Loving God, who reckons music as a fragrant offering, like the smoke of incense, we give you thanks for Smokey Robinson, whose voice embraces a phrase like silk. Born on this date in 1940 in Detroit, he grew up in a neighborhood not far, it must be said, from The Cathedral Church of St. Paul. Present at the creation of Tamia Records, later Motown, in 1959, whose unifying slogan was “the sound of young America,” he cofounded the Miracles, co-wrote “The Tracks Of My Tears,” was inducted into the Rock Roll Hall of Fame, and is widely considered one of the finest vocalists of the 20th century. Holy One, by your grace, music is one of the first things we love in infancy and often the last we forget as our minds dim. We praise you for Smokey and all who compose the soundtracks of our lives. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.(Photo: The Miracles in 1962; Smokey is at left in front. Tamia Records)