Are you a fan of Motown music and the soulful voice of Smokey Robinson? If so, get ready to dive into The Life and Times of Smokey Robinson: A Biography. This post will take you on a journey through the life of one of the most talented singers and songwriters in American history. From his humble beginnings as a young boy singing gospel music in Detroit to his rise to fame as one of the founding members of The Miracles, this biography explores all aspects of Smokey’s incredible career. So sit back, grab your headphones, and join us for an unforgettable ride through the life and times of Smokey Robinson!

Smokey Robinson Biography

The life and times of Smokey Robinson is a story that embodies the American dream. Born in Chicago in 1931, Robinson was the son of an African-American mother and a white father. This background would shape Robinson’s entire life, as he struggled to overcome discrimination and achieve success in a racist society.

Robinson first began his career as a member of the Miracles, who were one of the most successful black groups of the 1950s. The Miracles quickly became known for their powerful vocal harmonies and Robinson’s lead vocals. In 1957, they released their first hit single, “Miracle.” The song reached number one on the Billboard charts and remained there for six weeks.

In 1961, Robinson joined Motown Records as a solo artist. At Motown, he found success with numerous hits including “I Want You Back,” “The Girl Can’t Help It,” and “Cruisin’.” He also helped create some of Motown’s most famous songs such as “Get Ready” and “Love Me Tender.”

Throughout his career, Robinson has continued to fight against discrimination both privately and publicly. He has been involved in many humanitarian causes including aiding in hurricane relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In 2012, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in recognition of his contributions to music and civil rights.

Robinson remains active today performing concerts around the world and working on new projects. He has been nominated for several Grammy

Childhood and Early Years

Smokey Robinson was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on October 24th, 1935. His parents were both gospel singers and when Smokey was just a toddler they moved to Detroit, Michigan. There, his father became the musical director at a local church and it was there that Smokey learned to play the piano.

In 1947, when he was just 11 years old, Smokey started performing with his father in the gospel choir. In 1951, he formed his first group with some friends and began performing at local clubs. The following year, he recorded his first record as a solo artist under the name The Miracles.

The Miracles went on to become one of the most successful groups in history and their songs include “I Second That Emotion,” “Sweet Little Sixteen,” and “Shop Around.” They won several Grammy Awards and sold over 100 million records worldwide.

In 1968, The Miracles disbanded but Smokey continued to perform as a solo act. He released several more albums before retiring from singing in 1992. However, he has continued to make occasional appearances on stage and has also worked as a music producer.

Smokey Robinson is now retired but still travels extensively for work – recently stopping by London for an appearance at Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebrations!

Career

Smokey Robinson was born in Memphis, Tennessee on January 12, 1935 and died on October 27, 2018. He is best known as the iconic singer and songwriter of The Miracles, one of the most successful Motown groups ever. He also had a successful solo career, recording over 60 top ten hits throughout his career.

Robinson began his music career in the early 1950s as a member of The Miracles with brothers Claudette and Marvin Gaye. The group signed to Motown Records in 1961 and released their debut album that year. They quickly became one of the label’s most popular acts and scored several hits including “(I Wanna) Cry for You”, “I Second That Emotion” and “The Tears of a Clown”. In 1967 they recorded the classic hit “My Girl”.

Robinson retired from The Miracles in 1972 but continued to have a successful solo career, scoring hits including “Cruisin'”, “Going To A Go-Go” and “Love Machine”. He received numerous awards throughout his career including seven Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards and an Emmy Award. Robinson was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1978 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987.

Wife and Family

Smokey Robinson was born on this day in 1942 in Detroit, Michigan. His father was a musician and his mother was a gospel singer. Robinson began singing with his family when he was young and soon started performing with local groups. In 1957, he joined the Motown Records label as a vocalist and songwriter.

Robinson’s first hit record was “My Baby Just Cares for Me.” He went on to create some of the most popular albums of all time, including “The Soulful Song of Smokey Robinson” (1961), “The talksong Companion” (1963), “Tears of Rage” (1965), and “My Way” (1973). Robinson also received numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards and an Emmy Award. He retired from performing in 1992 but continues to write songs and provide vocals for recordings.

Awards and Achievements

Smokey Robinson is one of the most successful and influential soul singers of all time. He is known for his hit songs “Cruisin'”, “The Tracks of My Tears”, and “You Really Got a Hold on Me”. Robinson has received numerous awards and accolades, including five Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, and a Soul Train Music Award. He has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

Final Thoughts

Smokey Robinson was a pioneering soul and R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer who helped shape the sound of the 1960s and 1970s. He was one of the most successful recording artists in history, with more than 60 million records sold worldwide.

Born May 3, 1941 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Robinson started singing in church as a child. After joining a local gospel group, he began recording secular music in 1961 under the name The Miracles. They released their first album that year and became an overnight sensation. Robinson soon gained a reputation as one of the best vocalists in R&B music; his powerful vocals propelled The Miracles to become one of the biggest selling groups of all time.

Robinson’s solo career took off in 1967 with the release of his breakthrough album Smokey Sessions. It included hits such as “It’s Now or Never” and “The Way You Do The Things You Do.” In 1971, Robinson formed The Miracles with new members Bobby Womack and Ronnie White; they released their final album together that year. Robinson went on to have successful solo careers with albums such as 1972’s Forever Yours and 1974’s I’m Your Man.

Throughout his career, Robinson wrote or co-wrote many popular songs, including “Since I Lost My Baby,” “The Tears Of A Clown,” and “I Second That Emotion.” He also produced some of his biggest hits himself, including “(Just Like) Starting

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