The Tears of a Clown" by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles is a classic hit inspired by the Italian clown Pagliacci, a character who hides his sadness behind a smile for his audience. Co-written by Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and Hank Cosby, the song was first released on the Miracles' 1967 album Make It Happen. After its #1 success in the UK, a remixed version became a #1 hit in the US and Canada. The song's global popularity persuaded Robinson to postpone his planned retirement from the group