendary Smokey Robinson, and one song of their own choice. Submissions must be received by midnight on December 12.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Robinson founded The Miracles while still in high school. The group was Berry Gordy's first vocal group, and it was at Robinson's suggestion that Gordy started the Motown Record dynasty. Their single of Robinson's "Shop Around" became Motown's first #1 hit on the R&B singles chart. In the years following, Robinson continued to pen hits for the group including "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "Ooo Baby Baby," "The Tracks of My Tears," "Going to a Go-Go," "More Love," "Tears of a Clown" (co-written with Stevie Wonder), and "I Second That Emotion."

The Miracles dominated the R&B scene throughout the 1960's and early 70's and Robinson became Vice President of Motown Records serving as in-house producer, talent scout and songwriter. In addition to writing hits for the Miracles, Robinson wrote and produced hits for other Motown greats including The Temptations, Mary Wells, Brenda Holloway, Marvin Gaye and others. "The Way You Do the Things You Do," "My Girl," "Get Ready," "You Beat Me to the Punch," "Don't Mess with Bill," "Ain't That Peculiar," and "My Guy" are just a few of his songwriting triumphs during those years.

John Lennon of The Beatles made countless remarks regarding Robinson's influence on his music. The Beatles had recorded Robinson and The Miracles' "You've Really Got A Hold On Me" in 1963 and in 1982 another popular British group, The Rolling Stones covered the Robinson and the Miracles' hit "Going To A Go-Go." He later turned to a solo career where he continued his tradition of hitmaking with "Just to See Her," "Quiet Storm," "Cruisin'," and "Being with You," among others.

Robinson remained Vice President of Motown records until the sale of the company, shaping the label's success with friend and mentor Berry Gordy. Following his tenure at Motown, he continued his impressive touring career and released several successful solo albums. During the course of his 50-year career in music, Robinson has accumulated more than 4,000 songs to his credit and continues to thrill sold-out audiences around the world with his high tenor voice, impeccable timing, and profound sense of lyric. Never resting on his laurels, Smokey Robinson remains a beloved icon in our musical heritage.

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