The Tears of a Clown

~ Recording by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

Appears on releases

#TitleLengthTrack artistRelease titleRelease artistRelease group typeCountry/DateLabelCatalog#
Official
2.5The Tears of a Clown2:58Smokey RobinsonHeartbeat: MomentsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Soundtrack
Universal Music TV (UK, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited)584093-2
1.7Tears of a Clown3:00Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesModmaniaVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sony Music Direct (Canadian label)TVK 24111
2.19The Tears of a Clown3:03Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesOoo Baby Baby: The AnthologySmokey Robinson & The MiraclesAlbum + Compilation
  • US2002-09-24
Chronicles (a label under UMG’s Universal Music Enterprises division), Motown440 064 481-2
1.3Tears of a Clown3:01Smokey Robinson & The Miracles100% Motown ’70sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Motown440 018 939-2
1.3Tears of a Clown2:58Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesBest of de pre historie ’70Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
EVA (for use with NL/BE/FR releases only, see annotation)74321 97528 2
2.4The Tears of a Clown3:02Smokey RobinsonMotown Dance Party!, Volume 1Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • -2002
Universal Special ProductsUSP 84445
2.19The Tears of a Clown3:03Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesOoo Baby Baby: The AnthologySmokey Robinson & The MiraclesAlbum + Compilation
Motown440 064 481-2
2.16The Tears of a Clown2:58Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesSeventiesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Spectrum Music (Universal Music Group budget label), Universal (plain logo “Universal” used by Universal Music and Universal Pictures)583 790-2
2.20The Tears of a Clown3:03Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesSoul! The Very Best of MotownVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal Music (plain logo: “Universal Music”)018 994-2
1.8The Tears of a Clown2:59Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown Greatest HitsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • NL2003-09-25
Universal TV (Netherlands & Belgium)067 685-2
1.14The Tears of a Clown2:59Smokey Robinson & The Miracles50 Years of the Greatest Hit Singles: Platinum CollectionVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • XE2003-11-10
Virgin TVVTDCDX 552
2.3The Tears of a Clown3:07Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesCapital Gold: Motown ClassicsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2003-11-17
Motown981 095-4
2.3The Tears of a Clown3:05Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown Classics: The Soul of a NationVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2003-11-17
Universal Music TV (UK, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited)981 095-4
1.3The Tears of a Clown3:02Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown, Soul & Great Rock n' Roll: MotownVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2003-11-25
Collectables (US reissue label)
1.3Tears of a Clown3:01Smokey Robinson & The Miracles70’s R&BVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Compass Productions (budget compilations), Universal Music Special Markets440068874-2
2.8Tears of a Clown2:58Smokey RobinsonCapital Gold Seventies LegendsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
EMI (EMI Records, or EMI Music only if there is no other imprint), Virgin (worldwide imprint of Virgin Records Ltd. and all its subsidiaries), Box Music (UK label)7243 5 91665 2 0, VTDCD 555
1.17The Tears of a Clown3:01Smokey Robinson and the MiraclesUltimate Seventies: 1970Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Warner Special Products, Time–Life Music19468‐2, OPCD‐2575A, R634‐01
1.15The Tears of a Clown2:58Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesSeventiesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2004-02-12
Universal (plain logo “Universal” used by Universal Music and Universal Pictures)0602498145449
1.17The Tears of a Clown3:01Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown 1’sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2004-04-20
UTV RecordsB00017 81-02
1.7The Tears of a Clown2:58Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesThe Best No. 1 Singles in the World …Ever!Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2004-11-22
Virgin TVVTDCD 643
1.5The Tears of a Clown2:59Smokey RobinsonBest of Motown, Volume 1Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal Music B.V. (not for release label use! NL subsidiary of UMG)981 824-8
2.5Tears of a Clown3:02Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesBody & Soul: Love & TendernessVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Time–Life MusicTL BAS/02
2.2The Tears of a Clown3:05Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesCapital Gold Soul ClassicsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal Music TV (UK, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited)9826141
2.16The Tears of a Clown3:03Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown Classics: GoldVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2005-03-01
MotownB0003120-02
1.5The Tears of a Clown3:01Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMy World: The Definitive CollectionSmokey RobinsonAlbum + Compilation
  • US2005-05-03
Motown, UMe (imprint of Universal Music Enterprises)B0004130-02
1.11Tears of a Clown3:04Smokey RobinsonMotown UnmixedVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2005-05-24
MotownB0003901-02
1.9The Tears of a Clown2:59Smokey RobinsonSuper Juke Box 3000 70’s & 80’s HitsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • JP2005-10-26
Universal (plain logo “Universal” used by Universal Music and Universal Pictures)UICY-9624/7
1.5The Tears of a Clown3:05Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesDancing in the Streets: Motown’s Greatest HitsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2005-10-31
2.16The Tears of a Clown3:03Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown Classics: GoldVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • XE2005-11-15
Motown0602498632260
1.18The Tears of a Clown3:03Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown Hitsville UKVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Tamla Motown (for non-US releases only)982 847-6
1.2The Tears of a Clown3:01Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesSoul 70’s Collection, Volume 1Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
UMe (imprint of Universal Music Enterprises)B0005251-02
1.1The Tears of a Clown3:01Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown Chart Hits, Volume 5Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2006-03-27
Spectrum Music (Universal Music Group budget label)
1.21The Tears of a Clown2:57Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesPlanet 70’sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2006-03-27
Universal Music TV (UK, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited)9838789
1.6The Tears of a Clown3:02Smokey Robinson & The Miracles’70s Soul GoldVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2006-08-08
Hip‐O RecordsB0007098-02
2.4The Tears of a Clown2:58Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesGreatest Ever! Soul: The Definitive CollectionVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2006-09-18
Union Square MusicGTSTCD004
1.3The Tears of a Clown2:59Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown: The Ultimate CollectionVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2006-10-16
Universal Music TV (UK, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited)984 414-7
4.16The Tears of a Clown3:03Smokey Robinson & The Miracles100 Essential Motown on 5 CDsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal Music Group (has logo with just “Universal Music Group”)9843939
2.1The Tears of a Clown3:02Smokey Robinson & the MiraclesGoldSmokey Robinson & The MiraclesAlbum + Compilation
MotownB0007247-02
1.23The Tears of a Clown2:58Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMed Hjartet På Rette Staden (Musikk Fra Tv-serien)Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation + Soundtrack
Universal (plain logo “Universal” used by Universal Music and Universal Pictures), Universal Music Group (has logo with just “Universal Music Group”)983843 5
2.11The Tears of a Clown2:59Smokey RobinsonMotown Top 100 AllertijdenVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal Music (plain logo: “Universal Music”)983 762-8
2.8The Tears of a Clown2:58Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesPriscilla: Queen of the Desert - The MusicalVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal Music Australia (see annotation before using)
1.10The Tears of a Clown3:03Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesThe No.1 DJ Collection: 70's, Volume 1Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Music Factory (UK promotional remix service)CD089
4.16The Tears of a Clown3:03Smokey Robinson & The Miracles100 Motown ClassicsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • BE2007-01-01
Universal Music Belgium0602498472095
2.12The Tears of a Clown2:59Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesGreatest Ever! Seventies: The Definitive CollectionVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2007-02-12
Union Square MusicGTSTCD001
3.2The Tears of a Clown2:58Smokey Robinson & The Miracles100 Soul ClassicsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal Music B.V. (not for release label use! NL subsidiary of UMG)984 616-3
1.10Tears of a Clown3:01Smokey Robinson & The Miracles’70s Pop Number 1’sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2007-04-03
Hip‐O Records02498 47136
1.13Tears of a Clown2:58Smokey RobinsonMotown Gold: The 1970sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2007-11-12
Universal Music TV (UK, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited)5304235
2.8The Tears of a Clown2:57Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesJackie: The AlbumVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2007-11-19
Virgin TVVTDCDX 883
1.1Tears of a Clown3:00Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesTop of the Pops 1970Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2007-12-10
EMI Gold5 15489 2
1.10Tears of a Clown3:00Smokey Robinson & The Miracles70's Pop Number 1's (International Version)Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal Music International Division (do not use as a release label! sub-division of Universal Music GmbH)
2.8Tears of a Clown3:00Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesCapital Gold Legendary LabelsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
1.17The Tears of a Clown3:01Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown Number 1’sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Motown0600753017258
3.17The Tears of a Clown3:00Smokey Robinson & The Miracles100 Seventies ClassicsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • BE2008-04-25
Universal Music Belgium, Universal Music (plain logo: “Universal Music”)530 651-4, 530.651-4
2.15The Tears of a Clown3:04Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesTour of Duty: Top 100Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • NL2008-06-06
Universal Music (plain logo: “Universal Music”)530 721-7
7.1The Tears of a Clown2:58Smokey Robinson & the MiraclesTop of the Pops: Year by Year Collection 1964‒2006Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • -2008-07-07
EMI Gold
54.1The Tears of a Clown3:05Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesThe Complete Motown Singles, Volume 10: 1970Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2008-08-12
Hip‐O Select, MotownB0011056-02
1.18The Tears of a Clown3:02Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesThe Definitive CollectionSmokey Robinson & The MiraclesAlbum + Compilation
  • US2008-09-23
Motown
1.12The Tears of a Clown3:05Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown 50: Yesterday, Today, ForeverVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2008-12-01
Universal Music TV (UK, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited)5313464
2.6The Tears of a Clown3:00Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown 50: Yesterday, Today, Forever (Japan Edition)Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • JP2008-12-17
USM JAPAN (Universal Music Japan label; read the annotation before using!)UICY-1434, UICY-1435, UICY-1436
1.17The Tears of a Clown3:05Smokey RobinsonMotown 50: Yesterday, Today, ForeverVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal Music Group International (manages UMG’s offices in most countries outside of North America)5313254, 5313255, 5313256
3.7The Tears of a Clown3:05Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown 50: Yesterday, Today, ForeverVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal Music Spain, S.L. (not for release label use!)
2.1The Tears of a Clown3:06Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown 50: Yesterday, Today, ForeverVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Motown5314783
2.1The Tears of a Clown3:06Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown 50: Yesterday, Today, ForeverVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal Music Group (has logo with just “Universal Music Group”)
1.20The Tears of a Clown3:00Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesTestament van de SeventiesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal Music (plain logo: “Universal Music”)530 640-1, 530 640-2, 530 640-3, 530 640-4, 530 640-5, 530 640-6, 530 640-7, 530 640-8, 530 640-9, 530 641-0
1.4The Tears of A Clown2:58Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesThe Greatest Hits of Classic R&BVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • -2008
Universal Music Special Markets, Compass Productions (budget compilations)B0012075-02 46168
5.10The Tears of a Clown2:59Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesThe Motown CollectionVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • -2008
Time–Life Music, UMe (imprint of Universal Music Enterprises)
3.13The Tears of a Clown2:58Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesThe Ultimate Collection: SeventiesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Union Square MusicULTIMBX003
1.18The Tears of a Clown3:00Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesNow That’s What I Call MotownVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2009-01-13
Motown, EMI (EMI Records, or EMI Music only if there is no other imprint), Sony Music (global brand, excluding JP, owned by Sony Music Entertainment), Universal Music Group (has logo with just “Universal Music Group”)B0012489-02
1.8The Tears of a Clown3:01Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown 50: Yesterday, Today, Forever (Australian edition)Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • AU2009-01-24
Universal Music (plain logo: “Universal Music”)5315730
1.4The Tears of a Clown3:03Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesBlack Is Beautiful, Volume 2: Soul ClassicsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • BE2009-03-28
De Standaard, EMI (EMI Records, or EMI Music only if there is no other imprint), Universal Music Belgium50999 2431622 4
1.18The Tears of a Clown3:00Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown 50 FanthologyVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2009-08-31
MotownB0013209-02
1.24The Tears of a Clown2:58Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesA Complete Introduction to Tamla MotownVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2009-12-07
Motown0600753227091
2.11The Tears of a Clown2:59Smokey Robinson100 Motown ClassicsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Motown531 671-2
3.12The Tears of a Clown3:04Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown 50: Yesterday, Today, ForeverVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal Music Belgium531.747-0
3.8The Tears of a Clown3:03Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesMotown 50: Yesterday, Today, ForeverVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal Music Belgium531.747-4
1.6The Tears of a Clown3:05Smokey RobinsonMotown 50: Yesterday, Today, ForeverVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Motown
1.24The Tears of a Clown3:00Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesSweet Soul Music: 24 Scorching Classics From 1970Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Bear Family RecordsBCD 16975 AS
5.17The Tears of a Clown (mono version)3:00Smokey Robinson & The Miracles100 Essential Hits – 70sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Brunswick (Imprint of Brunswick Record Corporation)
3.1The Tears of a Clown3:04Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesDe Pré Historie 70Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • BE2010-12-03
ARS Entertainment (Belgian label)ARS 533.152-8
2.11The Tears of a Clown3:05Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesChartboxx: Die Lovesongs der 70erVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sonocord300 687 1
1.24The Tears of a Clown3:00Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesJackie: The Party AlbumVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
EMI TVVTDCD 1015
1.7The Tears of a Clown3:02Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesRock Ahoy: Katia Kaapt De Ether! Volume 2: Sadness!Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
EMI Music Belgium
1.6The Tears of a Clown3:00Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesThat’s Soul: RespectVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Rhino (reissue label)5052498247622
3.18The Tears of a Clown3:01Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesHitarchief Top 2000, Volume 4Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • BE2012-01-01
ARS Entertainment (Belgian label)
1.10The Tears of a Clown2:58Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesI Grew Up in the 70sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2012-06-04
EMI TVVTDCD 1046
2.25The Tears of a Clown3:00The MiraclesMotown AnthemsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2012-11-16
Universal Music TV (UK, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited)2070482
3.11The Tears of a Clown3:03Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesHet beste uit de Top 70ies 700Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • BE2013-03-25
Universal (plain logo “Universal” used by Universal Music and Universal Pictures)06007 5342319
1.13The Tears of a Clown3:00Smokey Robinson & the MiraclesMotown 25Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal Music Special Markets, Starbucks, MotownB0018485-02, NSPENT13PKG-00727
2.15The Tears of a Clown2:58Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesSoul of the ’70sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Time–Life Music
1.12The Tears of a Clown?:??Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesJackie: The Party AlbumVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2014-11-04
Universal Music TV (UK, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited)5355965
1.12The Tears of a Clown2:59Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesJackie: The Party AlbumVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • -2014
Universal Music on Demand
1.16The Tears of a Clown3:01Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesThe Nation’s Favourite Motown SongsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal Music Catalogue (since early 2000s, alt name UMC used since ca. 2016; defunct since early 2023, renamed into Universal Music Recordings, don’t use it for later 2023 releases)
1.29Tears of a Clown2:59Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesThe Nation’s Favourite 70s Number OnesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2015-02-01
Sony Music (global brand, excluding JP, owned by Sony Music Entertainment)0825646152285
2.3The Tears of a Clown3:01Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesClassic MotownVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Rhino (reissue label), Spectrum Music (Universal Music Group budget label), Universal UMCUWCLA013
2.14The Tears of a Clown3:02Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesClassic 70sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Rhino (reissue label), Spectrum Music (Universal Music Group budget label), Universal Music Catalogue (since early 2000s, alt name UMC used since ca. 2016; defunct since early 2023, renamed into Universal Music Recordings, don’t use it for later 2023 releases)UWCLA025
Promotion
1.6The Tears of a Clown3:02Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesHistory Makers: A Celebration of Black History MonthVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
UMe (imprint of Universal Music Enterprises)440 017 051-2
1.1The Tears of a Clown2:58Smokey Robinson & The Miracles70s Top Ten Hits, Volume 2Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sunday Express (UK newspaper)SE70sCD03
1.5Tears of a Clown2:59Smokey RobinsonThe Platinum Collection, Volume 1Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Trinity MirrorDMNO1CD01
(unknown)
2.16The Tears of a Clown2:57Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesSeventiesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal (plain logo “Universal” used by Universal Music and Universal Pictures)0602498113738
1.2The Tears of a Clown (album version, stereo)3:00Smokey RobinsonGreat Songs and Performances That Inspired the Motown 25th Anniversary Television SpecialSmokey RobinsonAlbum + Compilation
  • -2012-10-02
Motown

Relationships

guitar:Marvin Tarplin (on 1966-09-26)
instruments:The Funk Brothers (on 1966-09-26)
background vocals:Warren “Pete” Moore (on 1966-09-26)
Claudette Robinson (on 1966-09-26)
Bobby Rogers (on 1966-09-26)
Ronald White (soul singer, founding member of The Miracles) (on 1966-09-26)
lead vocals:Smokey Robinson (on 1966-09-26)
phonographic copyright (℗) by:Motown Record Corporation (company credits only; do NOT use as release label) (in 1967)
UMG Recordings, Inc. (operational headquarters of Universal Music Group, based in Santa Monica, USA; read annotations) (in 1970)
recorded at:Hitsville (Motown Records) in Detroit, Michigan, United States (on 1966-09-26)
mash-ups:Tears of a Killer Klown (Smokey Robinson vs. The Dickies) by iWillBattle (mashup DJ)
The Bravery of a Clown (The Bravery vs. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles) by TigerVegan
When Smokey Sings Tears of a Clown by Smokey Robinson vs. ABC (English 80s pop group) (order: 2)
part of:Billboard: The 500 Best Pop Songs (as of October 2023) (number: 190) (order: 190)
Rolling Stone: 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: 2021 edition (number: 313) (order: 313)
SecondHandSongs:https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/4152 [info]
recording of:The Tears of a Clown (on 1966-09-26)

The Tears of a Clown

lyricist:Smokey Robinson
composer:Henry Cosby
Smokey Robinson
Stevie Wonder
publisher:Black Bull Music, Inc.
Jobete Music Ltd
Jobette Music (UK) Ltd.
referred to in medleys:More Stars (12″ mix) (12″ mix, duration: ~11:56 on vinyl, ~11:38 on cd)
Uptown Festival (medley) (order: 6)