Source: Scott Dudelson / Getty
Smokey Robinson is one of the iconic singer-songwriters of his generation but in his words, he nearly died after being contracting COVID-19 in 2020.
The 81-year-old Robinson said it was “touch and go” after he came down with COVID in December 2020 and was hospitalized, losing his voice and making him fearful he’d never sing again.
In a new interview with the Daily Mail, the Grammy winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee referred to himself as a “COVID survivor.”
He became ill shortly before Christmas after playing shows on the road. After one COVID test said he was negative for the virus, Robinson felt sicker days later. He took a second test and the test confirmed he was positive with COVID. He moved to his guest house to quarantine and avoid exposing his wife but he began having trouble breathing days after living in the guest house.
“It was over, man,” Robinson said. “They had to rush me to the hospital. Fortunately I never had to use the ventilator. I never lost my taste or smell, but it wiped me out. I lost all my energy and could not walk from the bed to the bathroom without being exhausted.”
Doctors told Robinson his physical stature for his age was one of the key reasons he was able to battle COVID the way he did along with a positive mindset.
“Before I got the virus I would work out two or three times a week,” he said. “I have been doing yoga, stretching and positions for 40 years. Now I work out almost every day, because I don’t want to get the virus again even though I’ve had both of my shots. I lift weights and work out. I don’t run as I had surgery on both knees, but I do walk. I stay active as I don’t want to be decrepit.”
Robinson’s biggest fear after he was released from the hospital was regaining his singing voice. He could barely talk when he returned home and the experience to regain his gift was “one of the most frightening fights” he ever had.
“I looked back and knew that I could’ve died, because it was that severe,” he said. “Then it scared me. It sounds weird I know, but the severity of my condition didn’t hit me until it was over.”
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Public Figures & Celebs Who’ve Tested Positive Or Died Due To COVID-19 Complications [UPDATED OCTOBER 12]
50 photos Launch gallery
1. Smokey Robinson
Source:Getty
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2. Chris Rock
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3. Wendy Williams
Source:The Rickey Smiley Morning Show
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4. Kelly Price
Source:SANG GIRL! Inc
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5. Nick Cannon
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6. Michael Strahan
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7. Dave Chappelle
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8. Ashanti
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9. Charley Pride
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10. Carol Sutton
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11. Tommy “Tiny” Lister
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12. Ben Carson
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13. Cam Newton
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14. Donald Trump
Source:NewsOne Now
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15. Vivica A. Fox
Source:WENN
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16. Tiffany Haddish
Source:Courtesy of GQ
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17. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
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18. Kevin Hart
Source:Radio One
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19. Usain Bolt
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20. Peter Thomas
Source:Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)
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21. Herman Cain
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22. Keisha Lance Bottoms
Source:Radio One
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23. D.L. Hughley
Source:Richmond Funny Bone
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24. Ezekiel Elliott
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25. Patrick Ewing
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26. Von Miller
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27. Jacqueline Towns, Mother Of Karl-Anthony Towns
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28. Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds
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29. Kierra Clark Sheard
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30. BeBe Winans
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34. Donovan Mitchell
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36. Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton
BREAKING: Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton tests positive for coronavirus
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) March 13, 2020
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37. Idris Elba
This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing 👊🏾👊🏾 No panic. pic.twitter.com/Lg7HVMZglZ
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) March 16, 2020
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40. Idris Elba
This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing 👊🏾👊🏾 No panic. pic.twitter.com/Lg7HVMZglZ
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) March 16, 2020
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41. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant tested positive for coronavirus, Durant tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Durant says he is feeling fine: “Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine. We’re going to get through this.”
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 17, 2020
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42. Olga Kurylenko
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43. Kristofer Hivju
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44. Sean Payton
Breaking: Saints head coach Sean Payton tested positive for the coronavirus, he told @AdamSchefter.
He is the first person in the NFL world known to test positive for the virus. pic.twitter.com/FRopgzpgsG
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 19, 2020
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45. Daniel Dae Kim
Ready for a fight? I am.
Yesterday I was diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the #coronavirus. I posted something on my Instagram page if you’d like to hear a little about my experience.— Daniel Dae Kim (@danieldaekim) March 19, 2020
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48. Marcus Smart
Marcus Smart announces he tested positive for the coronavirus: “I don’t feel any of the symptoms, but I can’t stress enough practicing social distancing”
(via @smart_MS3)pic.twitter.com/ctTyHdfSm9
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 19, 2020
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50. George Stephanopoulos
ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos has tested positive for Covid-19. Stephanopoulos, who anchors “Good Morning America,” announced his coronavirus diagnosis on the morning news show Monday. He said he has no symptoms. https://t.co/GmEQXx6aUb
— CNN (@CNN) April 13, 2020
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Smokey Robinson Opens Up About ‘Near Death’ Experience With COVID
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