History of Smokey Robinson in Timeline

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

February 19, 1940: Smokey Robinson Born

On February 19, 1940, William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. was born. He would become a singer, songwriter, record producer, and record executive.

Others born on this day/year

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.

January 1959: College Enrollment

In January 1959, Robinson started college classes studying electrical engineering, but he dropped out after two months.

1959: Marriage to Claudette Rogers

In 1959, Smokey Robinson married Claudette Rogers, a fellow member of The Miracles.

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.

1968: Birth of Son, Berry Robinson

In 1968, Smokey Robinson and Claudette Rogers had a son named Berry Robinson, after Berry Gordy.

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.

1971: Birth of Daughter, Tamla Robinson

In 1971, Smokey Robinson and Claudette Rogers had a daughter named Tamla Robinson, after the Tamla label.

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.

1972: Stopped Eating Red Meat

In 1972, Smokey Robinson stopped eating red meat, indicating a change in his lifestyle.

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: Separation and Extramarital Affair

In 1974, Smokey Robinson and Claudette Rogers separated, and Robinson engaged in an extramarital affair that inspired the song "The Agony & The Ecstasy".

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.

1976: George Harrison's Tribute

In 1976, George Harrison featured "Pure Smokey" on his album Thirty Three & 1/3 as a tribute to Smokey Robinson, showcasing Robinson's influence on other artists.

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.

February 22, 1983: Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame

On February 22, 1983, Smokey Robinson received an individual star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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.

1983: Hollywood Walk of Fame Inductee (Solo)

In 1983, Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame as a solo artist, recognizing his individual achievements.

1984: Birth of Son, Trey

In 1984, Smokey Robinson had a son named Trey with another woman during his marriage to Claudette Rogers.

1986: Divorce from Claudette Rogers

In 1986, Smokey Robinson's divorce from Claudette Rogers was finalized, ending their long-term marriage.

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.

1987: Smokey Robinson's controversial solo induction to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 1987, Smokey Robinson was controversially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

1987: Induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

In 1987, Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

In 1988, Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, sparking controversy over the exclusion of The Miracles.

1988: Grammy Award and Tribute Song

In 1988, Smokey Robinson won his first Grammy Award for "Just to See Her" and received a tribute song from the UK group ABC, marking a high point in his career.

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.

1989: Induction to the Songwriter's Hall of Fame

In 1989, Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to music.

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.

1993: Awarded medal at the National Medal of Arts

In 1993, Smokey Robinson was awarded a medal at the National Medal of Arts.

1998: Cameo Appearance in The Temptations Miniseries

In 1998, Robinson made a notable cameo appearance in The Temptations miniseries.

1999: Departure from Motown

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

May 2002: Marriage to Frances Gladney

In May 2002, Smokey Robinson married Frances Gladney, marking a new chapter in his personal life.

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.

2005: Induction into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame

In 2005, Smokey Robinson was voted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.

May 2006: Honorary Doctorate from Howard University

In May 2006, Howard University conferred on Smokey Robinson the degree of Doctor of Music, honoris causa.

December 2006: Kennedy Center Honoree

In December 2006, Smokey Robinson was one of five Kennedy Center honorees.

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: Honorary Doctorate from Berklee College of Music

In 2009, Smokey Robinson received an honorary doctorate degree and gave a commencement speech at Berklee College of Music's commencement ceremony.

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.

2009: Hollywood Walk of Fame Inductee (The Miracles)

In 2009, Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame as a member of The Miracles, honoring the group's contributions to music.

2010: Release of "Now And Then"

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

2011: Awarded Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2011, Marv Tarplin was awarded the Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award.

April 2012: The Miracles' Hall of Fame Induction

In April 2012, The Miracles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Smokey Robinson inducted his former group at the ceremony.

2012: Posthumous Induction of Marv Tarplin to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2012, Marv Tarplin was posthumously inducted with the rest of the original Miracles, Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore, Ronnie White, and Claudette Robinson, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2012: Robinson Explains "Smokey Joe" Nickname

In 2012, Smokey Robinson explained the origin of his childhood nickname "Smokey Joe", which was given to him by his uncle Claude.

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.

2015: BET Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2015, Smokey Robinson was given a BET Lifetime Achievement Award.

August 21, 2016: Inducted into National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame

On August 21, 2016, Smokey Robinson was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in his hometown of Detroit.

2016: Awarded Gershwin Prize

In 2016, Smokey Robinson received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for his contributions to popular music.

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.

July 31, 2018: Appearance on Beat Shazam

On July 31, 2018, Smokey Robinson appeared as a special guest on the Fox network's show Beat Shazam.

2018: CMT Crossroads Appearance

In 2018, Smokey Robinson appeared on an episode of CMT Crossroads alongside country singer Cam, showcasing his cross-genre appeal.

2019: Collaboration on "Make It Better"

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

2019: Golden Plate Award from American Academy of Achievement

In 2019, Smokey Robinson received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.

2022: Induction into Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame

In 2022, Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame, celebrating his impact on Black music and entertainment.

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.