Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight: 7 Highlights From Their Hollywood Bowl Show
Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight shared the stage for a special co-headlining performance at the Hollywood Bowl, delivering an evening that celebrated two of the most enduring voices in soul and R&B. The concert brought together decades of timeless hits, career-spanning performances and a celebration of Motown’s lasting influence before a packed audience in Los Angeles.
The evening opened with separate sets from both artists, allowing Robinson and Knight to revisit some of the songs that defined their legendary careers. Robinson performed classics including “Cruisin’,” “Being With You” and “The Tracks of My Tears,” while Knight thrilled fans with favorites such as “Neither One of Us,” “If I Were Your Woman” and “Midnight Train to Georgia.”

One of the night’s standout moments came when Robinson reflected on his longtime connection to Motown and the many artists who helped shape the label’s legacy. His stories between songs provided historical context for the music while highlighting his decades-long career as both a performer and songwriter.
Knight’s set showcased her signature vocals, with the singer receiving multiple standing ovations throughout the performance. Backed by a full band, she moved seamlessly through ballads and upbeat soul classics that have remained staples of her live shows.
The concert also featured tributes to fellow Motown legends and influential figures in soul music, with both performers acknowledging the artists and songwriters who helped define an era. The audience responded enthusiastically, singing along to many of the evening’s best-known hits.
As the show progressed, Robinson and Knight joined one another on stage for a special finale that united two of the genre’s most celebrated performers. Their shared performance served as the emotional centerpiece of the concert, drawing sustained applause from the Hollywood Bowl crowd.
The Hollywood Bowl appearance is one of several high-profile performances both artists have scheduled in 2026 as they continue to tour and celebrate their extensive musical legacies. The sold-out show reinforced the enduring popularity of Robinson and Knight, whose catalogs continue to resonate with audiences across generations.
