Smokey Robinson Almost Died Of COVID: "I Was Hospitalized For 11 Days"

BY Erika Marie 1.9K Views
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Smokey Robinson
Of those 11 days, the Motown legend claims he doesn't remember four of five and says his case was "severe."

Throughout this pandemic, we have suffered the losses of several celebrities as they have succumbed to illnesses related to COVID-19. Many others have shared their harrowing stories of battling the virus, including Moton legend Smokey Robinson. The 81-year-old crooner is one of the most respected and beloved artists in the industry, but he recently told the Daily Mail that he came close to death while being treated for coronavirus.

According to Robinson, last December he was hospitalized in Los Angeles after exhibiting symptoms.

“It was over, man,” he said. “They had to rush me to the hospital. I got it severely and I was hospitalized for eleven days, and four or five of those I do not even remember. It really was touch and go and a terribly debilitating ailment.” Then, there were worries about the future of his career.

“I was not sure that I would ever be able to sing again because it took my voice. I could barely even talk," he added. “Even when I got home I was hoarse, I could not try to sing because I was afraid,” he recalled. “It was one of the most frightening fights I have ever had.”

Despite his age, Robinson is quite active and credits his health regimen to helping in his recovery. “It sounds weird, I know, but the severity of my condition didn’t hit me until it was over,” he said. “I looked back and knew that I could’ve died... It was that severe. Then it scared me.” We're happy to hear the Smokey Robinson is on the mend and have recovered. 

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.