Smokey Robinson: The Velvet Voice of Motown Soul
Smokey Robinson is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who became one of the most influential figures in soul and R&B music. As the frontman of The Miracles and a pivotal architect of the Motown sound, his career is defined by timeless songwriting and a smooth, high-tenor voice that earned him the nickname "America's greatest poet" from Bob Dylan.
Early Career
Born William Robinson Jr. in 1940 in Detroit, Michigan, he formed the vocal group The Matadors while still in high school. The group, which later became The Miracles, was discovered by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1957, leading to them becoming the first act signed to Gordy's new Tamla label, which evolved into the Motown Record Corporation.
Breakthrough
Robinson's breakthrough came as both a performer with The Miracles and a prolific songwriter for Motown's roster. The 1960 single "Shop Around," which he wrote and sang lead on, became Motown's first million-selling record, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and establishing the label's hit-making formula. His role as a vice president at Motown and his songwriting for artists like The Temptations and Mary Wells cemented his status within the industry.
Key Tracks
The Tracks of My Tears - This 1965 single with The Miracles is considered a masterpiece of lyrical vulnerability and a quintessential example of the Motown soul sound.
Shop Around - As Motown's first major commercial hit, this song launched the careers of Smokey Robinson and The Miracles and proved Berry Gordy's business model.
You've Really Got a Hold on Me - Another classic Miracles track from 1962, it showcases Robinson's emotive delivery and has been covered by countless artists across genres.
Tears of a Clown - Co-written with Stevie Wonder, this 1970 hit became The Miracles' first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, blending soul with a circus-like melody.
Being with You - His 1981 solo single was a massive crossover success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and proving his enduring appeal in the pop and R&B markets.
As a solo artist after leaving The Miracles in 1972, Smokey Robinson continued to find success with albums like "A Quiet Storm," which named an entire radio format and subgenre of R&B. His influence extends far beyond his own recordings, having written and produced major hits for other Motown legends such as "My Guy" for Mary Wells and "My Girl" for The Temptations. Robinson's contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Fans of Smokey Robinson's smooth soul and classic pop sound might also enjoy the music of Marvin Gaye, another Motown icon known for his profound social commentary and sensual ballads. The sophisticated pop-soul of Stevie Wonder, a fellow Motown songwriter and performer, shares a similar melodic genius. The heartfelt vocal delivery of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, resonates with the emotional depth found in Robinson's work. Lastly, the polished harmonies and romance of The Temptations, for whom Robinson wrote several early hits, offer a complementary group dynamic.
The music of Smokey Robinson remains a staple on classic soul and R&B radio stations, as well as on dedicated oldies and quiet storm format stations. His timeless songs are frequently featured in rotations that celebrate the golden era of Motown and classic pop.
Listeners can discover the enduring soul and pop classics of Smokey Robinson through the radio stations featured on this website, where his voice continues to define an era of American music.
