Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Full name: William Robinson Jr.
Common aliases: Smokey Robinson, Mr. Motown
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: February 19, 1940
Still living (no recorded death date)
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: American
Profession(s): Singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur
Early Life and Background
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William Robinson Jr. was born in Detroit, Michigan, to a musical family. His father, Berry Williams, was a jazz guitarist, and his mother, Estella Warren, sang in the church choir. Smokey grew up surrounded by music and began performing at a young age. He attended Detroit's Northwestern High School, where he formed his first group, The Five Chimes.
Major Accomplishments
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Smokey Robinson's rise to fame began when he co-founded Motown Records with Berry Gordy in 1959. As one of the label's primary songwriters and performers, Smokey penned hits like "Shop Around," "You've Really Got a Hold On Me," and "(The Tears of) A Clown." His smooth, soulful voice and ability to craft timeless melodies made him an integral part of Motown's success.
Smokey Robinson's accomplishments extend beyond his work as a performer. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987), the Songwriters Hall of Fame (1982), and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2006). In 2016, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Smokey Robinson's most notable works include:
Songwriting credits: Over 4,000 songs written for Motown Records, including hits like "My Girl," "The Way You Do the Things You Do," and "Ain't That Peculiar."
Production credits: As a record producer, Smokey worked on numerous albums, including The Temptations' "My Girl" and Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On."
* Entrepreneurial ventures: In 1988, Smokey founded the label MoTown Records, which has since been revived as part of Universal Music Group.
Impact and Legacy
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Smokey Robinson's impact on music is immeasurable. As a songwriter, performer, and producer, he helped shape the sound of Motown and popular music as a whole. His legacy can be seen in countless artists who have followed in his footsteps, including Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and The Jackson 5.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Smokey Robinson's enduring appeal lies in his timeless songs, his smooth vocals, and his commitment to artistic excellence. His impact on popular music is still felt today, making him one of the most quoted and remembered figures in the industry.
Quotes by Smokey Robinson
We're very physical creatures, and we worry about how we look sometimes more than our spiritual selves.
Once you're a Motown artist, that's your stigmatism, and I was there from the very first day.
I've been speaking at churches for years, as well as juvenile jails, rehabs and hospitals, and I always talk about my faith. That is a declaration of my relationship with God.
When someone picks up one of my songs and records it, I'm a flattered man, it's a blessing to me.
One thing I can say about the Motown acts is that we were a family. That's not a myth.
I don't ever balk at being considered a Motown person, because Motown is the greatest musical event that ever happened in the history of music.