In addition to writing hits for the Miracles, Robinson wrote and produced hits for other Motown greats, including The Temptations, Mary Wells, Brenda Holloway, Marvin Gaye, and others. The Miracles dominated the R&B scene throughout the 1960s and early 70s, and Robinson became Vice President of Motown Records, serving as in-house producer, talent scout, and songwriter. In the years following, Robinson continued to pen hits for the group, including 'You've Really Got a Hold on Me,' 'Ooo Baby Baby,' 'The Tracks of My Tears,' 'Going to a Go-Go,' 'More Love,' 'Tears of a Clown' (co-written with Stevie Wonder), and 'I Second That Emotion.'
Their single of Robinson's 'Shop Around' became Motown's first #1 hit on the R&B singles chart. The group was Berry Gordy's first vocal group, and it was at Robinson's suggestion that Gordy started the Motown Record dynasty. He has also been inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters' Hall of Fame.īorn and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Robinson founded The Miracles while still in high school. He has received numerous awards, including the GRAMMY Living Legend Award, NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award, Honorary Doctorate (Howard University), Kennedy Center Honors, and the National Medal of Arts Award from the President of the United States. Acclaimed singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson's career spans over four decades of hits.
