Smokey Robinson

Date of Birth: February 19, 1940

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Biography

William “Smokey” Robinson Jr., born February 19, 1940, is an iconic American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. He was the founder and frontman of the Motown vocal group the Miracles, for which he also served as the group’s chief songwriter and producer. Smokey Robinson’s career began in the late 1950s, and he quickly became a key figure in the development of the Motown sound, often referred to as the “King of Motown.” His smooth tenor voice and poetic lyrics have made him a favorite among fans for decades. Robinson’s career with the Miracles produced numerous hits, including “Shop Around,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Mickey’s Monkey,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Going to a Go-Go,” “I Second That Emotion,” and “The Tears of a Clown,” among others. In 1972, Robinson left the Miracles to pursue a solo career, achieving success with hits like “Cruisin’” and “Being with You.” Robinson also served as Motown’s vice president from 1961 to 1988, playing a crucial role in the careers of artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and the Supremes. His contributions to music have earned him numerous awards and honors, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1990.

5 Interesting Facts about Smokey Robinson

1. Smokey Robinson wrote over 4,000 songs during his career, many of which became hits for other artists.

2. He was given the nickname “Smokey” by his uncle, who took him to see cowboy movies and called him “Smokey Joe.”

3. Robinson is a lifelong friend of Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, and was instrumental in the label’s success.

4. He has won two Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Grammy Legend Award in 1990.

5. Despite his success, Robinson struggled with a drug addiction in the 1980s but overcame it and has been an advocate for sobriety since.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Smokey Robinson

1. “Songwriting is my gift from God.”

2. “You can’t live a lie. You have to follow your heart.”

3. “I always try to write a song, I don’t try to write a hit.”

4. “When someone picks up one of my songs and records it, I’m a fan.”

5. “I don’t think I’m a great singer, but I know I can write a song.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Smokey Robinson is estimated to be around $100 million.

Children

Smokey Robinson has three children. He has a son, Berry Robinson, named after Berry Gordy, and a daughter, Tamla Robinson, named after the original name of Motown Records. He also has another son, Trey Robinson, from a previous relationship.