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.
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  • hoodbrilliance

    Smokey is an enormous talent. Writer, singer, businessman. Inspiring.

    September 2011
  • gordonsalvatore

    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.

    August 2011
  • infant-tango

    Best music to cruise to. The best "oldies. "

    August 2011
  • credmoney

    Smokey is a legend, the music industry needs another Motown!

    April 2011
  • violetchild

    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!

    December 2010
  • phylloxr

    `Smokin`, `Love Breeze` & `Intimate`....my best three choice of his solo albums.

    December 2010
  • queencrab3

    love his song "First Time on a Ferris Wheel" it's from the movie The Last Dragon

    August 2010
  • Batiste369

    Tu Me Besas Muy Rico <3

    June 2010
  • rain518

    I'm come from china.And a problerm is I can't hear it.sad.....

    April 2010
  • try-some-of-me

    I LOVE SMOKEY HE HAS THE MOST AMAZING LOVE SONGS,HES THE BEST

    January 2010
  • A_J_S87

    I don't care 'bout anything else but being with you <3

    January 2010
  • JluisEstrada

    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

    December 2009
  • luckybabe888

    So hot Smoke gets in my eyes...LOL He's Hot back when and Now! Shout out 4 Smoky...TOO HOT 4 Words, hehehee

    November 2009
  • Marxism1

    I love it when we're cruisin' together

    November 2009
  • phylloxr

    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.

    October 2009
  • peternen

    The new album "Time Flies When You're Having Fun" sounds great.

    August 2009
  • JawadQ

    Ahaha smokey Robinson motowns finest! Great great singer!

    August 2009
  • dancy_luv

    I love this man. Smokey, the King of Motown.

    July 2009
  • brasmeta01

    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

    December 2008
  • starlitelily

    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!

    November 2008
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