145-509: The Miracles (known as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles from 1965 to 1972) were an American vocal group formed in Detroit , Michigan in 1955. They were the first successful recording act for Motown Records and are considered one of the most important and most influential groups in the history of pop , soul , rhythm and blues and rock and roll music. The group's international fame in
290-651: A writer's block after his close collaborator (and fellow Miracle), Marv Tarplin , who joined him on the road in 1973 after Robinson left the Miracles, presented him a tune he had composed on his guitar. Robinson later wrote the lyrics that became his first solo top ten Pop single, " Cruisin' ". The song hit number one in Cash Box and peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 . It also became his first solo number one in New Zealand . Robinson would follow
435-423: A Clown", and later sold over 4.5 million copies. The Miracles, who had long been written off by the music industry, had proven that they could have big hits without Robinson. Despite this success, however, in 1976, the Miracles' relationship with Motown imploded during contract renewals after their contract with the label had expired. When Motown, then going through a contract issue with Stevie Wonder , advised
580-668: A Hold on Me " (another Grammy Hall of Fame -inducted hit) in 1962, featuring lead vocals by Smokey Robinson and Bobby Rogers . (This song actually began life as the "B" side to the group's intended "A" side, " Happy Landing ", but the nation's Dee Jays flipped the song over, because they liked "Hold on Me" better). The Miracles hit the Top 10 still a third time the following year with the exciting Holland-Dozier-Holland -written-and-produced song " Mickey's Monkey ". The group's exciting live performances were so well received, they were often referred to as "The Showstoppers". The Miracles' success paved
725-472: A Hold on Me " (another Grammy Hall of Fame-inducted hit), " Mickey's Monkey "," What's So Good About Goodbye ", and " I'll Try Something New ", made The Miracles the label's first stars. The Tamla and Motown labels were then merged into a new company, Motown Record Corporation , incorporated on April 14, 1960. In 1960, Gordy signed an unknown singer, Mary Wells , who became the fledgling label's second star, with Smokey Robinson penning her hits " You Beat Me to
870-529: A Magician ", " The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game "), The Contours (" First I Look at the Purse "), and Brenda Holloway (" When I'm Gone "). Unlike other Motown artists, whose songs were written for them by staff songwriters, the Miracles were one of the few Motown acts that composed their own songs, adding to the group's already impressive reputation. Around 1964, Smokey Robinson became Motown's vice president, while
1015-420: A Mirage " and " More Love " peaked in the top twenty. In 1965, the Miracles were the first Motown group to change their name when they released their 1965 album Going to a Go-Go as Smokey Robinson & the Miracles. Between 1962 and 1966, Robinson was also one of the major songwriters and producers for Motown, penning many hit singles such as " Two Lovers ", " The One Who Really Loves You ", " You Beat Me to
1160-520: A black, female slave named Esther Johnson. A sexual assault lawsuit filed against Jermaine Jackson in December 2023 by Rita Barrett, who was the wife of Gordy's friend Ben Barrett, alleged Gordy assisted in covering up Jackson's sexual assault of her in 1988. Berry Gordy owned the colt Powis Castle whom he raced under the nom de course Vistas Stables. Racing in California, Powis Castle won
1305-460: A co-writer credit, though the song was originally written and recorded by guitarist Bobby Parker for Vee-Jay Records a year and a half earlier. Gordy's next release was the only 45 ever issued on his Rayber label, featuring Wade Jones with an unnamed female backup group. The record did not sell well and is now one of the rarest issues from the Motown stable. Berry's third release was " Bad Girl " by
1450-519: A collection consisting of the group's first five albums. In 2011, the Miracles were inducted to the Doo-Wop Hall of Fame. That same year, Goldmine magazine named them as one of the 10 greatest doo-wop groups of all time. In 2015, the Miracles were inducted into The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in Detroit, Michigan. On their website, it is stated that the Miracles' exclusion from
1595-555: A designated arts mentor under Turnaround Arts. On July 31, 2018, Robinson appeared on the Fox network's show Beat Shazam as a special guest. Robinson appeared on the song "Make It Better" from Anderson Paak 's 2019 album Ventura . In 2023, Robinson announced that he would release his first album in almost a decade in April 2023. The nine-track album will be called Gasms , and will feature entirely new music. The first single from
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#17327795588791740-402: A grocery store, owned a plastering and carpentry business, and a printing shop. While his brothers Fuller and George were happy to work at jobs their father assigned to them in construction and printing, Gordy and his brother Robert were less inclined to follow that path; both liked dancing and music, but Gordy's greatest interest was in boxing. Gordy dropped out of Northeastern High School in
1885-521: A job he had taken on by the mid-1960s after Esther Gordy Edwards had left the position. However, the success of the group's "Tears of a Clown" made Robinson stay with the group until 1972. His last performance with the group was in July 1972 in Washington, D.C. After a year of retirement , Robinson announced his comeback with the release of the eponymous Smokey album, in 1973. The album included
2030-441: A little older, and the other artists looked up to us. How could we not be in there?" Moore later stated, "When Terry Stewart [Rock Hall president and CEO] called and told me we were to be inducted, he was apologetic," Moore said. "He said it should have been done years ago, everybody knew it. He said they received many, many calls over the years from angry (Miracles) fans." Robinson had told Billboard that he had been lobbying for
2175-517: A medley of their songs on the 1983 NBC television special, Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever . Ron White was attending his wife Earlyn's funeral around this time, and did not participate in the reunion. Following his exit from the Miracles, Smokey Robinson enjoyed a successful solo career; in 1979, he and Tarplin co-wrote his signature hit , " Cruisin' ". Following his reunion with the original Miracles on Motown 25 , Robinson became dependent on cocaine , which affected his life and career. He broke
2320-557: A modest hit, but had more success internationally, especially in the UK, where it reached the Top 10 and even later topped the chart on re-issue in 1986. Wilson recorded six more songs co-written by Gordy over the next two years, including " Lonely Teardrops ", which topped the R&;B charts and got to number 7 in the pop chart. The Gordy siblings and Davis also wrote " All I Could Do Was Cry " for Etta James at Chess Records . Gordy reinvested
2465-537: A month, leaving wife Claudette Robinson to lead the Miracles on tour until he recovered. Claudette herself had her share of problems, having suffered her first miscarriage that occurred after a car accident and Pete Moore was drafted to serve in the United States Army. The group's next charted successes included " What's So Good About Goodbye ", and the string-laden " I'll Try Something New ". The Miracles have been awarded many top music industry honors over
2610-495: A non-touring member of the Miracles, and continued to sing backup with the group in the studio until 1972. After Claudette Robinson's departure, the remaining Miracles appeared on the T.A.M.I. Show , a landmark 1964 concert film released by American International Pictures that included performances by numerous popular rock and roll and R&B musicians from the United States and England, filmed and recorded live at
2755-455: A partnership with George Tobin and with Tobin, Robinson released his next several Motown albums, Yes It's You Lady , which produced the hit "Tell Me Tomorrow", Touch the Sky and Essar . In 1983, Robinson teamed up with fellow Motown label mate Rick James recording the R&B ballad, " Ebony Eyes ". In 1987, following a period of personal and professional issues, Robinson made a comeback with
2900-440: A result of this success, the Miracles became the first Motown act to appear on Dick Clark 's " American Bandstand " on December 27, 1960. The Miracles had modest success with their next few singles, including "Ain't It Baby", "Mighty Good Lovin'", "Brokenhearted" and " Everybody's Gotta Pay Some Dues ", as 1961 continued. During this early period, the group suffered some problems as Robinson caught Asian Flu and had to be bedded for
3045-579: A result, the Miracles became hotter than ever, and Robinson decided to stay with the group for another two years. In 1970, the group were given their own ABC television special, The Smokey Robinson Show , which starred the Miracles, with guest stars the Supremes , the Temptations , Stevie Wonder , and Fran Jeffries . In 1971, they scored one more Top 20 hit with 1971's " I Don't Blame You at All ". In 1972, Robinson made good on his promise to leave
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#17327795588793190-675: A similar approach with his next album, Warm Thoughts , which produced another top 40 hit, "Let Me Be the Clock", though it did not repeat the success of "Cruisin'". In 1981, Robinson topped the charts again with another sensual ballad, " Being with You ", which was another number one hit in Cash Box and peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It also hit number one in the UK Singles Chart , becoming his most successful single to date. The Gold-plus parent album sparked
3335-554: A solo artist (1983) and as a member of The Miracles (2009). In 2022, he was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame . William Robinson Jr. was born to an African-American father and a mother of African-American and French descent in a poor family in the North End area of Detroit, Michigan . He had two maternal half-sisters, and his parents divorced when he was three years old. Robinson's ancestry
3480-418: A son: Gordy had a daughter with Motown artist Diana Ross , with whom he had an intimate relationship from 1965 through 1970: Gordy's eighth and youngest child is a son born to Nancy Leiviska: Berry married Grace Eaton on July 17, 1990; they divorced in 1993. He is also related to former US President Jimmy Carter . His relation to Carter stems from his white great-grandfather James Thomas Gordy who owned
3625-833: A trio until Tee Turner joined the group in 2001. Following White's death in 1995, Rogers continued to tour with different members. In 2009, the group received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with Bobby Rogers, Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Pete Moore, Claudette Robinson, and Billy Griffin in attendance. Following another PBS appearance, Rogers was forced into retirement due to health issues, dying less than two years later. Bobby Rogers died in March 2013, two weeks after his 73rd birthday. Pete Moore died on November 19, 2017, his 79th birthday. Former members Carl Cotton, Marv Tarplin and Donald Griffin are also deceased (in 2003, 2011, and 2015 respectively). During their tenure,
3770-421: Is also part Nigerian , Scandinavian , Portuguese , and Cherokee . His uncle Claude gave him the nickname "Smokey Joe" when he was a child. In 2012, Robinson explained: My Uncle Claude was my favorite uncle. He was also my godfather. He and I were really, really close. He used to take me to see cowboy movies all the time when I was a little boy because I loved cowboy movies. He got a cowboy name for me, which
3915-458: Is an American retired record executive, record producer, songwriter, film and television producer. He is best known as the founder of the Motown record label and its subsidiaries, which was the highest-earning African-American business for decades. As a songwriter, Gordy composed or co-composed a number of hits including " Lonely Teardrops " and "That's Why" ( Jackie Wilson ), " Shop Around " (
4060-597: Is my honor to be recognized by the GRAMMY Museum's Legends of Motown series. I am very grateful that the GRAMMY Museum has provided a platform for fans to experience the history of the Miracles and include items from my private collection to be displayed. The Miracles along with Mr. Berry Gordy and Motown have become a part of musical history that changed the landscape of popular music, soul and R&B to foster positive and progressive race relations in America and around
4205-552: Is the current owner and host of the SiriusXM channel Soul Town , a station that plays R&B and soul hits from the 1950s to the early 1980s. Released under the banner Smokey's Soul Town , Robinson occasionally appears on the channel, recalling his best moments with Motown and meeting other artists as well as pick his favorite songs during that time period. On February 22, 1983, Smokey was awarded an individual star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. Four years later, in 1987, Robinson
4350-579: The Hit Parade Hall of Fame as of 2014. and the R&;B Music Hall of Fame in 2015. Commenting to Rolling Stone Magazine , Bob Seger said: "I used to go to the Motown Revues, and the Miracles always closed the show. They were that good, and everybody knew it." Producer Quincy Jones called the group the "Beethovens of The 20th Century" due to their songwriting talents. In addition,
4495-584: The Apollo Theater in 1959, Robinson recruited guitarist Marv Tarplin to join them on a few touring dates after Tarplin played with the Primettes (later the Supremes ), with Tarplin officially joining the Miracles shortly afterwards. The addition of Tarplin was the final element in making the Miracles' "classic lineup" complete. In 1960, the Miracles reached the charts with " Way Over There ", their second national hit, which Robinson wrote and based on
The Miracles - Misplaced Pages Continue
4640-720: The CBC Lifetime Achievement Award . He was inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2009. When Gordy received the Songwriters Hall of Fame 's Pioneer Award on June 13, 2013, he was the first living individual to receive the honor. In 2014, Gordy received the key to the city from Mike Duggan on October 22, 2014. In 2016, Gordy received
4785-777: The Four Tops , Gladys Knight & the Pips , and Stevie Wonder . He was known for carefully directing the public image, dress, manners, and choreography of his acts. Gordy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama in 2016, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2021. In 2022, he was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame . Berry Gordy III (also known as Berry Gordy Jr.)
4930-469: The Grammy Hall of Fame (The most of any Motown group). In 2009, the group received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame . Throughout their careers, the Miracles were also enshrined with honors for their songwriting by both BMI and ASCAP . In 2008, Billboard listed them at No. 61 on their 100 most successful Billboard artists ever list. The group reached the Top 10 again with " You've Really Got
5075-405: The Grammy Hall of Fame , several BMI and ASCAP Songwriters' Awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame . On the R&B charts, the Miracles scored 26 Top 10 Billboard R&B hits, with four R&B No. 1's, and 11 U.S. R&B Top 10 Albums, including two No. 1's. Bobby Rogers and Ronald White revived the group as a touring ensemble sporadically during the 1980s and again in
5220-592: The National Medal of Arts from President Obama for "helping to create a trailblazing new sound in American music. As a record producer and songwriter, he helped build Motown, launching the music careers of countless legendary artists. His unique sound helped shape our Nation's story." Berry Gordy Square in Los Angeles was designated by the City Council at intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Argyle where
5365-705: The Recording Industry Association of America and The National Endowment for the Arts at No. 127 in its list of the Songs of the Century – the 365 Greatest Songs of the 20th Century. And in 2021, Rolling Stone Magazine selected The Miracles'"The Tracks of My Tears"as "The Greatest Motown Song of All Time." Their hit-filled 1965 album, Going to a Go-Go is listed on Rolling Stone Magazine's list of " The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time " . Four of
5510-897: The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on October 28 and 29, 1964. This film had theatrical release in theatres across the United States, and also included performances by fellow Motown artists the Supremes and Marvin Gaye , along with Chuck Berry , Lesley Gore , the Beach Boys , the Rolling Stones , and James Brown and the Famous Flames . The Miracles' performance was one of the show's highlights, called "athletically electrifying" by critics. Miracles chart hit singles that year included " That's What Love Is Made Of " and " I Like It Like That ". In early 1965,
5655-621: The United States Army and Claudette Rogers , his sister, who had been singing with the sister group the Matadorettes, joined them shortly afterwards, and in 1958, the group became the Miracles. Following two years of courtship, Smokey and Claudette married in November 1959. The group's extensive work with Berry Gordy and Tamla Records gave the parent label Motown Record Corporation its first million-selling hit record with
5800-537: The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time at No. 32, still holding to that position in a revised 2011 edition, making the Miracles the highest-ranking Motown group on the Rolling Stone listing. In both editions, they were immortalized by rock musician Bob Seger , who grew up a Miracles fan. In 2006, Woodbridge Estates, an exclusive residential development in Detroit, named their community park "Miracles Park" and one of its streets "Miracles Boulevard", in recognition of
5945-599: The 1960 Grammy Hall of Fame smash, " Shop Around ", and further established themselves as one of Motown's top acts with the hit singles " You've Really Got a Hold on Me ", " What's So Good About Goodbye ", " Way Over There ", " I'll Try Something New ", " Mickey's Monkey ", " Going to a Go-Go ", " (Come 'Round Here) I'm the One You Need ", " The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage ", " If You Can Want ", " More Love ", " I Don't Blame You at All ", " Ooo Baby Baby ",
The Miracles - Misplaced Pages Continue
6090-512: The 1960s, alongside other Motown acts, led to a greater acceptance of R&B and pop music in the U.S., with the group being considered influential and important in the development of modern popular music. The group was formed as The Five Chimes and changed their name to the Miracles in 1958, by which time their lineup consisted of Smokey Robinson , Claudette Rogers (later Robinson), Bobby Rogers , Warren "Pete" Moore , Marv Tarplin , and Ronnie White . Referred to as Motown's "soul supergroup",
6235-439: The 1965–67 period. Also in 1968, the group released their hit album Special Occasion which spawned three Top 40 singles, including the smash " If You Can Want ", which the group performed on their first appearance on CBS ' The Ed Sullivan Show , at the time considered television's top talent and entertainment showcase. However, due to constant changes in the music industry and Motown, by 1969, Smokey Robinson sought to leave
6380-574: The 1990s. Following White's death in 1995, Rogers continued to tour with different members until he was forced into retirement due to health issues in 2011, dying less than two years later. Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 1987, and much controversy ensued over the Miracles' omission from the Hall. The Miracles were finally inducted into the Hall of Fame by lead singer Robinson in 2012. The group that later became
6525-577: The American children's animated series ToddWorld for Discovery Kids , TLC and Mike Young Productions. Two years later, Robinson released the standards album, Timeless Love , in 2006 on Universal Records. In 2009, he issued the album, Time Flies When You're Having Fun on his own label, Robso Records. It reached number 59 on the Billboard album chart, his highest showing since One Heartbeat . He subsequently released "Now And Then" in 2010, which peaked at number 131. Smokey & Friends
6670-700: The Heritage Award at the Soul Train Music Awards . In 2005, Robinson was voted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame. At its 138th Commencement Convocation in May 2006, Howard University conferred on Robinson the degree of Doctor of Music, honoris causa . In December 2006 Robinson was one of five Kennedy Center honorees, along with Dolly Parton , Zubin Mehta , Steven Spielberg and Andrew Lloyd Webber . On March 20, 2009,
6815-670: The Hollies , the Zombies , the Who , and the Rolling Stones all began recording covers of Miracles hits. Members of the Beatles, in particular, publicly stated that the music of the Miracles had greatly influenced their own. Around this time, the group had begun performing in nightclubs and other high-profile venues after years on the Chitlin' Circuit . According to an Ebony article on
6960-692: The Isley Brothers ' " Shout ". Later that year, the Miracles released " Shop Around ", backed with " Who's Lovin' You ", which became the group's first smash hit, reaching number one on the R&B charts, number two on the Billboard Hot 100 , and number one on the Cash Box Magazine "Top 100" Pop Chart, and was the first Motown single to sell a million copies. Both sides of this record became classics, and standards for R&B and rock musicians alike for several decades afterwards. As
7105-606: The Jacksons, Rick James , Commodores, Lionel Richie , and long-term signings Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson, the record company was no longer the major force it had been. Gordy sold his interests in Motown Records to MCA and Boston Ventures on June 28, 1988, for $ 61 million (equivalent to $ 135,610,000 in 2023). He later sold most of his interests in Jobete publishing to EMI Publishing. Gordy wrote or co-wrote 240 of
7250-581: The Miracles The Miracles Smokey Robinson William " Smokey " Robinson Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive . He was the founder and frontman of the pioneering Motown vocal group the Miracles , for which he was also chief songwriter and producer. He led the group from its 1955 origins, when they were called The Five Chimes, until 1972, when he retired from
7395-489: The Miracles were finally honored as a group with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Smokey was present with original Miracles members Bobby Rogers , Pete Moore , (Bobby's cousin) Claudette Rogers , and Gloria White, accepting for her husband, the late Ronnie White , whose daughter Pamela and granddaughter Maya were there representing him as well. Smokey's replacement, 1970s Miracles lead singer Billy Griffin ,
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#17327795588797540-405: The Miracles (in particular Ronnie White, who had brought the then 11-year-old to Motown's studios), for discovering him. Wonder stated: "Were it not for the Miracles, there would not be a Stevie Wonder". Gordy added that without the Miracles, "Motown would not be the Motown that it is today." Also in 2009, Motown released a special two-CD compilation: The Miracles – Depend on Me: The Early Albums ,
7685-632: The Miracles ), and " Do You Love Me " ( the Contours ), all of which topped the US R&;B charts, as well as the international hit " Reet Petite " ( Jackie Wilson ). As part of the Corporation , he wrote many hit songs for the Jackson 5 , including " I Want You Back " and " ABC ". As a record producer, he launched the Miracles and signed acts like the Supremes , Marvin Gaye , the Temptations ,
7830-539: The Miracles , the first release on the Motown record label. "Bad Girl" was a solid hit in 1959 after Chess Records picked it up. Barrett Strong 's " Money (That's What I Want) " initially appeared on Tamla and then charted on Gordy's sister's label, Anna Records , in February 1960. It was The Miracles who gave the label its first million-selling hit single, with the 1960 Grammy Hall of Fame smash, " Shop Around " and this song, and its follow up hits," You've Really Got
7975-404: The Miracles and hosted by Smokey Robinson, broadcast on July 13, 1973. Within a year afterwards, Marv Tarplin also decided to leave the group and continued working with Robinson on his solo material, while Claudette, who had essentially retired from the Miracles' live performances in 1963, permanently left the Miracles when her husband Smokey did, retiring from recording with them as well. In 1973,
8120-416: The Miracles and the stage, to settle for continued work as Motown's vice president as well as become more of a family man to his wife Claudette and their children. The year 1969 had brought a second Ed Sullivan Show appearance for the group, singing their then-current singles " Doggone Right ", and their hit cover of Dion's " Abraham, Martin and John ". Robinson's departure plans however, were thwarted after
8265-541: The Miracles as a touring unit replacing Pete Moore and Billy Griffin with Dave Finley and Carl Cotton, which carried on for three years as "The New Miracles". This version of the Miracles was short-lived though after White decided to retire from show business following the death of his wife Earlyn, who died from breast cancer in 1983, disbanding the group again. Around this same time, most of the original Miracles including Smokey Robinson and Claudette Robinson as well as Pete Moore, Marv Tarplin, and Bobby Rogers reunited to perform
8410-498: The Miracles as lead singer, chief songwriter and producer, including several top ten hits such as " You've Really Got a Hold on Me ", " Mickey's Monkey ", " I Second That Emotion ", " Baby Baby Don't Cry " and the group's only number-one hit during their Robinson years, " The Tears of a Clown ". Other notable hits such as " Ooo Baby Baby ", " Going to a Go-Go ", the multi-award-winning " The Tracks of My Tears ", " (Come Round Here) I'm The One You Need ", " The Love I Saw in You Was Just
8555-499: The Miracles have been regarded as the most covered act in Motown's roster and have influenced numerous artists worldwide in the last 50 years. The success of the Miracles actually launched the Motown Records label, and, according to Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy , without the Miracles, the Motown Record Corporation would not have been possible. Original members: The Miracles Smokey Robinson &
8700-535: The Miracles recorded more than 50 chart hits, including 26 Top 40 pop hits, 16 of which reached the Billboard Hot 100 Top 20, seven Top 10 singles, and a number-one single (1967's " The Tears of a Clown ") while the Robinsons and Tarplin were members. Following the departure of Tarplin and the Robinsons, the rest of the group continued with singer Billy Griffin and manager Martin Pichinson, who helped rebuild
8845-418: The Miracles since his own induction, "making calls and signing petitions and everything, because they really deserve it." Though some felt Robinson should have been included as an inductee with the other Miracles, Robinson said: "I don't really even care about that. I'm already in there. I don't understand why it was, like, a task to get the Miracles in there. We were one of the hottest and most prolific groups in
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#17327795588798990-412: The Miracles tribute song, "Sweet Harmony", and the hit ballad "Baby Come Close". In 1974, Robinson's second album, Pure Smokey , was released but failed to produce hits. Robinson struggled to compete with his former collaborators Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and former Temptations member Eddie Kendricks , as all three had multiple hit singles during this period. Former Beatle George Harrison featured
9135-546: The Miracles was formed in 1955 by five teenage friends from Detroit, Michigan , under the name the Five Chimes. Three of the founding members, Smokey Robinson , Warren "Pete" Moore , and Ronnie White , had been singing together since they each were around the age of eleven. The group, influenced by acts such as Billy Ward and His Dominoes and Nolan Strong & the Diablos , featured Clarence Dawson and James Grice in
9280-702: The Miracles were awarded several times for their songwriting work from both the BMI and ASCAP songwriting and licensing organizations. In 1997, the Miracles were honored by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation with the Pioneer Award for their contributions to music. In 2001, the group was inducted to the Vocal Group Hall of Fame . Three years later, the Miracles were included in Rolling Stone 's list of
9425-406: The Miracles yet again, with Dave Finley returning to the fold and Sidney Justin , a former NFL player and former member of Shalamar , as lead singer. Rogers replaced Justin with Mark Scott , who toured the world as lead singer of the group. Both Justin and Scott lead separate Miracles groups. Two years later, Ronnie White died from a longtime bout with leukemia , leaving the remaining Miracles as
9570-473: The Miracles' release of their first record. Gordy formed Tamla Records , which was later reincorporated as Motown. The Miracles became one of the first acts signed to the label, although they had actually been with Gordy since before the formation of Motown Records. In late 1960, the group recorded their first hit single, " Shop Around ", which became Motown's first million-selling hit record. Between 1960 and 1970, Robinson would produce 26 top forty hits with
9715-427: The Miracles, starting a six-month tour which ended in July 1972 at Washington, D.C., later introducing Billy Griffin as his official replacement. This series of final live Miracles concerts with Robinson was released by Motown on the double album Smokey Robinson & The Miracles: 1957–1972 (Tamla TS320). About that final tour, Miracle Pete Moore stated: "We had 12 farewell engagements playing to sold-out houses. It
9860-424: The Miracles, taking it from the moniker "Miracletones", with the "'Tones" taken out. This first Miracles' single became a Top 10 National R&B Hit, peaking at #5, although it missed the Pop Hot 100. (see Miracles' Discography) .After earning only $ 3.19 for his production success, Gordy was told by Robinson to form his own label, which Gordy did, forming Tamla Records in 1959. One of the Miracles' first Tamla singles,
10005-438: The Miracles, with Griffin, re-emerged with the critically acclaimed album, Renaissance – their first without Smokey Robinson on lead vocals, which included the Marvin Gaye composition, "I Love You Secretly", " What Is a Heart Good For " (the intended first single), and the charting single,"Don't Let It End (Til You Let It Begin)". The following year, in 1974, after releasing the much-covered single " Give Me Just Another Day ",
10150-431: The Miracles. They scored two final Top 20 singles, " Do It Baby " (1974) and " Love Machine " (1975), a second No. 1 hit, which topped the charts before the group departed for Columbia Records in 1977. Recording as a quintet at Columbia with Billy's brother Donald Griffin replacing Marv Tarplin, after a few releases, they disbanded in 1978. The group have won numerous music industry awards, including four songs inducted into
10295-432: The National Recording Preservation Board for the United States Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry, which honors and preserves culturally, historically and aesthetically significant American recordings. The group was also ranked No. 61 on VH-1 's 100 Greatest Rock Stars of All Time in 1998 while also ranking at No. 71 on Billboard ' s 100 Greatest Artists of All Time in 2008.They have also been inducted into
10440-412: The One You Need ", " More Love ", " Special Occasion ", " If You Can Want ", and the Top 10 hit " I Second That Emotion ". Around this time, the group was starting to be billed as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles on several of their albums. The name change did not appear on their singles until the release of " The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage ", a Top 20 hit released in 1967. On that song's flipside
10585-659: The Punch " and " My Guy " for Mary Wells ; " The Way You Do The Things You Do ", " My Girl ", " Since I Lost My Baby " , " It's Growing " , and " Get Ready " for the Temptations ; " Still Water (Love) " for the Four Tops ; " When I'm Gone " and " Operator " for Brenda Holloway ; " Don't Mess With Bill ", " The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game " and " My Baby Must Be a Magician " for the Marvelettes ; and " I'll Be Doggone " and " Ain't That Peculiar " for Marvin Gaye . After
10730-538: The Punch ", " Two Lovers ", and " My Guy ". The Miracles' hit " Shop Around " peaked at No. 1 on the national R&B charts in late 1960 and at No. 2 on the Billboard magazine pop charts on January 16, 1961 (No. 1 pop, Cash Box ), which established Motown as an independent company worthy of notice. Later in 1961, the Marvelettes ' " Please Mr. Postman " made it to the top of both charts. Gordy's gift for identifying and bringing together musical talent, along with
10875-413: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was "outrageous", pointing out Robinson's solo induction went against its own rules. Robinson had only spent 14 years as a solo performer, and his name was not in front of the group's until 1967. It further stated the Miracles were "the heartbeat of Motown in the 1960s, one of the best vocal groups ever formed and owners of some of the greatest records Rock has ever produced." It
11020-416: The Temptations (" The Way You Do The Things You Do ", " My Girl ", " Don't Look Back ", " Since I Lost My Baby ", " It's Growing ", " Get Ready ", " My Baby "), Mary Wells (" My Guy ", " The One Who Really Loves You ", " What Love Has Joined Together ", " Two Lovers "), Marvin Gaye (" I'll Be Doggone ", " Ain't That Peculiar ", " One More Heartache "), the Marvelettes (" Don't Mess With Bill ", " My Baby Must Be
11165-432: The UK group ABC released a tribute song, " When Smokey Sings ". He was inducted as a solo artist to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, later igniting controversy as the committee had inducted only Robinson and not members of his group, the Miracles, which Robinson saw as an affront. In 2012, however, the committee rectified the mistake announcing that the group would be inducted on their own merit. Though Robinson
11310-472: The addiction in the late 1980s and revived his singing career, with the Grammy-winning Top 10 hit single, " Just to See Her ". In 1986, Smokey's marriage with Claudette Robinson ended in divorce while Bobby's marriage to Marvelettes member Wanda Young ended in 1975. After the release of a 35th anniversary commemorative compilation album in 1993, Ronnie White and Bobby Rogers decided to regroup
11455-450: The age of 70, just months before the induction ceremony. The Miracles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2012 along with five other groups whose leader had been inducted as a solo artist. Upon their induction, Claudette Robinson told Billboard : "I didn't think it would happen in my lifetime. For the longest time so many people have put in their comments and tried so hard for us to be inducted, and there
11600-447: The album, One Heartbeat and the singles, " Just to See Her " and " One Heartbeat ", which were Top 10 hits on Billboard ' s Pop, Soul, and Adult Contemporary charts. They were aided by popular music videos. "Just to See Her" won Robinson his first Grammy Award in 1988. The album became one of his most successful ever, selling over 900,000 copies in the United States alone. In the same year, Robinson released One Heartbeat ,
11745-667: The album, called "If We Don't Have Each Other", was already available on streaming services by January 2023. Robinson married a fellow Miracles member, Claudette Rogers , in 1959. The couple had two children: a son, Berry Robinson (born 1968), named after Motown's first label founder Berry Gordy , and a daughter, Tamla Robinson (born 1971), named after the original "Tamla" label set up by Gordy that would eventually become Motown. According to Robinson, he had affairs with multiple women while married to Claudette, among them an approximately year-long affair with Diana Ross . According to Robinson, Ross ended it because she felt uncomfortable as she
11890-413: The approximately 15,000 songs in Motown's Jobete music catalogue. However, the true test of the label's worth would come a few years later, when Polygram paid over $ 330 million ( Diana Ross was given shares in this version of the label) for the Motown catalog. Gordy published an autobiography, To Be Loved , in 1994. Gordy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. In 1993 he received
12035-817: The arrival of Holland–Dozier–Holland and the team of Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong , Robinson was eclipsed as a top writer and producer for the label, and other Motown artists such as Gaye and Stevie Wonder began to compose more original material. Later in his career, Robinson wrote lyrics and music for the Contours such as " First I Look at the Purse ", as well as the Four Tops ' " Still Water " and The Supremes ' " Floy Joy ". The other Miracles—Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore, Ronnie White, and Marv Tarplin—collaborated with him as writers on many of these hits, and Pete Moore also doubled as co-producer with Robinson on several of them. By 1969, Robinson wanted to retire from touring to focus on raising his two children with his wife Claudette, and on his duties as Motown's vice president,
12180-713: The audition, Robinson had brought along with him a "Big 10" notebook with 100 songs he wrote while in high school. Gordy was impressed with Robinson's vocals and even more impressed with Robinson's ambitious songwriting. With his help, the Miracles released their first single, "Got a Job", an answer song to the Silhouettes' hit single "Get a Job" on End Records . It was the beginning of a long and successful collaboration. During this time, Robinson attended college and started classes in January 1959, studying electrical engineering . He dropped out after only two months, following
12325-401: The ballad " Bad Girl ", became the Miracles' first song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop chart that October when it was licensed to and issued nationally by Chess Records . The next Miracles song, "It", was credited to "Ron & Bill", in a duet between White and Robinson, and was released on Tamla and nationally picked by Chess subsidiary Argo Records . Following a dismal reception at
12470-611: The careful management of his artists' public image, made Motown a major national and then international success. Over the next decade, he signed such artists as the Supremes , Marvin Gaye , the Temptations , Jimmy Ruffin , the Contours , the Four Tops , Gladys Knight & the Pips , the Commodores , the Velvelettes , Martha and the Vandellas , Stevie Wonder and the Jackson 5 . Though he also signed some white acts to
12615-649: The elder James and his legal wife), was the grandfather of President Jimmy Carter . Berry Gordy II was led to Detroit both by the job opportunities offered by the booming automotive businesses, and also by worries over the atmosphere in the American South, where black men were lynched "with chilling regularity by the Ku Klux Klan "; in the first twenty years of the twentieth century, 1,502 lynchings were reported, most in Southern states. Gordy's father opened
12760-526: The eleventh grade to become a professional boxer in hopes of becoming rich quickly; he boxed professionally until 1950, when he was drafted by the United States Army in 1951 for service in the Korean War . Arriving in Korea in May 1952, Gordy was first assigned to the 58th Field Artillery Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, near Panmunjom . He later became a chaplain's assistant, driving a jeep and playing
12905-556: The first Motown act to receive coaching and instruction from famed choreographer Cholly Atkins , who had previously worked with Little Anthony & the Imperials , the Cadillacs , and future Motown act Gladys Knight & the Pips . (Bobby Rogers, the Miracles' best dancer, did choreography for the group prior to Atkins' arrival). Through his association with the Miracles, Atkins came into Motown at their insistence, and soon became
13050-524: The globe. The original lineup of the group has consistently been revered by several critics in major rock and music magazines and have received numerous honors and awards for their contributions to the music industry. One of their most honored songs, " The Tracks of My Tears ", was included in the United States Library of Congress ' National Recording Registry because of its "culturally, historically and aesthetically significance" in 2008. It
13195-416: The group after discovering Robinson's notebook full of songs he had written and having been impressed with Robinson's singing voice. Gordy recorded their first single, "Got a Job", an answer song to the Silhouettes ' " Get a Job " in January 1958. Gordy shortly thereafter struck a deal with George Goldner 's End Records to distribute the single. Before the song was released, the group changed their name to
13340-480: The group had their first Top 20 hit in three years with the million-selling funk song, " Do It Baby ". This was followed by the Top 10 R&B hit, "Don't-Cha Love It". Late that following year, the group recorded the disco smash, " Love Machine ", which came off their self-written-and-produced hit album, City of Angels . "Love Machine" reached number-one on the Hot 100 in early 1976, the Miracles' first since "Tears of
13485-460: The group released Motown Records' first double album, The Miracles Greatest Hits from the Beginning , which was a success on Billboard's Pop and R&B Album Charts. Also in 1965, the Miracles released their landmark Top 10 album, Going to a Go-Go , under the new group name of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles . This album launched four Top 20 singles into the Billboard Hot 100, including
13630-453: The group to focus on his role as Motown Records vice president. Robinson returned to the music industry as a solo artist the following year. He left Motown in 1999. Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and awarded the 2016 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for his lifetime contributions to popular music. He is a double Hollywood Walk of Fame Inductee, as
13775-624: The group to join Jackie Wilson's management team), Nat Tarnopol ( Jackie Wilson 's manager) and one of the label's staff songwriters, Berry Gordy , who remained quiet during the audition. Tucker was unimpressed by the audition, stating that because there was the Platters that "there couldn't be two groups in America like that with a woman in the group." After the Tarnopol and Tucker rejection, Gordy followed them and soon agreed to work with
13920-418: The group to wait "six months" to discuss a new contract, the group took on an offer to sign with Columbia Records , signing with them in 1977. By this point, Billy Griffin's brother Donald, who had begun providing guitar on Miracles studio recordings shortly after Marv Tarplin's departure, had officially joined the group on lead guitar. The group immediately had problems after signing with Columbia, starting with
14065-562: The group's 1969 song " Baby Baby Don't Cry " hit the Billboard Pop Top 10, and when the Miracles' 1967 song, " The Tears of a Clown ",(their fourth Grammy Hall of Fame- inducted hit) was released as a single in 1970, it became a number-one hit in the UK. It was subsequently released in the U.S., where it duplicated its U.K. success, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Chart and selling over 3 million copies. As
14210-466: The group's songs were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame including "You Really Got a Hold on Me", "Tears of a Clown", "Shop Around" and "Tracks of My Tears". In addition, "You Really Got a Hold on Me", "Going to a Go-Go", "Shop Around" and "Tracks of My Tears" were inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of their list of The 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll . In addition, The Miracles hit — “The Tracks of My Tears,” has been selected by
14355-413: The group, Gordy said: "Without the Miracles, Motown would not be the Motown it is today." At the age of 79, Gordy spoke at the memorial service for Michael Jackson in Los Angeles on July 7, 2009. He suggested that "The King of Pop" was perhaps not the best description for Jackson in light of his achievements, referring to him instead as "the greatest entertainer that ever lived." On May 15, 2011, it
14500-605: The group, the group began grossing $ 150,000 a year due to royalties and personal investments. They also were making between $ 100,000 and $ 250,000 for nightly shows. In addition, the Miracles appeared on many of the popular variety television programs of the period, including The Ed Sullivan Show , Shindig! , Hullabaloo , American Bandstand , Where The Action Is , The Mike Douglas Show , The Andy Williams Show , Teen Town , Hollywood A Go-Go , Upbeat , and Britain's Ready Steady Go! . The Miracles' success continued with several hits including " (Come 'Round Here) I'm
14645-487: The groups Nolan Strong & the Diablos and Billy Ward and his Dominoes on the radio. He has cited Barrett Strong , a Detroit native, as a strong vocal influence. In 1955, he formed the first lineup of The Five Chimes with childhood friend Ronald White and classmate Pete Moore . Two years later, they were renamed the Matadors and included Bobby Rogers . Another member, Emerson (Sonny) Rogers, Bobby Rogers' cousin,
14790-510: The label (Rare Earth, Rustix, via the Rare Earth label), he mainly promoted African American artists but carefully controlled their public image, dress, manners and choreography for across-the-board appeal. In 1972, Gordy relocated to Los Angeles, where he produced the commercially successful biographical drama film on Billie Holiday , Lady Sings the Blues , starring Diana Ross (who
14935-403: The landmark million-selling Grammy Hall of Fame single, " The Tracks of My Tears ", " Ooo Baby Baby ", " Going to a Go-Go " and " My Girl Has Gone ", all of which became Top 10 R&B hit singles as well. During this period, their music had also made its way abroad, influencing several British groups along the way. The effects of this influence soon became even more pronounced when the Beatles ,
15080-399: The legendary Motown group's importance to the city, and as a tribute to their many accomplishments in the music industry. In June 2006, the Miracles were voted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame. In 2009, all the known members of the group (including Billy Griffin) were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame , attended by Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder, who thanked
15225-494: The multi-award-winning " The Tracks of My Tears ", " My Girl Has Gone ", " Special Occasion ", " I Second That Emotion ", " Baby Baby Don't Cry ", the number-one Pop smashes " The Tears of a Clown " and " Love Machine ", " Do It Baby ", and " That's What Love Is Made Of ", among numerous other hits. The group auditioned for Brunswick Records in front of Alonzo Tucker (an original member of the Midnighters who had since left
15370-497: The music industry. In an article in the oldies music magazine Goldmine , editor Phil Marder stated: "How did Smokey Robinson get inducted without (the rest of) the Miracles?" "Robinson certainly deserves solo induction due to his songwriting, producing, solo career and his contributions in many official capacities in Motown’s front office. But if the Supremes got in with Diana Ross and the Vandellas made it in with Martha Reeves and
15515-554: The nineties (though he would make a notable cameo appearance in The Temptations 1998 miniseries ), making a brief comeback in 1999 when he re-signed with Motown and issued the album, Intimate , which included the song "Easy to Love". In 2003, he once again split ties with Motown, releasing the gospel album, Food for the Spirit on Liquid 8 Records in 2004. In 2004, Robinson sang the main title theme song "Colorful World" to
15660-728: The number-one R&B hit " Baby That's Backatcha ", "The Agony & The Ecstasy" and "Quiet Storm" (the radio format quiet storm , originated by DJ Melvin Lindsey , is named after the album). However, Robinson's solo career suffered from his work as Motown's vice president, and his own music took the backseat. As a result, several albums including Smokey's Family Robinson , Deep in My Soul , Love Breeze and Smokin , saw poor promotion and received bad reviews. At this point Robinson relied on other writers and producers to help him with his albums. Following these albums, Robinson got out of
15805-520: The office of Motown was located. In 2021, he was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors alongside Bette Midler , Joni Mitchell , Justino Díaz , and Lorne Michaels . In 2022, he was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame . In 2022, he was awarded with an honorary doctorate from the University of Michigan. Following the funeral of Marvin Gaye on April 5, 1984, Gordy declared Gaye "the greatest of his time." Berry said
15950-425: The official in-house choreographer for all of the company's acts, including the Temptations , the Marvelettes , the Four Tops , the Contours , Martha & the Vandellas , and the Supremes . In addition to penning their own material, Miracles Robinson, White, Rogers, Tarplin, and Moore wrote for many of their labelmates as well. Motown hits written, but not recorded, by members of the Miracles include songs for
16095-536: The organ at religious services at the front. His tour in the Korean War was completed in April 1953. He obtained a GED , which is equivalent to a high school diploma. After his return from Korea in 1953, he married 19-year-old Thelma Louise Coleman in Toledo, Ohio . Gordy developed his interest in music by writing songs and opening the 3-D Record Mart, a record store featuring jazz music and 3-D glasses. The store
16240-546: The original lineup. All of the group's original members attended Northern High School in Detroit. After Dawson quit the group and Grice dropped out to get married, they were replaced by Emerson "Sonny" Rogers and his cousin Bobby and changed their name to the Matadors. Coincidentally, both Smokey Robinson and Bobby Rogers were born in the same hospital on the same date (February 19, 1940), despite not actually meeting each other until they were fifteen. In 1957, Sonny Rogers left to join
16385-491: The other members of the Miracles also began to work staff jobs with the company. Smokey and Claudette Robinson made plans to begin a family, but the rough life of touring caused Claudette to have several miscarriages. In early 1964, Claudette decided to retire from the road and remain at home in Detroit after another miscarriage, her sixth. From this point on, Claudette did not tour with the Miracles or appear in any official group photographs or on television, although she remained as
16530-487: The profits from his songwriting success into producing. In 1957, he discovered the Miracles (originally known as the Matadors) and began building a portfolio of successful artists. In 1959, with the encouragement of Miracles leader Smokey Robinson , Gordy borrowed $ 800 (equivalent to $ 8,361.6 in 2023) from his family to create an R&B record company. Originally, Gordy wanted to name the new label Tammy Records, after
16675-515: The release of their first Columbia single, "Spy For Brotherhood". Expecting controversy from the single as well as possible threats from the FBI , Columbia pulled the song from the airwaves. The group failed to have a hit during their short Columbia run and in 1978, Pete Moore decided to retire from the road while Billy Griffin wanted to return to his solo career, leading to the group to disband. In 1980, Ronnie White and Bobby Rogers decided to carry on with
16820-464: The singer "had no musical equals," while also discussing how he carried on the legacy of other soul singers who tackled a range of themes, from love to civil rights, such as Billie Holiday . On March 20, 2009, Gordy was in Hollywood to pay tribute to his first group and first million-selling act, the Miracles , when the members received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame . Speaking in tribute to
16965-420: The song recorded by Debbie Reynolds . However, that name was taken, and he chose the name Tamla Records . The company began operating on January 12, 1959. "Come to Me" by Marv Johnson was issued as Tamla 101. United Artists Records picked up "Come to Me" for national distribution, as well as Johnson's more successful follow-up records such as " You Got What It Takes ", co-produced by Gordy, who also received
17110-482: The three other [Four] Tops made it in with Levi Stubbs , how could the Miracles, who were much more important, not get in with Smokey?" Miracles bass singer Pete Moore told the Cleveland Plain Dealer : "It was a slap in the face, very disappointing. We are the premier group of Motown. We were there before there even was a Motown. We set the pace for all the other artists to come after us. We were
17255-486: The track " Pure Smokey " on his 1976 album Thirty Three & 1/3 as a tribute to Robinson. (Harrison's fellow Beatles John Lennon and Paul McCartney were also fans of Robinson's songwriting and the group covered "You Really Gotta Hold on Me" on their second UK album With the Beatles and US album The Beatles' Second Album , respectively.) Robinson answered his critics the following year with A Quiet Storm , released in 1975. The album launched three singles –
17400-438: The way for all future Motown stars, and, as Motown's first group, they would serve as the prototype for all other Motown groups to follow. The Miracles had become a national sensation, and their success catapulted them to the position of Motown's top-selling act, making them headliners at the nationwide Motortown Revue package touring shows, which showcased Motown artists, and that started around late 1962. The Miracles were also
17545-607: The world at that time, so I don't understand the hesitancy." Claudette Robinson stated, "When I spoke to (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum President and CEO) Terry Stewart, he said he got no less than 900 e-mails per day saying the Miracles should be inducted, and why aren't they? I was surprised by that. I would think five or 10, but he said that amount, so it's a lot of people that were really pulling for us. You have to be thankful and grateful for that." However, before this decision, Miracle Marv Tarplin died in September 2011 at
17690-608: The world. Thank you for the amazing opportunity." In a tribute to Motown's first group, Martha Reeves of Martha and the Vandellas stated: "In Liverpool they have a statue of the Beatles. Someplace in Detroit there should be a statue of (Smokey Robinson and) the Miracles." In 1987, former Miracles lead singer Smokey Robinson was inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, without his fellow Miracles, which Robinson expressed deep regret and disappointment that his group-mates were not inducted with him. This solo induction triggered shockwaves and cries of protest throughout
17835-423: The years. In 1997, the group received the Pioneer Award at the Rhythm and Blues Foundation for their musical achievements. Four years later, in 2001, they were inducted to the Vocal Group Hall of Fame . In 2004, they were ranked No. 32 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time , retaining that same position seven years later, in 2011. Four of their hit songs were inducted into
17980-594: Was Smokey Joe. So from the time I was three years old if people asked me what my name was I didn't tell them my name was William, I told them my name was Smokey Joe. That's what everyone called me until I was about 12 and then I dropped the Joe part. I've heard that story about him giving it to me because I'm a light skinned black man but that's not true. When Robinson was 10, his mother died, and he began living with older sister, Geraldine, with her husband, who had 10 children together. He attended Northern High School , where he
18125-476: Was above average academically and a determined athlete. However, his main interest was music, and he formed a doo-wop group named the Five Chimes. He and Aretha Franklin lived several houses from each other on Belmont; he said he'd known Franklin since she was about five, overhearing her play the piano when he had come to play with her older brother Cecil after her family first moved to Detroit. Robinson's interest in music started during childhood after he heard
18270-472: Was also awarded Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. In 2009, Robinson received an honorary doctorate degree—along with Linda Ronstadt —and gave a commencement speech at Berklee College of Music 's commencement ceremony. In 2015, he was given a BET Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2016, Robinson received the Library of Congress' Gershwin Prize for Popular Song; and, on August 21, 2016, he
18415-567: Was also chosen as one of the Top 10 Best Songs of All Time by a panel of 20 top industry songwriters and producers including Hal David , Paul McCartney , Brian Wilson , Jerry Leiber , and others as reported to Britain's Mojo music magazine, and was also winner of "The Award of Merit" from The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers ( ASCAP ) for the song's writers, Miracles members Pete Moore , Marv Tarplin and Smokey Robinson . In addition, "The Tracks of My Tears" has been ranked by
18560-491: Was also honored. Controversially, original Miracle Marv Tarplin was not honored, against the wishes of his fellow Miracles and the group's fans, who felt that he should have also been there to share the honor. Later, Tarplin did receive his star. He was also inducted with the rest of the original Miracles, Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore, Ronnie White, and Claudette Robinson, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, 25 years after Robinson's controversial solo induction in 1987. He
18705-735: Was also stated that with the Miracles' induction, the Hall of Fame "remedied its most shameful chapter and the biggest miracle is it took this long to do it." In May 2016, The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences paid tribute to the Miracles with a special year-long career retrospective of the group at The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles entitled "Legends of Motown: Celebrating the Miracles", highlighting their groundbreaking history and accomplishments as Motown's first recording artists, with appearances by original Miracles Claudette Rogers-Robinson and Pete Moore. The Miracles are four-time Grammy Hall of Fame inductees. At this special showing, as an expression of her gratitude, Ms Robinson stated: "It
18850-478: Was always a reason we weren't. So I was a little shocked when they called and said it would happen." Robinson was selected as the induction speaker for the Miracles and the other five groups. The inducted members were original members Claudette Rogers-Robinson, Pete Moore, Bobby Rogers, Ronnie White (posthumously), and Marv Tarplin (posthumously). The Miracles and their music have had worldwide impact, influencing scores of artists of many different musical genres around
18995-475: Was amazing." Also released that year was the group's last studio album with Smokey, Flying High Together , with its lead single " We've Come Too Far to End It Now " reaching the Billboard R&;B Top 10 (their 23rd visit to the Top 10 of that chart). After Smokey's retirement, Billy Griffin was introduced to national television audiences on NBC 's The Midnight Special , on an episode guest-starring
19140-722: Was announced that Gordy was developing a Broadway musical about Motown. The show is said to be an account of events of the 1960s and how they shaped the creation of the label. Gordy hoped that the musical would improve the reputation of Motown Records and clear up any misconceptions regarding the label's demise. Motown: The Musical began previews at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on March 11, 2013, and began regular performances there on April 14. The musical closed in January 2015. The UK version of Motown: The Musical opened in London's West End in January 2016. Berry Gordy
19285-457: Was born on November 28, 1929, in Detroit, the seventh of the eight children of Berry Gordy II (also known as Berry Gordy Sr.) and Bertha Fuller Gordy , who had relocated to Detroit from Oconee, Washington County, Georgia , in 1922. His grandfather, named Berry Gordy I, was the son of James Gordy, a white plantation owner in Georgia, and one of his slaves. Berry I's half-brother, James (son of
19430-625: Was finalized in 1986. The Robinsons had also separated in 1974 and during that separation, Robinson engaged in an extramarital affair that inspired the song "The Agony & The Ecstasy" (later featured on A Quiet Storm ). Robinson married Frances Gladney in May 2002. They own a home in Pittsburgh and use it as a winery . Robinson has not eaten red meat since 1972. He practices Transcendental Meditation . Robinson has golden green eyes, which he believes were passed down from his French great-grandmother. Beginning in November 2023, Robinson
19575-467: Was friends with Claudette, whom Robinson admitted he still loved. (A representative for Ross had no comment on Robinson's claim.) Robinson says that loving multiple people in that way simultaneously is natural. Robinson also had a son named Trey (born 1984) with another woman during his marriage to Claudette. After Robinson admitted to having fathered a child with a woman other than his wife, he filed for legal separation and later filed for divorce that
19720-678: Was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in his hometown of Detroit. In 2019, he received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement presented by Awards Council members Jimmy Page and Peter Gabriel . In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Robinson at No. 23 on their list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time. Studio albums Berry Gordy Berry Gordy III (born November 28, 1929), also known as Berry Gordy Jr. ,
19865-552: Was inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame . Robinson's single " Just to See Her " from the One Heartbeat album was awarded the 1988 Grammy Award for Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance . This was Robinson's first Grammy Award. One year later, in 1989, he was inducted to the Songwriter's Hall of Fame In 1993, Robinson was awarded a medal at the National Medal of Arts . Two years before, he won
20010-434: Was nominated for an Academy Award ), Richard Pryor , and Billy Dee Williams (cast in a role originally for Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops ). Initially the studio, over Gordy's objections, rejected Williams after several screen tests. However, Gordy, known for his tenacity, eventually prevailed, and the film established Williams as a major movie star. Berry Gordy soon after produced and directed Mahogany ( Tony Richardson
20155-418: Was not listed as an inductee, he was due to induct his former group at the ceremony in April 2012. After MCA purchased Motown in 1988, Robinson relinquished his position as vice president. Following the release of the album, Love Smokey , in 1990, Robinson left Motown for a deal with SBK Records in 1991. However, the album, Double Good Everything failed to chart. Robinson remained virtually quiet during
20300-549: Was present at the opening night. Gordy, who was married and divorced three times, has eight children with six different women. His publishing company, Jobete, was named after his three eldest children: Joy, Berry and Terry. He had three children with his first wife, Thelma Coleman, whom he married in 1953 (they were divorced in 1959): In the spring of 1960 he married Raynoma Mayberry Liles (they were divorced in 1964). They had one son: With Jeana Jackson, Gordy had one daughter: With his then-mistress Margaret Norton, Gordy had
20445-553: Was released in mid-August 2014. It was an album of duets, including songs with Elton John , Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor . It reached number 12 on the Billboard album chart. Christmas Everyday was Robinson's first post-Miracles Christmas album, and was released on November 10, 2017. In 2018, he appeared on an episode of CMT Crossroads alongside country singer Cam . In April 2017, Robinson visited Fremont-Lopez Elementary School in Stockton, California, where he served as
20590-412: Was replaced by his sister, Claudette Rogers (who would marry Smokey Robinson in 1959). The group's guitarist, Marv Tarplin , joined them sometime in 1958. The Matadors began touring Detroit venues around this time. Eventually they changed their name to The Miracles. In August 1957, Robinson and the Miracles met songwriter Berry Gordy after a failed audition for Brunswick Records . At that time during
20735-407: Was the original director, but Gordy fired Richardson and took over direction himself after a dispute over minor casting), also starring Ross and Williams. In 1985, he produced the cult martial arts film The Last Dragon , which starred martial artist Taimak and one of Prince's proteges, Vanity . Although Motown continued to produce major hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s by artists including
20880-408: Was the tune " Come Spy with Me ". The Miracles sang the original theme to the 1967 20th Century Fox film of the same name . The year 1968 brought a second "greatest hits" collection, The Miracles Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 , which was the group's second Top 10 album, which featured the most popular singles from their successful Going to a Go-Go , Away We A Go-Go and Make It Happen albums of
21025-543: Was unsuccessful, and Gordy sought work at the Lincoln-Mercury plant, but his family connections put him in touch with Al Green (no relation to the singer Reverend Al Green ), owner of the Flame Show Bar Talent Club, where he met the singer Jackie Wilson . In 1957, Wilson recorded " Reet Petite ", a song Gordy had co-written with his sister Gwen and writer-producer Billy Davis . It became
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