Who is Smokey Robinson and Family?

Smokey Robinson and Family was an American rhythm and blues vocal group that was formed in 1955 in Detroit, Michigan. The group was originally known as the Five Chimes, but they changed their name to Smokey Robinson and the Miracles in 1959. The group consisted of Smokey Robinson (lead vocals), Bobby Rogers (tenor), Ronnie White (baritone), Pete Moore (bass), and Marv Tarplin (guitar).

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles were one of the most successful Motown acts of the 1960s and 1970s. They had a string of hit singles, including "Shop Around" (1960), "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" (1962), "My Girl" (1964), and "I Second That Emotion" (1967). The group also won two Grammy Awards for Best Rhythm & Blues Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Tears of a Clown" (1970) and "The Tears of a Clown" (1971). Smokey Robinson and the Miracles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

In 1972, Smokey Robinson left the Miracles to pursue a solo career. He continued to have success as a solo artist, with hits such as "Cruisin'" (1979), "Being with You" (1981), and "Just to See Her" (1984). Robinson has also written and produced songs for other artists, including the Temptations, Mary Wells, and Marvin Gaye.

Smokey Robinson is one of the most successful and influential figures in American music history. He has been awarded numerous awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999. Robinson is also a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame.

Name	Birthdate	Birthplace
William "Smokey" Robinson Jr.	February 19, 1940	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Bobby Rogers	October 19, 1937	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Ronald "Ronnie" White	December 13, 1939	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Pete Moore	September 19, 1939	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Marv Tarplin	May 13, 1941	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

Smokey Robinson and Family were one of the most successful and influential vocal groups of all time. They helped to define the sound of Motown Records and had a major impact on American popular music.

Smokey Robinson and Family

Smokey Robinson and Family were an American rhythm and blues vocal group that achieved great success in the 1960s and 1970s. The group was known for their smooth harmonies and catchy melodies, and they had a string of hit singles, including "Shop Around," "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," and "My Girl." Smokey Robinson and Family were one of the most successful Motown acts of all time, and they continue to be influential in popular music today.

Hits: Smokey Robinson and Family had a string of hit singles, including "Shop Around," "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," and "My Girl."
Motown: Smokey Robinson and Family were one of the most successful Motown acts of all time.
Influential: Smokey Robinson and Family continue to be influential in popular music today.
Smooth harmonies: Smokey Robinson and Family were known for their smooth harmonies.
Catchy melodies: Smokey Robinson and Family's songs had catchy melodies that appealed to a wide audience.
Legacy: Smokey Robinson and Family's legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans around the world.
Awards: Smokey Robinson and Family won numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards.

Smokey Robinson and Family's music is still popular today, and their songs continue to be played on the radio and in movies and television shows. The group's legacy is secure, and they will continue to be remembered as one of the most successful and influential vocal groups of all time.

1. Hits

Smokey Robinson and Family's success was due in no small part to their string of hit singles. These songs were not only popular with the public, but they also helped to define the sound of Motown Records. Some of their most famous hits include:

"Shop Around" (1960): This song was Smokey Robinson and Family's first hit single. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and helped to launch the group's career.
"You've Really Got a Hold on Me" (1962): This song was Smokey Robinson and Family's first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It stayed at the top of the chart for two weeks and helped to cement the group's status as one of the most popular vocal groups of the 1960s.
"My Girl" (1964): This song is one of Smokey Robinson and Family's most enduring hits. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.

Smokey Robinson and Family's hit singles helped to make them one of the most successful vocal groups of all time. Their songs are still popular today and continue to be played on the radio and in movies and television shows.

2. Motown

Smokey Robinson and Family's success was inextricably linked to their association with Motown Records. Motown was a record label founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959 by Berry Gordy Jr. Motown quickly became one of the most successful record labels in the world, and it was home to some of the biggest stars of the 1960s and 1970s, including Smokey Robinson and Family, The Temptations, The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye.

Sound of Motown: Motown had a distinctive sound that was characterized by its smooth harmonies, catchy melodies, and upbeat tempo. Smokey Robinson and Family's music perfectly fit the Motown sound, and their songs were often produced by Motown's in-house production team, The Funk Brothers.
Marketing and promotion: Motown was also known for its aggressive marketing and promotion of its artists. The label spent heavily on advertising and promotion, and it often placed its artists on popular television shows and in movies. This helped to raise the profile of Smokey Robinson and Family and other Motown acts, and it contributed to their success.
Crossover appeal: Motown artists had a wide crossover appeal, and their music was popular with both black and white audiences. Smokey Robinson and Family were one of the most successful Motown acts at crossing over to white audiences, and their songs were often played on mainstream radio stations.

Smokey Robinson and Family's success was due in no small part to their association with Motown Records. Motown provided them with the resources and support they needed to succeed, and it helped to shape their sound and their image. Smokey Robinson and Family were one of the most successful Motown acts of all time, and their music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

3. Influential

Smokey Robinson and Family were one of the most successful and influential vocal groups of all time. Their music helped to define the sound of Motown Records and had a major impact on popular music. Smokey Robinson and Family's influence can still be heard in the music of today's artists, and their songs continue to be covered by musicians around the world.

One of the reasons why Smokey Robinson and Family were so influential is their songwriting. Smokey Robinson is one of the most gifted songwriters in popular music history, and his songs are known for their emotional depth, catchy melodies, and clever lyrics. Smokey Robinson and Family's songs have been covered by a wide range of artists, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Michael Jackson.

Another reason why Smokey Robinson and Family were so influential is their vocal harmonies. The group's harmonies were smooth and seamless, and they helped to create a unique and distinctive sound. Smokey Robinson and Family's vocal harmonies have been imitated by many other groups, and they continue to be a source of inspiration for musicians today.

Smokey Robinson and Family's influence on popular music is undeniable. Their music has inspired generations of musicians, and their songs continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world. Smokey Robinson and Family are truly one of the most important and influential groups in the history of popular music.

4. Smooth harmonies

Smokey Robinson and Family's smooth harmonies were a major factor in their success. Their harmonies were tight and precise, and they blended together perfectly. This gave their songs a unique and distinctive sound that helped them to stand out from other vocal groups of the time.

The smooth harmonies of Smokey Robinson and Family were the result of years of practice and dedication. The group members spent countless hours rehearsing their songs, and they worked hard to perfect their blend. They also had a natural ability to sing together, and their voices complemented each other perfectly.

The smooth harmonies of Smokey Robinson and Family were an important part of their appeal. Their songs were not only catchy and melodic, but they were also beautifully sung. This made them popular with a wide range of audiences, and it helped them to achieve great success.In addition to their commercial success, Smokey Robinson and Family's smooth harmonies also had a significant impact on other vocal groups. Many groups tried to imitate their sound, and some even achieved some success. However, no other group was able to match the perfect blend of Smokey Robinson and Family's harmonies.Smokey Robinson and Family's smooth harmonies are a testament to their talent and dedication. Their harmonies were a major factor in their success, and they continue to inspire vocal groups today.

5. Catchy melodies

Smokey Robinson and Family's songs were known for their catchy melodies. This was a major factor in their success, as catchy melodies are more likely to be remembered and enjoyed by listeners. Smokey Robinson is a gifted songwriter, and he has a knack for writing melodies that are both catchy and memorable.

The catchy melodies of Smokey Robinson and Family's songs helped them to appeal to a wide audience. Their songs were not only popular with black audiences, but they also crossed over to white audiences. This crossover appeal was due in part to the catchy melodies of their songs.

The catchy melodies of Smokey Robinson and Family's songs have had a lasting impact on popular music. Many of their songs have been covered by other artists, and they continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world. Smokey Robinson and Family's songs are a testament to the power of catchy melodies.

Here are some examples of Smokey Robinson and Family's songs with catchy melodies:

"Shop Around"
"You've Really Got a Hold on Me"
"My Girl"
"Tears of a Clown"
"The Tracks of My Tears"

These songs are all classics, and they continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world. The catchy melodies of Smokey Robinson and Family's songs are a major reason for their enduring popularity.

6. Legacy

Smokey Robinson and Family's legacy is one of the most important in popular music. Their music has inspired generations of musicians, and their songs continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world. One of the reasons for their enduring popularity is their commitment to quality and their ability to create songs that are both catchy and meaningful.

Smokey Robinson is a gifted songwriter, and his songs are known for their emotional depth, clever lyrics, and catchy melodies. Smokey Robinson and Family's songs have been covered by a wide range of artists, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Michael Jackson. This is a testament to the quality of their songwriting and the enduring appeal of their music.

In addition to their songwriting, Smokey Robinson and Family were also known for their smooth harmonies and their energetic live performances. They were one of the most popular live acts of their era, and their concerts were always packed.

Smokey Robinson and Family's legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans around the world. Their music is a reminder of the power of great songwriting and the importance of creating music that is both catchy and meaningful. They are truly one of the most important and influential groups in the history of popular music.

7. Awards

Smokey Robinson and Family were one of the most successful and influential vocal groups of all time. Their success was due in no small part to their talent and dedication, which was recognized by numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards.

Recognition of Excellence
Awards are a way to recognize excellence in a particular field. In the case of Smokey Robinson and Family, their awards were a testament to their outstanding musical achievements. Their Grammy Awards, in particular, are considered to be one of the highest honors in the music industry.
Inspiration for Others
Awards can also be a source of inspiration for others. When young musicians see Smokey Robinson and Family being recognized for their work, it can motivate them to pursue their own musical dreams. Awards can also help to raise the profile of a particular genre of music, inspiring others to explore it.
Historical Significance
Awards can also have historical significance. They can provide a snapshot of the musical landscape at a particular point in time. In the case of Smokey Robinson and Family, their awards are a reminder of the group's immense popularity and influence during the 1960s and 1970s.
Cultural Impact
Awards can also have a cultural impact. When Smokey Robinson and Family won their Grammy Awards, it was a sign that the group's music had crossed over into the mainstream. Their awards helped to break down barriers and bring different cultures together.

Smokey Robinson and Family's awards are a testament to their talent, dedication, and cultural impact. Their music has inspired generations of musicians and fans around the world, and their awards are a reminder of their enduring legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Smokey Robinson and Family

This section answers common questions and misconceptions about Smokey Robinson and Family.

Question 1: Who were Smokey Robinson and Family?

Smokey Robinson and Family was an American rhythm and blues vocal group that achieved great success in the 1960s and 1970s. The group was known for their smooth harmonies and catchy melodies, and they had a string of hit singles, including "Shop Around," "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," and "My Girl."

Question 2: What was Smokey Robinson and Family's relationship to Motown Records?

Smokey Robinson and Family were one of the most successful Motown acts of all time. Motown was a record label founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959 by Berry Gordy Jr. Motown quickly became one of the most successful record labels in the world, and it was home to some of the biggest stars of the 1960s and 1970s, including Smokey Robinson and Family, The Temptations, The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye.

Question 3: What are some of Smokey Robinson and Family's most famous songs?

Smokey Robinson and Family had a string of hit singles, including "Shop Around," "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," and "My Girl." These songs are still popular today and continue to be played on the radio and in movies and television shows.

Question 4: What was Smokey Robinson's role in the group?

Smokey Robinson was the lead singer and primary songwriter for Smokey Robinson and Family. He is one of the most gifted songwriters in popular music history, and his songs are known for their emotional depth, catchy melodies, and clever lyrics.

Question 5: What is Smokey Robinson and Family's legacy?

Smokey Robinson and Family are one of the most important and influential groups in the history of popular music. Their music has inspired generations of musicians, and their songs continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world. They are truly a legendary group that will never be forgotten.

We hope this FAQ section has answered your questions about Smokey Robinson and Family. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

Transition to the next article section:

In the next section, we will take a closer look at Smokey Robinson and Family's music and its impact on popular culture.

Smokey Robinson and Family

Smokey Robinson and Family were one of the most successful and influential vocal groups of all time. Their music helped to define the sound of Motown Records and had a major impact on popular music. Their smooth harmonies, catchy melodies, and meaningful lyrics continue to inspire musicians and fans around the world.

Smokey Robinson and Family's legacy is one of excellence, innovation, and inspiration. Their music has stood the test of time, and it continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world. Smokey Robinson and Family are truly one of the most important and influential groups in the history of popular music.