|
Smokey Robinson Bio
|
|
|
Smokey Robinson
William Robinson, Jr. (popularly known as Smokey) was born on February 19, 1940. Smokey has been known as one of the premier singers with the Motown record label throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Robinson’s success in the music world was transformed into a success in the business world when he became vice president of Motown between the years of 1961 and 1988.
Growing up in Detroit, Michigan Robinson received his nickname “Smokey” due to his love of western films. Smokey’s musical interest blossomed when he formed a band in high school with friends Ronnie White, Pete Moore, Clarence Dawson and James Grice. The group became known as The Matadors after a couple band members were replaced by cousins of Robinson. Smokey became the lead singer of the group as they began getting gigs throughout the Detroit area.
By 1958, Robinson began working with songwriter Berry Gordy. Robinson convinced Gordy to start his own record label in 1959. The label was originally called Tamla Records but was quickly renamed to Motown. Robinson and his group then renamed their band to the Miracles and was the first to sign with Motown. Two years later, Gordy appointed Robinson vice president.
The first big hit for Smokey and the Miracles was “Shop Around” which was released in 1960. Throughout the decade the Miracles released hit after hit including “Ooo Baby Baby” (1965) and “I Second That Emotion” (1967).
By the end of the decade, Smokey decided to leave the Miracles in order to stay at home with his growing family. He married Claudette Rogers, who was also a part of the Miracles, and had two kids named Berry and Tamla. In 1972, Smokey, Claudette and the rest of the Miracles held a six-month farewell tour. Smokey then stepped down as lead singer to Billy Griffin.
After Smokey left the Miracles he continued to have a low key but successful career in the music industry as a songwriter and producer for several other Motown artists such as Mary Wells, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and Brenda Holloway. In total, Robinson’s name has been credited to over 4,000 songs throughout his 50 year career.
In 1973, Robinson recorded his first album as a solo artist. He remained a successful solo artist throughout the decade, recording several #1 hit singles such as “Baby that’s Backatcha” and “Being with You.”
By 1986, Smokey’s career and personal life began to falter as he battled an addiction to cocaine. He and Claudette were divorced by 1986. After Smokey overcame his addiction, he was back to recording hits by the late 1980s. In 1988 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. At this time he also published his autobiography, Smokey. He has continued to intermittently tour and record new albums throughout the 1990s and the new millennium.
In 2004 Smokey created his own line of soul food entrees that have sold with the slogan, “The Soul is in the Bowl.” His company is called SFGL Foods. Included in his delicious product line include gumbo and red beans & rice. Around the same time he started his company, he also released the gospel CD, Food for the Spirit (2004).
Most recently Robinson has appeared as a guest judge on American Idol. He also released a new album in 2006 entitled, Timeless Love. In May of 2006, Robinson was given an honorary degree of Doctor of Music from Howard University. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Yuddy top celebrities
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
, , , , , , , , , ,
, , , ,
,
|
|
