Smokey Robinson
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William “Smokey” Robinson, Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American R&B and soul singer and songwriter. Robinson is noted for being one of the primary figures associated with the Motown record label, second only to the company’s founder, Berry Gordy. As both a member of Motown group The Miracles and a solo artist, Robinson recorded seventy Top 40 hits for Motown between 1959 and 1990, and also served as the company’s Vice President from 1961 to 1988.
Early years and formation of the Miracles
Robinson was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and was nicknamed “Smokey” as a child, because of his love of westerns. The name originally came when an uncle (who would take a young Robinson to see westerns) gave him the name “Smokey Joe”, Robinson began being called “Smokey” whilst in his teens. In 1955, Robinson founded a group he called “The Five Chimes” with his best friend Ronnie White, and Northern High School classmates Pete Moore, Clarence Dawson, and James Grice. By 1957, the group was called “The Matadors” and included cousins Bobby Rogers and Claudette Rogers in place of Dawson and Grice. With Robinson as lead singer, the Matadors began touring the local Detroit venues. In 1958, Robinson met songwriter Berry Gordy, Jr., who co-wrote for them the single “Got a Job,” an answer song to The Silhouettes’ hit single “Get A Job.” The group renamed itself The Miracles, and issued singles on both End Records and Chess Records before Robinson suggested to Berry Gordy that he start a label of his own.
Early years and formation of the Miracles
Robinson was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and was nicknamed “Smokey” as a child, because of his love of westerns. The name originally came when an uncle (who would take a young Robinson to see westerns) gave him the name “Smokey Joe”, Robinson began being called “Smokey” whilst in his teens. In 1955, Robinson founded a group he called “The Five Chimes” with his best friend Ronnie White, and Northern High School classmates Pete Moore, Clarence Dawson, and James Grice. By 1957, the group was called “The Matadors” and included cousins Bobby Rogers and Claudette Rogers in place of Dawson and Grice. With Robinson as lead singer, the Matadors began touring the local Detroit venues. In 1958, Robinson met songwriter Berry Gordy, Jr., who co-wrote for them the single “Got a Job,” an answer song to The Silhouettes’ hit single “Get A Job.” The group renamed itself The Miracles, and issued singles on both End Records and Chess Records before Robinson suggested to Berry Gordy that he start a label of his own.
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A QuIet Storm
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The Ultimate Collection
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My World: The Definitive Collection
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hoodbrilliance wrote:
Smokey is an enormous talent. Writer, singer, businessman. Inspiring.
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gordonsalvatore wrote:
Wish the music industry demanded real talent like it used to.. I mean where are the Marvin Gayes, Barry Whites, Smokey Robinsons, Teddy Pendergrass', Roy Ayers' of my generation? Nowhere. Music has died along time ago. And the only way I can revive it is by listening to it on my ipod and computer cause I sure as hell won't hear these guys out in the public like Lady Gaga.
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infant-tango wrote:
Best music to cruise to. The best "oldies. "
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credmoney wrote:
Smokey is a legend, the music industry needs another Motown!
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violetchild wrote:
He was one of my favorite artists back in the fourth grade when he was with the miracles. He has pretty good stuff as a solo artist, and I still respect his work, contributions and legacy in the world of music. Heck, he should win an Oscar for crying out loud!
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phylloxr wrote:
`Smokin`, `Love Breeze` & `Intimate`....my best three choice of his solo albums.
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queencrab3 wrote:
love his song "First Time on a Ferris Wheel" it's from the movie The Last Dragon
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Batiste369 wrote:
Tu Me Besas Muy Rico <3
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rain518 wrote:
I'm come from china.And a problerm is I can't hear it.sad.....
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try-some-of-me wrote:
I LOVE SMOKEY HE HAS THE MOST AMAZING LOVE SONGS,HES THE BEST
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A_J_S87 wrote:
I don't care 'bout anything else but being with you <3
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JluisEstrada wrote:
Does anyone know where I can get the track "Love will set you free". I tried to find all over internet and I didnt a full-lenght file. Hope somebody could help me
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luckybabe888 wrote:
So hot Smoke gets in my eyes...LOL He's Hot back when and Now! Shout out 4 Smoky...TOO HOT 4 Words, hehehee
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Marxism1 wrote:
I love it when we're cruisin' together
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phylloxr wrote:
Every body, Have you already listened to his new album`Time Flies When You're Having Fun'? This is one of his masterpieces,I think. Must Buy `09`s best album.
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peternen wrote:
The new album "Time Flies When You're Having Fun" sounds great.
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JawadQ wrote:
Ahaha smokey Robinson motowns finest! Great great singer!
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dancy_luv wrote:
I love this man. Smokey, the King of Motown.
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brasmeta01 wrote:
Take a trip to the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s! Go now: http://www.youtube.com/brasmeta01 http://brasmeta01.blogspot.com http://www.lastfm.com.br/user/brasmeta01 http://www.lastfm.com.br/user/brasmeta01/personal http://www.imeem.com/brasmeta01 http://www.youtube.com/playtv10 My MP3 Shared Virtual Disk on 4shared Site: http://www.4shared.com/dir/10428534/42b27ca7/sharing.html Jr. and sons
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starlitelily wrote:
he's amazing. the first music i had played for me when i was a baby. i grew up on his music. i can't believe i finally get to see him live in january!
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mcalvo3, ssmusicx, babolive and 97 other people added Smokey Robinson to their libraries. yesterday morning
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Elduderino86 wrote about Various Artists – Platoon in Latest purchases on Vinyl *update²*. August 2010
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postrational wrote about Smokey Robinson – Time Flies When You're Having Fun in My personal top 15 albums of 2009. January 2010
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sfusyron wrote about Various Artists – Platoon in My Music Collection.... January 2010
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