History of Smokey Robinson in Timeline

Smokey Robinson is a highly influential American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, and record producer. He achieved fame as the founder and frontman of the Motown vocal group, the Miracles, serving as their chief songwriter and producer from their inception in 1955 until his departure in 1972. During this period, he was pivotal to the Motown sound and the group's success. Following his time with the Miracles, Robinson transitioned to a solo career in 1973 after briefly focusing on his role as vice president at Motown Records. He eventually left Motown in 1999, marking the end of a long and impactful association.

Sections (5)

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

1972: Stopped Eating Red Meat

Since 1972, Smokey Robinson has not eaten red meat.

1974: Separation and Extramarital Affair

In 1974, Smokey and Claudette Robinson separated, during which Smokey had an extramarital affair that inspired the song "The Agony & The Ecstasy".

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February 22, 1983: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

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

1984: Birth of son Trey

In 1984, Smokey Robinson had a son named Trey with a woman other than his wife Claudette.

Others born on this day/year

1986: Divorce Finalized

In 1986, Smokey Robinson's divorce from Claudette Robinson was finalized after he admitted to fathering a child with another woman.

1987: Solo Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

In 1987 Smokey Robinson was controversially inducted as a solo artist into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, later the rest of the original Miracles were also inducted in 2012.

1987: Induction into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

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

1988: Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance

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

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1989: Induction into Songwriter's Hall of Fame

In 1989, Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.

1993: Awarded National Medal of Arts

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

May 2002: Marriage to Frances Gladney

In May 2002, Smokey Robinson married Frances Gladney and they own a home in Pittsburgh that they use as a winery.

2005: Inducted into 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 the five Kennedy Center honorees.

March 20, 2009: The Miracles Honored with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

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

2009: Honorary Doctorate from Berklee College of Music

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

2011: Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award

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

2012: The Miracles inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2012, the original Miracles (Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore, Ronnie White, and Claudette Robinson, including Marv Tarplin) were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2015: BET Lifetime Achievement Award

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

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

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

2019: Golden Plate Award

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

November 2023: Owner and Host of Soul Town

Beginning in November 2023, Smokey Robinson became the owner and host of the SiriusXM channel Soul Town, where he shares memories and favorite songs from the 1950s to the early 1980s.