Legendary Motown icon and Grammy ® award-winning songwriter, Smokey Robinson, has signed a record deal with Verve Music Group. Robinson was signed to the label by its Chairman, David Foster, to release his 29th career LP, a special duets album, due out this coming fall. The album will also be guided by highly regarded A&R executive, Jay Landers. In addition, Robinson made a surprise appearance on last night’s American Idol where he served as a mentor to the show’s contestants. During the broadcast, Idol host Ryan Seacrest brought attention to Robinson’s forthcoming album and spotlighted the artist’s new project.