William Robinson Jr. aka Smokey Robinson is one of the most influential Black American artists of the 20th century. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1940, Robinson had an interest in music at a very young age. This eventually led to the formation of a doo-wop group with his friends Ronald White and Pete Moore during his time at Northern High School. The group’s name was changed to The Matadors and eventually, The Miracles as they began touring across the Detroit music scene.

 

The Miracles released their first single titled Got A Job in collaboration with Robinson then songwriter Berry Gordy, who went on to establish Tamla Records. Then, when Tamal transformed into Motown Records The Miracles signed on and produced the label’s first-ever record to reach over a million sales titled “Shop Around.” For the majority of his ten-year career with the group, Robinson was the lead singer however, he also produced and wrote many of their songs. Outside of The Mircles, Robinson wrote for artists signed onto Mowtown like Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, and Mary Wells.

 

Eventually, in 1972, Robinson began to faze out of his position within the group to focus on his family and administrative duties within Motown Records as its Vice President. But he couldn’t stop making music for so long as he returned in 1973 with his first solo album, Smokey. In total, Robinson released 24 studio albums and 58 singles up until 2023, after a ten-year hiatus. That said, he’ll likely make more.

 

Robinson has won many awards for his work including a spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In 2023, Rolling Stone gave Robinson the 23rd spot on their 200 Greatest Singers of All Time list.