Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Smokey Robinson

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Smokey Robinson made an impact.

Smokey Robinson is a highly influential American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, and record producer. Best known as the founder and frontman of the Motown group The Miracles, he served as their chief songwriter and producer from their formation in 1955 until 1972. He briefly retired to focus on his executive role at Motown Records. Robinson resumed his music career as a solo artist the following year, and he ultimately departed from Motown in 1999. His work has left an indelible mark on American popular music.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1955: Formation of The Five Chimes

In 1955, Smokey Robinson began his music career with the formation of The Five Chimes, a pioneering Motown vocal group that would later be known as The Miracles.

August 1957: Meeting with Berry Gordy

In August 1957, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles met Berry Gordy, leading to a collaboration that would shape their careers and the future of Motown Records.

1958: Marv Tarplin Joins The Matadors

In 1958, guitarist Marv Tarplin joined The Matadors, who would later become The Miracles, adding a key musical element to the group.

1960: "Shop Around" Recorded

In 1960, The Miracles recorded their hit single, "Shop Around," which became Motown's first million-selling record.

1962: Robinson's Songwriting and Producing Role

Between 1962 and 1966, Smokey Robinson was a key songwriter and producer for Motown, penning hits for artists like Mary Wells, The Temptations, and Marvin Gaye.

1965: Name Change to Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

In 1965, The Miracles became the first Motown group to change their name, releasing their album Going to a Go-Go as Smokey Robinson & the Miracles.

1966: Robinson's Songwriting and Producing Role

Between 1962 and 1966, Smokey Robinson was a key songwriter and producer for Motown, penning hits for artists like Mary Wells, The Temptations, and Marvin Gaye.

1969: Consideration of Retirement

In 1969, Smokey Robinson considered retiring from touring to focus on family and his role as Motown's vice president, but the success of "Tears of a Clown" delayed his departure.

1970: Robinson's Decade of Hits

Between 1960 and 1970, Smokey Robinson produced 26 top forty hits with the Miracles, solidifying his role as a key figure in Motown's success.

July 1972: Final Performance with The Miracles

In July 1972, Smokey Robinson gave his last performance with The Miracles in Washington, D.C., marking the end of an era.

1972: Retirement from The Miracles

In 1972, Smokey Robinson retired from The Miracles to focus on his role as vice president at Motown Records, marking a shift in his career.

1973: Marv Tarplin Joins Robinson on the Road

In 1973, after Robinson left The Miracles, Marv Tarplin joined him on the road, marking a continuing collaboration between the two musicians.

1973: Comeback with Smokey Album

In 1973, after a year of retirement, Smokey Robinson announced his comeback with the release of his self-titled album, Smokey.

1974: Release of Pure Smokey

In 1974, Smokey Robinson's second album, Pure Smokey, was released but did not produce any major hits.

1975: Release of A Quiet Storm

In 1975, Smokey Robinson released A Quiet Storm, which included hits like "Baby That's Backatcha" and inspired the quiet storm radio format, marking a resurgence in his career.

1981: Chart-Topping Success with "Being with You"

In 1981, Smokey Robinson topped the charts with "Being with You", achieving significant success in both the US and the UK.

1983: Collaboration with Rick James

In 1983, Smokey Robinson teamed up with Rick James to record the R&B ballad, "Ebony Eyes", showcasing his versatility and collaborations with other artists.

1987: Comeback with One Heartbeat Album

In 1987, Smokey Robinson made a comeback with the album One Heartbeat, achieving Top 10 hits and revitalizing his career.

1988: Grammy Award for "Just to See Her"

In 1988, Robinson's single "Just to See Her" won the Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, marking his first Grammy win.

1988: Relinquishing Vice President Position

In 1988, after MCA purchased Motown, Smokey Robinson relinquished his position as vice president, marking a significant change in his relationship with the label.

1990: Release of Love Smokey

In 1990, Smokey Robinson released the album Love Smokey, which was one of his last albums with Motown before his departure.

1991: Signing with SBK Records

In 1991, Smokey Robinson left Motown and signed a deal with SBK Records, beginning a new chapter in his career.

1999: Departure from Motown

In 1999, Smokey Robinson ended his long association with Motown Records, signaling a new phase in his career.

2003: Splitting Ties with Motown Again

In 2003, Smokey Robinson once again split ties with Motown, leading to new musical endeavors.

2004: Release of Gospel Album and Theme Song

In 2004, Smokey Robinson released the gospel album, Food for the Spirit, and sang the main title theme song for the children's animated series ToddWorld.

2006: Release of Timeless Love

In 2006, Smokey Robinson released the standards album, Timeless Love, on Universal Records, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

March 20, 2009: The Miracles honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

On March 20, 2009, The Miracles were honored as a group with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with Smokey Robinson and other original members present.

2009: Release of Time Flies When You're Having Fun

In 2009, Smokey Robinson released the album Time Flies When You're Having Fun on his own label, Robso Records, achieving his highest Billboard album chart position since One Heartbeat.

2010: Release of "Now And Then"

In 2010, Smokey Robinson released the song "Now And Then", which peaked at number 131.

August 2014: Release of Smokey & Friends

In August 2014, Smokey Robinson released Smokey & Friends, an album of duets featuring artists like Elton John and Linda Ronstadt.

April 2017: Visit to Fremont-Lopez Elementary School

In April 2017, Smokey Robinson visited Fremont-Lopez Elementary School in Stockton, California, serving as an arts mentor under Turnaround Arts.

November 10, 2017: Release of Christmas Everyday

On November 10, 2017, Smokey Robinson released his first post-Miracles Christmas album, titled Christmas Everyday.

2019: Collaboration on "Make It Better"

In 2019, Smokey Robinson appeared on the song "Make It Better" from Anderson Paak's album Ventura.

January 2023: Release of "If We Don't Have Each Other"

In January 2023, Smokey Robinson released the first single from his upcoming album Gasms, called "If We Don't Have Each Other", on streaming services.

April 2023: Release of Gasms

In April 2023, Smokey Robinson will release his first album in almost a decade, titled Gasms, featuring entirely new music.

November 2023: Owner and host of SiriusXM channel Soul Town

In November 2023, Smokey Robinson became the owner and host of Soul Town, a SiriusXM channel featuring R&B and soul hits from the 1950s to the early 1980s.