Smokey Robinson: The Legendary King Of Soul

Who is Smokey Robinson, and why is he important?

Smokey Robinson is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive director who rose to fame as the frontman and main songwriter for the vocal group the Miracles.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1940, Robinson began his career in the music industry as a teenager. In 1957, he co-founded the Miracles, and the group quickly became one of the most successful acts of the Motown era. Robinson's distinctive vocals and songwriting skills helped the Miracles produce a string of hit songs, including "Shop Around," "You Really Got a Hold on Me," and "I Second That Emotion."

In addition to his success with the Miracles, Robinson also had a successful solo career. He released several hit singles, including "Tears of a Clown," "Cruisin'," and "Being with You." Robinson has also written and produced songs for other artists, including Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, and Stevie Wonder.

Robinson has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has also received numerous other awards and honors, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Personal Details:

Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive director who rose to fame as the frontman and main songwriter for the vocal group the Miracles.

• Singer
• Songwriter
• Record producer
• Motown
• The Miracles
• Hits
• Awards

Smokey Robinson is one of the most successful and influential figures in American popular music. He has written and produced some of the most iconic songs of all time, including "Shop Around," "You Really Got a Hold on Me," and "I Second That Emotion." Robinson has also been a successful solo artist, and he has won numerous awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

1. Singer

Smokey Robinson is one of the most successful and influential singers in American popular music. He has a distinctive vocal style that is characterized by its smoothness, clarity, and emotional depth. Robinson's singing has been praised by critics and fans alike, and he has been cited as an influence by many other singers.

• Vocal Range
  Robinson has a wide vocal range that spans three octaves. He is able to sing both high and low notes with ease, and he has a strong falsetto voice. Robinson's vocal range allows him to sing a variety of musical styles, from ballads to up-tempo dance songs.
• Vocal Control
  Robinson has excellent vocal control. He is able to sing with great precision and accuracy, and he can easily navigate complex vocal passages. Robinson's vocal control allows him to create a variety of vocal effects, such as melisma and vibrato.
• Emotional Delivery
  Robinson is a gifted emotional singer. He is able to convey a wide range of emotions through his singing, from joy to sadness to anger. Robinson's emotional delivery has helped to make him one of the most popular and successful singers in American popular music.
• Stage Presence
  Robinson is a charismatic performer. He has a natural stage presence that captivates audiences. Robinson is able to connect with his audience on a personal level, and he always gives an energetic and engaging performance.

Robinson's singing has had a profound impact on American popular music. He has helped to shape the sound of soul music, and he has inspired generations of singers. Robinson is a true vocal icon, and he continues to be one of the most popular and respected singers in the world.

2. Songwriter

Smokey Robinson is one of the most successful and influential songwriters in American popular music. He has written some of the most iconic songs of all time, including "Shop Around," "You Really Got a Hold on Me," and "I Second That Emotion." Robinson's songs are known for their catchy melodies, memorable lyrics, and emotional depth.

• Lyrical prowess
  Robinson is a master of songwriting craft, with a gift for writing lyrics that are both poetic and relatable. He has the ability to capture the human experience in a few short lines, and his songs often explore themes of love, loss, and hope.
• Melodic genius
  Robinson's songs are also known for their catchy melodies. He has a natural ear for melody, and his songs are often instantly recognizable. Robinson's melodies are often simple and direct, but they are also effective and memorable.
• Emotional depth
  Robinson's songs are often deeply emotional, and he has the ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his music. His songs can be both uplifting and heartbreaking, and they often resonate with listeners on a personal level.
• Influence on other artists
  Robinson's songwriting has had a profound impact on American popular music. He has influenced generations of songwriters, and his songs have been covered by countless artists. Robinson's songwriting is a major part of his legacy, and he will continue to be remembered as one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

Smokey Robinson is a true songwriting icon. His songs have touched the lives of millions of people around the world, and he will continue to be celebrated for his songwriting genius for generations to come.

3. Record producer

Smokey Robinson is also a successful record producer. He has produced albums for a variety of artists, including the Miracles, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, and Stevie Wonder. Robinson's work as a producer has helped to shape the sound of Motown Records, and he is considered to be one of the most influential producers in American popular music.

As a record producer, Robinson is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the recording process, from selecting the songs to be recorded to mixing and mastering the final product. Robinson has a keen ear for talent, and he is able to bring out the best in the artists he works with. He is also a gifted arranger and musician, and he is able to create lush and sophisticated soundscapes for his recordings.

Robinson's work as a record producer has had a profound impact on American popular music. He has helped to create some of the most iconic albums of all time, and he has influenced generations of producers and musicians. Robinson is a true pioneer in the field of record production, and he continues to be one of the most respected and successful producers in the music industry today.

4. Motown

Motown Records is an American record label that was founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959 by Berry Gordy Jr. The label played a major role in the development of soul music and was the home of many iconic artists, including Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.

• Smokey Robinson's Role at Motown
  Smokey Robinson was one of the most important artists at Motown Records. He was the lead singer and primary songwriter for the Miracles, one of the label's most successful groups. Robinson also wrote and produced songs for other Motown artists, including Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, and the Temptations.
• Motown's Influence on Smokey Robinson's Music
  Motown's sound had a major influence on Smokey Robinson's music. The label's emphasis on catchy melodies, smooth harmonies, and sophisticated arrangements can be heard in many of Robinson's songs. Robinson's own songwriting skills also benefited from the creative atmosphere at Motown, where he was surrounded by other talented musicians and songwriters.
• Motown's Marketing and Promotion of Smokey Robinson
  Motown was a master of marketing and promotion, and the label did a great job of promoting Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. The label released a steady stream of hit singles and albums by the group, and Robinson was also featured in several Motown films. Motown's marketing efforts helped to make Robinson one of the most popular and successful artists of his era.
• Smokey Robinson's Impact on Motown
  Smokey Robinson had a major impact on Motown Records. His songs were some of the label's biggest hits, and he helped to shape the sound of Motown. Robinson was also a role model for other Motown artists, and he helped to create a sense of family and community at the label.

The connection between Motown and Smokey Robinson is a significant one. Motown provided Robinson with the platform to develop his and achieve success, and Robinson's music helped to define the sound of Motown. Together, they created some of the most iconic music of the 20th century.

5. The Miracles

The Miracles were an American vocal group that rose to fame in the 1960s. The group was founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1955, and its original members included Smokey Robinson, Ronnie White, Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore, and Claudette Rogers Robinson. The Miracles were one of the most successful groups of the Motown era, and they released a string of hit singles, including "Shop Around," "You Really Got a Hold on Me," and "I Second That Emotion."

• Smokey Robinson's Role in the Miracles
  Smokey Robinson was the lead singer and primary songwriter for the Miracles. He wrote or co-wrote many of the group's biggest hits, including "Shop Around," "You Really Got a Hold on Me," and "I Second That Emotion." Robinson's distinctive vocals and songwriting skills helped to make the Miracles one of the most popular and successful groups of the Motown era.
• The Miracles' Impact on Motown
  The Miracles were one of the most important groups in the Motown stable. Their success helped to establish Motown as a major force in the music industry, and they paved the way for other Motown artists, such as the Temptations and the Supremes. The Miracles' music also had a major impact on the development of soul music, and their songs continue to be popular today.
• The Miracles' Legacy
  The Miracles were one of the most successful and influential vocal groups of all time. Their music has sold millions of copies worldwide, and they have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. The Miracles' legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians today.

The Miracles were an important part of Smokey Robinson's career. They provided him with a platform to develop his songwriting and singing skills, and they helped him to achieve success as a solo artist. Robinson's connection to the Miracles is a significant one, and it helped to shape his career and legacy.

6. Hits

Smokey Robinson is one of the most successful and influential figures in American popular music. He has written and produced some of the most iconic songs of all time, including "Shop Around," "You Really Got a Hold on Me," and "I Second That Emotion." Robinson's songs have been recorded by countless artists and have sold millions of copies worldwide.

• "Shop Around"
  Released in 1960, "Shop Around" was the Miracles' first major hit. The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and helped to establish Robinson as a major songwriting talent.
• "You Really Got a Hold on Me"
  Released in 1962, "You Really Got a Hold on Me" was the Miracles' first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is considered to be one of the greatest songs of all time and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
• "I Second That Emotion"
  Released in 1967, "I Second That Emotion" was another number-one hit for the Miracles. The song is a classic example of Robinson's songwriting skills and features his distinctive falsetto vocals.
• Other Hits
  In addition to the songs listed above, Robinson has written and produced many other hit songs for the Miracles and other artists. Some of his most notable hits include "The Tracks of My Tears," "My Girl," and "Tears of a Clown."

Smokey Robinson's hits have had a profound impact on American popular music. His songs have helped to define the sound of Motown Records and have influenced generations of musicians. Robinson is a true songwriting icon, and his songs continue to be enjoyed by millions of people around the world.

7. Awards

Smokey Robinson has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout his career. These awards recognize his significant contributions to the music industry as a singer, songwriter, producer, and record executive.

• Grammy Awards
  Smokey Robinson has won three Grammy Awards. He received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990, and he was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for his songs "Shop Around" and "You Really Got a Hold on Me."
• American Music Awards
  Smokey Robinson has won two American Music Awards. He was awarded the American Music Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2002, and he was inducted into the American Music Hall of Fame in 2004
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 as a member of the Miracles.
• Songwriters Hall of Fame
  Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992.

These awards are a testament to Smokey Robinson's immense talent and his significant contributions to the music industry. He is one of the most successful and influential figures in American popular music, and his music continues to be enjoyed by millions of people around the world.

FAQs about Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive director who rose to fame as the frontman and main songwriter for the vocal group the Miracles.

Question 1: What are some of Smokey Robinson's most famous songs?

Answer: Some of Smokey Robinson's most famous songs include "Shop Around," "You Really Got a Hold on Me," "I Second That Emotion," "The Tracks of My Tears," "My Girl," and "Tears of a Clown."

Question 2: How many Grammy Awards has Smokey Robinson won?

Answer: Smokey Robinson has won three Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Question 3: Is Smokey Robinson a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Answer: Yes, Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 as a member of the Miracles.

Question 4: What is Smokey Robinson's vocal range?

Answer: Smokey Robinson has a vocal range that spans three octaves.

Question 5: What was the name of the record label that Smokey Robinson was associated with?

Answer: Smokey Robinson was associated with the record label Motown Records.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Smokey Robinson. He is a true icon of American popular music, and his music continues to be enjoyed by millions of people around the world.

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Smokey Robinson's legacy is one of innovation, creativity, and success. He is a true pioneer in the music industry, and his contributions to American popular music are immeasurable.

Conclusion

Smokey Robinson is one of the most successful and influential figures in American popular music. He has written and produced some of the most iconic songs of all time, including "Shop Around," "You Really Got a Hold on Me," and "I Second That Emotion." Robinson has also been a successful solo artist, and he has won numerous awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Robinson's music has had a profound impact on American popular culture. His songs have helped to define the sound of Motown Records, and they have influenced generations of musicians. Robinson is a true songwriting icon, and his music continues to be enjoyed by millions of people around the world.