Smokey Robinson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 6, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Smokey Robinson. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

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.

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.

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.