Who is Smokey Robinson?

Smokey Robinson is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive director. He is best known as the founder and frontman of the vocal group the Miracles, for which he was the lead singer and primary songwriter. Robinson led the group from its formation in 1955 until his departure in 1972.

Robinson's songwriting has been praised for its poetic lyrics and sophisticated melodies. He has written and produced a number of hit songs for himself and other artists, including "Shop Around," "The Tracks of My Tears," "Tears of a Clown," "My Girl," and "Cruisin'."

Robinson has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the National Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame. He has also received the Kennedy Center Honors and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Name	William "Smokey" Robinson Jr.
Birth Date	February 19, 1940
Birth Place	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Genre	R&B, soul, pop
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, record producer, record executive
Years active	1955present
Labels	Tamla, Motown
Associated acts	The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder

Main article topics

Smokey Robinson's early life and career
The Miracles
Smokey Robinson's solo career
Smokey Robinson's songwriting
Smokey Robinson's influence on popular music

Smokey Robinson

Singer
Songwriter
Record producer
Record executive
Founder of the Miracles
Lead singer of the Miracles

These key aspects highlight Smokey Robinson's diverse talents and contributions to the music industry. As a singer, he is known for his smooth, soulful vocals. As a songwriter, he has penned some of the most iconic songs in popular music, including "Shop Around," "The Tracks of My Tears," and "My Girl." As a record producer, he has helped to shape the sound of Motown Records. And as a record executive, he played a key role in the development of the label.

1. Singer

Smokey Robinson is widely recognized as one of the greatest singers of all time. His smooth, soulful vocals have captivated audiences for decades. Robinson's voice is characterized by its rich timbre, perfect pitch, and expressive range. He is able to convey a wide range of emotions with his voice, from the joyous exuberance of "My Girl" to the heartbreaking sadness of "The Tracks of My Tears."

Robinson's singing style has been influenced by a variety of artists, including Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, and Marvin Gaye. However, he has developed a unique sound that is instantly recognizable. Robinson's voice is often described as "smoky" and "sweet," and it has a timeless quality that has made him one of the most enduring singers in popular music.

Robinson's singing has had a profound impact on popular music. He has inspired generations of singers, and his songs have been covered by countless artists. Robinson's music has also been used in films, television shows, and commercials. He is a true icon of American music, and his voice will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.

2. Songwriter

Smokey Robinson is one of the most celebrated songwriters in American history. He has written and produced a number of hit songs for himself and other artists, including "Shop Around," "The Tracks of My Tears," "Tears of a Clown," "My Girl," and "Cruisin'." Robinson's songs are known for their poetic lyrics and sophisticated melodies. He has a gift for writing songs that are both catchy and meaningful.

Robinson's songwriting has been influenced by a variety of sources, including gospel music, R&B, and pop. He has also been inspired by the works of poets and playwrights. Robinson's songs often deal with themes of love, loss, and social justice. He has a unique ability to capture the human experience in his songs.

Robinson's songwriting has had a profound impact on popular music. He has helped to shape the sound of Motown Records and has inspired generations of songwriters. Robinson's songs have been covered by countless artists, and they continue to be played and enjoyed by people all over the world.

3. Record producer

Smokey Robinson's career as a record producer began in the early 1960s, when he started producing records for other artists on the Motown label. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented producer, and he soon began producing records for some of the biggest names in Motown, including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and The Temptations.

Robinson's production style is characterized by its lush, soulful sound. He often uses strings, horns, and backing vocals to create a rich and sophisticated sound. Robinson is also known for his attention to detail, and he often spends hours in the studio perfecting the sound of his recordings.

Robinson's work as a record producer has had a profound impact on popular music. He has helped to shape the sound of Motown Records, and he has produced some of the most iconic albums in music history. Robinson is a true master of his craft, and he is one of the most respected record producers in the world.

4. Record executive

Smokey Robinson's career as a record executive began in the late 1960s, when he was appointed vice president of Motown Records. In this role, Robinson was responsible for overseeing the label's creative output and managing its roster of artists.

As a record executive, Robinson played a key role in the development of Motown's sound. He was responsible for signing some of the label's biggest stars, including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and The Temptations. Robinson also helped to develop the label's signature sound, which was characterized by its lush, soulful arrangements and catchy melodies.

Robinson's work as a record executive had a profound impact on popular music. He helped to shape the sound of Motown Records and to launch the careers of some of the most successful artists in music history. Robinson is a true pioneer of the music industry, and his legacy as a record executive will continue to inspire generations to come.

5. Founder of the Miracles

Smokey Robinson's role as the founder of the Miracles was pivotal in shaping his career and the music industry as a whole. The Miracles were one of the most successful vocal groups of the 1960s and 1970s, and their music had a profound impact on popular music.

Leadership and Vision
As the founder of the Miracles, Robinson was responsible for the group's creative direction and overall success. He wrote or co-wrote many of the group's biggest hits, including "Shop Around," "The Tracks of My Tears," and "My Girl." Robinson also produced the group's albums and managed their business affairs.
Collaboration and Teamwork
The Miracles were a true collaboration, with each member contributing their own unique talents. Robinson's songwriting and leadership skills were complemented by the vocal talents of Bobby Rogers, Ronnie White, Pete Moore, and Claudette Rogers Robinson. Together, they created some of the most memorable and enduring music of the era.
Innovation and Influence
The Miracles were one of the most innovative vocal groups of their time. They experimented with different sounds and styles, and their music had a major impact on the development of soul music. The group's songs were covered by numerous other artists, and they helped to shape the sound of popular music for years to come.
Legacy and Impact
The Miracles' legacy is immense. The group's music continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world, and their songs have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Robinson's work with the Miracles helped to establish Motown Records as a major force in the music industry, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in popular music history.

Smokey Robinson's role as the founder of the Miracles was a major factor in his success as a singer, songwriter, producer, and record executive. The group's music had a profound impact on popular music, and their legacy continues to inspire artists and fans alike.

6. Lead singer of the Miracles

Smokey Robinson's role as the lead singer of the Miracles was pivotal in shaping his career and the music industry as a whole. The Miracles were one of the most successful vocal groups of the 1960s and 1970s, and their music had a profound impact on popular music.

As the lead singer of the Miracles, Robinson was responsible for delivering the group's signature sound. His smooth, soulful vocals were a major factor in the group's success. Robinson also wrote or co-wrote many of the group's biggest hits, including "Shop Around," "The Tracks of My Tears," and "My Girl." These songs showcased Robinson's songwriting skills and his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level.

Robinson's leadership and vision were also essential to the Miracles' success. He was the driving force behind the group's creative direction and overall sound. Robinson also managed the group's business affairs and ensured that they were always performing at their best. Under his leadership, the Miracles became one of the most respected and successful vocal groups of their era.

The connection between "Lead singer of the Miracles" and "Smokey Robinson" is significant because it highlights Robinson's central role in the group's success. His vocal skills, songwriting abilities, and leadership qualities were all essential to the Miracles' rise to stardom. Robinson's work with the Miracles helped to establish Motown Records as a major force in the music industry, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in popular music history.

FAQs about Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson is an iconic figure in the music industry, known for his soulful vocals, songwriting skills, and leadership of the Miracles. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Smokey Robinson:

Question 1: What is Smokey Robinson's real name?

Answer: William "Smokey" Robinson Jr.

Question 2: When and where was Smokey Robinson born?

Answer: February 19, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

Question 3: What was the name of the vocal group that Smokey Robinson founded and led?

Answer: The Miracles

Question 4: What are some of Smokey Robinson's most famous songs?

Answer: "Shop Around," "The Tracks of My Tears," "Tears of a Clown," "My Girl," and "Cruisin'"

Question 5: What awards and honors has Smokey Robinson received?

Answer: Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, Kennedy Center Honors, and Presidential Medal of Freedom

Smokey Robinson's contributions to music have left an indelible mark on the industry. His songs continue to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide, and his legacy as a singer, songwriter, producer, and record executive will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

Transition to the next article section:

Smokey Robinson's impact on popular music is undeniable. His soulful vocals, poetic lyrics, and innovative production techniques have made him one of the most influential figures in the industry. In the following sections, we will explore Robinson's early life, career, and personal life in greater detail.

Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson is a true icon of American music. His soulful vocals, poetic lyrics, and innovative production techniques have made him one of the most influential figures in the industry. As a singer, songwriter, producer, and record executive, Robinson has played a major role in shaping the sound of popular music for over six decades.

Robinson's legacy is immense. His songs have been covered by countless artists, and they continue to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the National Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame. He has also received the Kennedy Center Honors and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Smokey Robinson's impact on popular music is undeniable. He is a true pioneer and a master of his craft. His music will continue to be enjoyed and celebrated for generations to come.