Smokey Robinson
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Smokey Robinson, born William Robinson Jr. (February 19, 1940), is an American Grammy nominated singer-songwriter and producer. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, he assembled a group called the Five Chimes with his schoolmates in 1955. After a change in band members, the group renamed themselves to the Miracles. In 1958, Smokey Robinson met songwriter Berry Gordy, who was impressed with him and the Miracles and guided the band to their record deal with End Records. Releasing only one single with End Records titled ‘Got A Job’, Robinson and Gordy decided they could pursue a better path for their music by forming their own label; and thus came the conception of Motown Records. The Miracles were the first band to release a song under Motown titled ‘Shop Around’ by Robinson and became a national hit. Throughout the 60’s, the Miracles released a handful of records and were placed on the R&B and pop charts such as ‘You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me’, ‘Mickey’s Monkey’ among many others. The band changed their name to Smokey Robinson and the Miracles in 1966 and was also managing Motown during their success. After Robinson married Claudette Rogers, he retired from music until he released his first solo work in 1973 titled ‘Smokey’ with his hit song, ‘Sweet Harmony’. Followed by his debut came ‘Pure Smokey’ in 1974 and Quiet Storm in 1975 which contained his number-one R&B hit at the time, ‘Baby That’s Backatcha’. Now at the age of 80, Robinson made a name for himself in the R&B and jazz scene, producing 4,000 songs including those he has produced and written for including Mary J. Blige, Elton John, Anderson .Paak among many others. In 1990, he received the Grammy Legend Award and was inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & the Songwriters Hall of Fame along with many other accolades.