Smokey Robinson


Robinson, (William) Smokey

(1940– ) singer, songwriter, record producer; born in Detroit, Mich. In high school he formed the Miracles, a vocal group; they signed a contract with Berry Gordy of Motown Records in 1958 and released the hit "Shop Around" in 1960. At Motown Robinson composed and produced many hits such as "My Girl" (1965), helping to perfect the "Motown sound" and refine soul music. He went solo in 1972 and released such successful albums as A Quiet Storm (1974) and Touch the Sky (1983).