ContactMusic — Soul legend Smokey Robinson has been named the 2011 recipient of the Ella Award by America's Society of Songwriters. Robinson admits the honour excites him more than many accolades he has received because it also honours the woman he calls "mom", Ell... more info

Guardian Music — Midnight is an hour owned by rock'n'roll. It's a time of Moanin', Moving and Trains to Georgia. It's a time when love comes tumbling downI have my friends Sally and Tom to thank for reminding me of the Adrian Henri poem In the Midnight Hour. Until th... more info

Guardian Music — (Now Again)Founded in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1968, the True Soul label sought to stand alongside Stax and Motown and make national stars of its local musicians. Its failure to do so had nothing to do with a lack of dedication on the part of its pr... more info

Guardian Music — November 1961: Number 9 in our series of the 50 key events in the history of pop musicThe US postal service might not seem like the most romantic of subjects for a pop record, but Motown could inject magic into any situation. The Marvelettes's debut ... more info

Detroit Free Press — Raphael Saadiq is one of the primary go-to artists if you are any kind of an of old-school R&B fan. His latest album, "Stone Rollin,' " evokes Sly Stone, Chuck Berry, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson in equal measures. more info

Guardian Music — There's a reason why speeches at the Ivor Novellos – such as Plan B's ode to his 'alcoholic grandfather' – are so touching. It's because artists respect a ceremony that rewards songwritingAt the Ivor Novello awards yesterday, Plan B thanked his "... more info

Guardian Music — Berry Gordy developing autobiographical production featuring songs by Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson, say reportsBerry Gordy, the 81-year-old founder of Motown Records, is reportedly developing an autobiographical musical with a planned budget of $10... more info

NME — Music of Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson to feature in production more info

Totally Fuzzy — The Allman Brothers guitarist is releasing his long-awaited solo disc on May 10th Warren Haynes has devoted so much time to the Allman Brothers Band, the Dead and Gov't Mule during the past 20 years that he's barely had any space for a solo career.... more info

Press Play — I've been waiting for the release of this album for what feels like an eternity.  I'm a pretty solid Plan B fan.  If you've never heard of him, he's like The Streets meets Smokey Robinson meets Mayer Hawthorne.  Modern day motown.  Excellent voic... more info