Robinson, Smokey (1940-…), became one of the most important performers and composers in the history of rock music . Robinson recorded for Motown Records and helped make that label a major force in the music industry during the 1960’s and 1970’s.
William Robinson, Jr., was born in Detroit on Feb. 19, 1940. In 1954, he formed a singing group called the Matadors while attending high school in Detroit. The name was changed to the Miracles in 1957. In 1967, the Miracles changed their name to Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. The group became one of the most successful in rock and rhythm and blues music. They performed Robinson’s songs with Robinson, with his distinctive high tenor voice, as lead singer.
Robinson met Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr. , in 1957, and the two wrote “Shop Around” (1960), which became the first Motown hit. Robinson wrote many hits for other singers as well as for the Miracles. His best-known compositions include “The One Who Really Loves You” (1962); “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” (1963); “The Way You Do the Things You Do” and “My Guy” (both 1964); “My Girl,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” and “The Tracks of My Tears” (all 1965); “Going to a Go-Go” and “(Come ‘Round Here) I’m the One You Need” (both 1966); “I Second That Emotion” and “More Love” (both 1967); “The Tears of a Clown” (1970); “I Don’t Blame You at All” (1971); “Cruisin'” (1979); “Being with You” (1981); and “Just to See Her” (1987).
Robinson served as a vice president for Motown Records from 1961 to 1988. He left the Miracles in 1972 to concentrate on his Motown duties but resumed performing as a solo act in 1975. He also continued recording and composing. Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. The Miracles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
