Smokey pictured with families of Pio Pico Middle School Students
Smokey pictured with families of Pio Pico Middle School Students

It’s not often that one has the opportunity to gaze into the sparkly green eyes of a music icon, but recently, that’s exactly what happened for hundreds of Pio Pico Middle School students in Los Angeles.

Students, their parents and guardians were in for a major surprise when the “King of Motown” himself, Smokey Robinson set foot into the school’s quaint auditorium. The singer, songwriter and record producer, known for his sweet voice and top charting Motown hits, recently partnered with Little Kids Rock, a national non-profit organization that provides underserved students with essential music curriculum and resources needed to effectively cultivate their skills.

The Motown legend recently spent time in New York to help the organization raise more than $1,000,000.00 towards the placement of additional music programs and resources around the Country.

 Smokey Robinson advocates for the expansion of music and arts programs throughout the Country, collaborating with Littler Kids Rock and Niagra Cares to donate $1 Million to LAUSD music programs
Smokey Robinson advocates for the expansion of music and arts programs throughout the Country, collaborating with Littler Kids Rock and Niagra Cares to donate $1 Million to LAUSD music programs

While at Pio Pico, a number of students donning their Little Kids Rock t-shirts “rocked” out on stage, showing off their musical talent in song, dance and the use of drums and guitars. Robinson then joined in on the fun, hitting the stage to sing “You Really Got a Hold On Me” as a trio of female students adlibbed in perfect harmony.

After grooving with the students on stage, Robinson had a special message for the kids, reminding them of just how fortunate they are. “Love the fact that you have the opportunity to do what you love,” he said. “To come to school and learn about music, and acting, and art, and all the things that you love, love that and take advantage of it,” Smokey added. “You are so blessed and so fortunate, because most schools don’t have those programs anymore, and it’s a shame.”

Robinson says that he’s spoken with Congress at least three times to advocate for the development of more arts programs in schools around the Country. “Talented kids are everywhere, and they deserve the right to be able to develop their talents, and to use it, and to enjoy it,” Robinson said.

 Smokey Robinson shares the stage in song with Pio Pico Middle School music students
Smokey Robinson shares the stage in song with Pio Pico Middle School music students

The event then turned to a light-hearted question and answer session with Smokey. One child in attendance asked what the singers’ favorite food is, of which he humorously replied, “oatmeal.”

Another student asked the classic crooner what type of music he listens to today. “I listen to everybody because I love music,” Robinson said. “If you could see my car set-up, I have everybody from Bach, to Nelly, and everybody in between. I’m not one of those people who thinks that all rap is bad, because it isn’t, rap is street poetry,” he continued.

In yet another grand surprise for the children, Robinson, in conjunction with Niagra Cares, presented Little Kids Rock with a hefty donation in the amount of $1,000,000. The funds are expected to benefit Pio Pico‘s music department as well as others throughout LAUSD schools and elsewhere. A number of quality instruments were also provided for the school’s music program, leaving many students jumping for joy.