William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. is a highly influential figure in American R&B and soul music. He rose to fame as the founder and frontman of the Motown group the Miracles, where he showcased his talents as a singer, songwriter, and producer. After leading the group from 1955 to 1972, he transitioned to a solo career while also serving as a Motown executive. Robinson's contributions to music have cemented his legacy as a legend in the industry.
February 19, 1940: Birth of Smokey Robinson
William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. was born on February 19, 1940.
1955: Formation of The Five Chimes
In 1955, Smokey Robinson formed his first music group, The Five Chimes, with his friend Ronald White and classmate Pete Moore.
1955: Early Musical Influences and Formation of The Five Chimes
Inspired by groups like Nolan Strong & the Diablos and Billy Ward and his Dominoes, Smokey Robinson formed The Five Chimes in 1955.
August 1957: Meeting Berry Gordy and "Got a Job" Release
After an unsuccessful audition for Brunswick Records, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles met Berry Gordy in August 1957, leading to their first single release, "Got a Job."
1958: The Matadors and the Addition of Marv Tarplin
During their time as The Matadors, the group toured Detroit venues and welcomed guitarist Marv Tarplin in 1958.
January 1959: Brief Stint in College
Smokey Robinson briefly attended college in January 1959, pursuing electrical engineering, but dropped out after two months to focus on his music career with The Miracles.
1959: Marriage to Claudette Rogers and Continued Evolution of The Miracles
In 1959, Claudette Rogers, who had become a member of The Miracles (formerly The Matadors), married Smokey Robinson.
1959: Marriage to Claudette Rogers
Smokey Robinson married Claudette Rogers, a fellow member of the Miracles, in 1959.
1960: Motown Records and "Shop Around" Success
The Miracles became one of the first groups to sign with Motown Records. In late 1960, they achieved their first major hit with "Shop Around," marking Motown's first million-selling record.
1962: Prolific Songwriting and Production for Motown
From 1962 onwards, Smokey Robinson became a key songwriter and producer for Motown, crafting hits for artists like Mary Wells, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Brenda Holloway, The Marvelettes, and Marvin Gaye.
1965: Name Change to Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
The Miracles, marking a significant shift in their identity, changed their name to Smokey Robinson & the Miracles in 1965, coinciding with the release of their album "Going to a Go-Go."
1966: End of Primary Songwriting and Production Period
By 1966, Smokey Robinson had finished a period of significant songwriting and production for other Motown artists.
1968: Birth of Son, Berry Robinson
Smokey Robinson and Claudette Rogers welcomed their son, Berry Robinson, in 1968. He was named after Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records.
1969: Desire to Retire from Touring
Smokey Robinson expressed his desire to retire from touring in 1969 to dedicate more time to his family and his role as Motown's vice president.
1970: Two Decades of Hits with The Miracles
Between 1960 and 1970, Smokey Robinson, as lead singer, primary songwriter, and producer for The Miracles, led the group to release 26 top forty hits, including numerous top ten hits and their sole number-one hit, "The Tears of a Clown."
1971: Birth of Daughter, Tamla Robinson
Smokey Robinson and Claudette Rogers's daughter, Tamla Robinson, was born in 1971. She was named after Motown's original label, "Tamla."
July 1972: Final Performance with The Miracles
Smokey Robinson's last performance with The Miracles took place in July 1972 in Washington, D.C., marking the end of an era for the group.
1972: Adoption of Vegetarian Lifestyle
Smokey Robinson stopped eating red meat in 1972.
1972: Departure from The Miracles
Smokey Robinson retired from performing with The Miracles in 1972 to concentrate on his role as Motown Records vice president and to spend time with his family.
1973: Marv Tarplin Joins Smokey Robinson on Tour
After Smokey Robinson embarked on his solo career, Marv Tarplin, his long-time collaborator from The Miracles, joined him on tour starting in 1973.
1973: Comeback Album and "Baby Come Close" Hit
Smokey Robinson returned to music as a solo artist in 1973 with his self-titled album, which included the hit ballad "Baby Come Close."
1974: Separation from Claudette Rogers
Smokey Robinson and Claudette Rogers separated in 1974. During this separation, Robinson had an extramarital affair that inspired his song "The Agony & The Ecstasy."
1974: Release of "Pure Smokey" Album
Smokey Robinson's second solo album, "Pure Smokey," was released in 1974 but did not achieve the same success as his previous album.
1975: Release of "A Quiet Storm" and the Birth of a Radio Format
In 1975, Smokey Robinson released "A Quiet Storm," an album that spawned the hit "Baby That's Backatcha" and inspired the quiet storm radio format.
1976: George Harrison's Tribute to Smokey Robinson
George Harrison, formerly of The Beatles, included the track "Pure Smokey" on his album "Thirty Three & 1/3" as a tribute to Smokey Robinson.
1981: Being with You Release
In 1981, Smokey Robinson released "Being with You," which topped the charts, hitting number one in Cash Box and number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It also became his most successful single to date, reaching number one in the UK Singles Chart.
February 22, 1983: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
On February 22, 1983, Smokey Robinson was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1983: Hollywood Walk of Fame Induction (Solo Artist)
Smokey Robinson received his first star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983 as a solo artist.
1983: Collaboration with Rick James
In 1983, Smokey Robinson collaborated with fellow Motown label mate Rick James, recording the R&B ballad "Ebony Eyes."
1984: Birth of Son, Trey
Smokey Robinson had a son named Trey out of wedlock in 1984 while still married to Claudette.
1986: Divorce from Claudette Rogers
Smokey Robinson and Claudette Rogers's divorce was finalized in 1986 after a period of legal separation. The couple had been separated since 1974.
1987: Comeback with "One Heartbeat" Album
In 1987, Smokey Robinson made a comeback after a period of personal and professional issues with his album "One Heartbeat." The album, featuring hit singles like "Just to See Her" and "One Heartbeat," achieved Top 10 success on Billboard's Pop, Soul, and Adult Contemporary charts, aided by popular music videos.
1987: Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
1987: Smokey Robinson's Controversial Solo Induction
Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. This induction was controversial because original Miracle Marv Tarplin was not included, causing disappointment among fellow Miracles and fans.
1987: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Smokey Robinson was recognized for his contributions to music with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
1988: Solo Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 1988. However, this induction sparked controversy as it did not include the other members of his group, the Miracles.
1988: Grammy Award for "Just to See Her"
Smokey Robinson's single "Just to See Her" from the album "One Heartbeat" won the Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1988, marking his first Grammy Award win.
1988: Grammy Award for "Just to See Her"
In 1988, Smokey Robinson won his first Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his song "Just to See Her."
1988: Motown Purchased by MCA
Following MCA's purchase of Motown in 1988, Smokey Robinson left his position as vice president.
1989: Induction into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame
Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 1989.
1990: Release of "Love Smokey" Album
Smokey Robinson released the album "Love Smokey" in 1990 while still signed with Motown.
1991: Signing with SBK Records
In 1991, Smokey Robinson left Motown and signed a deal with SBK Records. However, his album released under the label, "Double Good Everything," failed to chart.
1993: National Medal of Arts Recipient
Smokey Robinson was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1993.
1998: Cameo Appearance in "The Temptations" Miniseries
Smokey Robinson made a notable cameo appearance in "The Temptations" miniseries in 1998.
1999: Return to Motown and Release of "Intimate"
In 1999, Smokey Robinson returned to Motown and released the album "Intimate," marking a brief comeback after a relatively quiet period in the 1990s.
1999: Departure from Motown Records
Smokey Robinson left Motown Records in 1999 after a long and successful career with the label.
May 2002: Marriage to Frances Gladney
Smokey Robinson married Frances Gladney in May 2002. They own a home and winery in Pittsburgh.
2003: Departure from Motown
In 2003, Smokey Robinson once again parted ways with Motown.
2004: Release of "Food for the Spirit" and "ToddWorld" Theme Song
Smokey Robinson released the gospel album "Food for the Spirit" on Liquid 8 Records in 2004. In the same year, he also sang the main title theme song "Colorful World" for the American children's animated series "ToddWorld."
2005: Induction into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame
Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2005.
May 2006: Honorary Doctorate from Howard University
Howard University awarded Smokey Robinson an honorary Doctor of Music degree at their 138th Commencement Convocation in May 2006.
December 2006: Kennedy Center Honors Recipient
In December 2006, Smokey Robinson was among five honorees at the Kennedy Center Honors, alongside Dolly Parton, Zubin Mehta, Steven Spielberg, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
2006: Release of "Timeless Love" Album
In 2006, Smokey Robinson released the standards album "Timeless Love" on Universal Records.
March 20, 2009: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star for the Miracles
On March 20, 2009, the Miracles were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Smokey Robinson was present at the ceremony along with original Miracles members and family representatives of deceased members.
2009: Honorary Doctorate and Commencement Speech at Berklee College of Music
Smokey Robinson received an honorary doctorate degree from Berklee College of Music and delivered the commencement speech at their ceremony in 2009. Linda Ronstadt was also similarly honored.
2009: Hollywood Walk of Fame Induction (The Miracles)
Smokey Robinson received his second star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this time with The Miracles, in 2009.
2009: Release of "Time Flies When You're Having Fun"
Smokey Robinson released the album "Time Flies When You're Having Fun" on his own label, Robso Records, in 2009. The album reached number 59 on the Billboard album chart, marking his highest charting position since "One Heartbeat."
2010: Release of "Now And Then" Album
Smokey Robinson released the album "Now And Then" in 2010, which peaked at number 131 on the charts.
2011: Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award
Marv Tarplin received the Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.
April 2012: The Miracles Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Although Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 1988, the Miracles were not inducted until 2012. The committee acknowledged their oversight in inducting Robinson without his group, which Robinson had seen as an affront.
2012: Explanation of Nickname
In 2012, Smokey Robinson explained the origins of his nickname, "Smokey Joe," which was given to him by his uncle Claude during his childhood.
2012: Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Marv Tarplin, along with the original members of the Miracles, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. This induction came 25 years after Smokey Robinson's controversial solo induction in 1987.
August 2014: Release of "Smokey & Friends"
In August 2014, Smokey Robinson released "Smokey & Friends," an album featuring duets with renowned artists such as Elton John, Linda Ronstadt, and James Taylor. The album achieved commercial success, reaching number 12 on the Billboard album chart.
2015: BET Lifetime Achievement Award
Smokey Robinson received a BET Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
August 21, 2016: Induction into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame
Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame on August 21, 2016, in his hometown of Detroit. This prestigious honor came after receiving the Library of Congress' Gershwin Prize for Popular Song earlier that year.
2016: Library of Congress Gershwin Prize
Smokey Robinson was awarded the prestigious Library of Congress Gershwin Prize in 2016, honoring his lifetime achievements in popular music.
April 2017: Visit to Fremont-Lopez Elementary School
In April 2017, Smokey Robinson visited Fremont-Lopez Elementary School in Stockton, California, where he served as a designated arts mentor under the Turnaround Arts program.
November 10, 2017: Release of "Christmas Everyday"
Smokey Robinson released his first post-Miracles Christmas album, "Christmas Everyday," on November 10, 2017.
July 31, 2018: Guest Appearance on "Beat Shazam"
On July 31, 2018, Smokey Robinson appeared as a special guest on the Fox network's show "Beat Shazam."
2018: Appearance on "CMT Crossroads"
Smokey Robinson appeared on an episode of "CMT Crossroads" alongside country singer Cam in 2018.
2019: Collaboration with Anderson .Paak
Smokey Robinson appeared on the song "Make It Better" from Anderson .Paak's 2019 album "Ventura."
2019: Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement
Smokey Robinson received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement in 2019. The award was presented by Awards Council members Jimmy Page and Peter Gabriel.
2022: Induction into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame
In 2022, Smokey Robinson's influence on music was further celebrated with his induction into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.
January 2023: Release of "If We Don't Have Each Other"
In January 2023, Smokey Robinson released "If We Don't Have Each Other," the first single from his upcoming album "Gasms."
April 2023: Announcement and Release of "Gasms"
In April 2023, Smokey Robinson announced the upcoming release of his first album in nearly a decade, titled "Gasms." The nine-track album features entirely new music, with the first single, "If We Don't Have Each Other," being released earlier in January 2023.
November 2023: Launch of "Smokey's Soul Town" SiriusXM Channel
In November 2023, Smokey Robinson launched "Smokey's Soul Town," a SiriusXM channel dedicated to playing R&B and soul hits from the 1950s to the early 1980s. Robinson hosts the channel, sharing stories from his time at Motown and playing his favorite songs from that era.
2023: Ranked Among Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Singers of All Time
In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine recognized Smokey Robinson's exceptional vocal talent by ranking him at No. 23 on their esteemed list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.