Motown Records: Smokey Robinson

William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. Grew up in Detroit with his friend Berry Gordy Jr who shared his love of music and saw that Smokey had a great talent for writing music and encouraged him to focus on this. However, it was undeniable that Smokey was also an amazing singer as well so he got a group together and eventually became the lead singer of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. His friend Gordy became their manager.

As good as The Miracles we’re they could not cut a record deal. Realizing that it was mainly because they were black, Gordy became frustrated. But his frustration turned into inspiration as he began to have a vision for a new record label that would showcase young talented local black singers. So with just 800 dollars he borrowed from his family, Berry Gordy started “Tamla” records. He then signed Smokey and The Miracles and others. Eventually the label was renamed “Motown Records”.

Robinson and his group enjoyed quite a few hit records which were all written by him but that was just the beginning. He soon would write hits for other Motown artists as well here are just a few of them:

“My Girl" by The Temptations, "The Way You Do the Things You Do", "Get Ready" by The Temptations

"Ain't That Peculiar","I'll Be Doggone" by Marvin Gaye

"My Guy" by Mary Wells

"Don't Mess with Bill" by The Marvelettes

"When I'm Gone" by Brenda Holloway

He also write songs for some artists who were not with Motown.

His contributions to Motown as an extremely talented singer, songwriter and producer-along with all of the hard work he put in working with so many different artists and their personalities earned him a spot as Vice President of Motown records and he is also considered a co founder.

Robinson was arguably one of the most prolific songwriters of his era, and he is definitely one of the most successful to this day. Some of his most famous tracks include "The Tracks of My Tears," "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "Ooh Baby Baby," and "The Tears of a Clown."

Robinson wrote a lot of songs for a lot of people and by doing so he helped shape pop music into a whole new hybrid genre “The Motown Sound” All of this revolutionized pop music - fusing it with R&B and even Soul. Motown was one of the most important and influential forces in the history of popular music.

Berry Gordy, Jr. started Motown with a vision and he had done exactly what mar he had envisioned and Smokey had been part of the inspiration as well as a force that helped make Motown record a huge success to say the least. But in the 80s Motown had some financial struggles and more competiton. Gordy was nearing his 60s and now has other endeavors to pursue. So in 1988 Berry Gordy sold Motown Records for $61 million to Music Corporation of America (MCA). Smokey Robinson left Motown Records in 1990.

Today the label is part of Universal.

Smokey Robinson never stopped singing and today even in his 80s performs regularly and live in concerts. He still goes on tours and yes he still gets down. His voice is still amazing.

Some would say that Mr. Robinson is a true legend.

I would agree.

A couple of little known facts :

Robinson was a talented athlete in high school and considered pursuing a career in baseball before he focused on music.

Robinson went to high school with Diana Ross and they remained close friends throughout their careers. Robinson later helped to launch Ross's solo career after she left The Supremes.

.

5. In addition to his work in music, Robinson has also acted in several films and television shows, including "The Cosby Show," "The Drew Carey Show," and "Sister, Sister."

6. Robinson is a vegetarian and has been an advocate for animal rights for many years.

7. He has received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to music, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Kennedy Center Honors.

8. Robinson has also been recognized for his philanthropic work, including his support of the Children's Diabetes Foundation and his creation of a music scholarship fund for underprivileged students.

These are just a few little-known facts about Smokey Robinson, who has had a long and varied career in music and beyond.