Smokey Robinson Biography: Smokey Robinson, born William Robinson Jr. on February 19, 1940, is an American singer-songwriter, actor, record producer, and former record executive. He is best known as the lead singer of the Miracles, a Motown band he co-founded and led from its inception until 1972. Robinson began his career in 1955.
Smokey Robinson Birthday
William Robinson Jr., also known as Smokey Robinson, is an American music mogul whose talents have distinguished him in his field. He was born on February 19, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, as a Pisces. He is of African-American and French descent, with Nigerian, Portuguese, Scandinavian, and Cherokee ancestry. Robinson was born into poverty. His uncle nicknamed him Smokey Joe as a child. He was a Northern High School student. In 1955, he formed a doo-wop group called the Five Chimes, which included his childhood friend Ronald White and his classmate Pete Moore. In 1957, Five Chimes changed their name to the Matadors and Bobby Rogers joined the band. The Matadors became the Miracles and added new members shortly thereafter.
The Miracles signed with Tamla Records, which was subsequently renamed Motown. The group released their first hit single, “Shop Around,” in 1960. This record was a million-seller. The group produced 26 top 40 hits between 1960 and 1970, including ‘You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,’ ‘Baby Baby Don’t Cry,’ and their number-one hit, ‘The Tears of a Clown.’ Robinson remained with The Miracles until 1972, and his first solo studio album, “Smokey,” was released in 1973. 1974 saw the release of his second album, “Pure Smokey,” but it failed to chart. The single ‘Cruisin’,’ released in 1979, became his first solo top 10 hit. In 1981, he again topped the Billboard Hot 100 with ‘Being with You,’ which peaked at number two. In 1987, he released the album “One Heartbeat,” which sold a million copies. This album’s single “Just to See Her” earned him his first Grammy Award in 1988. In the same year that Motown was sold to MCA, Robinson resigned from his vice president position. Robinson released ten more albums, the most recent being 2017’s “Christmas Everyday.”
As a person of immense talent and esteem, Robinson’s personal life has remained private. In 1959, he wed Claudette Rogers, and the couple had two children before divorcing in 1986. Robinson has three children at present, as he fathered a child outside of his marriage to Rogers. In 2002, he tied the knot with Frances Gladney. Robinson celebrates his achievements with his family and friends.
Millie Bobby Biography: Age, Height, Birthday, Family, Net Worth
Smokey Robinson Net Worth, Height
Name | William Robinson Jr. |
Nickname | Smokey Robinson |
Birth date | February 19, 1940 |
Age | 83 |
Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
Height | 5′ 11″ |
Relationship Status | Married |
Net Worth | $150 million |
Social Media |
Smokey Robinson Biography: 5 SURPRISING FACTS
- Robinson has known Franklin since they were children, when he lived near her neighbourhood.
- Robinson dropped out of college only two months after enrolling.
- Robinson operates a winery out of his home in Pittsburgh.
- Since 1972, Robinson has not eaten red meat.
- Robinson inherited his beautiful golden-green eyes from his French great-grandmother.