Contents
Smokey Robinson
Giving Motown its lyrical soul as the Miracles’ singer and a prolific songwriter.
Shop Around · My Girl
- Born
- 19 February 1940
- Birthplace
- United States
More people
Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson is a singer, songwriter and producer whose smooth voice and songs helped define Motown. He also wrote hits for other performers and became an executive at the label.
Early life
Detroit
Grew up in Detroit and attended Northern High School.
Nickname
An uncle gave him the childhood nickname Smokey Joe, later shortened to Smokey.
Career
- 1955
First group
Formed the Five Chimes, which evolved into the Miracles.
- 1960
Breakthrough
Shop Around became a major hit.
- 1972
Leaving the Miracles
Stepped away from the group before beginning a solo career.
- 1987
Recognition
Entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- 2016
Gershwin Prize
Received the Library of Congress songwriting honour.
Selected work
Shop Around
Co-wrote and sang the Miracles’ breakthrough single.
My Girl
Co-wrote the Temptations’ enduring hit with Ronald White.
A Quiet Storm
Released the solo album associated with the late-night radio format.
Beyond work
Family
Married fellow Miracle Claudette Rogers in 1959; they had two children.
Later life
Married Frances Gladney in 2002.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Biography and career evidence ↗Photo: Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 3.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
