Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson is one of the most iconic figures in R&B. As the leader of the Miracles, the singer/songwriter and producer played a key role in making Motown the quintessential label of the genre. The first Motown signees, Robinson and his group helped define pop-oriented soul with Top Ten hits such as "Shop Around" (1960), "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" (1962), and the chart-topping "The Tears of a Clown" (1970). At the same time, he became an invaluable behind-the-scenes figure who wrote and produced -- including Mary Wells' "My Guy" and the Temptations' "My Girl," both number one hits -- and scouted and developed talent while serving as vice-president at Motown. Robinson continued to be bankable as a solo artist in the '70s and '80s. His lush, romantic ballads inspired a radio format named after his album A Quiet Storm (1975), before he notched solo Top Ten singles with "Cruisin'" (1979), "Being with You" (1981), and the Grammy-winning "Just to See Her" (1987). Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, Robinson entered the Songwriters Hall of Fame three years later, and in 2005 received the Johnny Mercer Award, the highest honor of the latter institution. He continues to perform while occasionally releasing studio projects like Smokey & Friends (2014) and Gasms (2023).

From 🇺🇸 United States