Smokey Robinson

William “Smokey” Robinson, Jr. is a legendary singer-songwriter, record producer, record executive and co-founder of Motown Records.

Robinson and his group, the Miracles met Berry Gordy after a failed audition for singer Jackie Wilson’s managers. Gordy was impressed with Robinson’s vocals and ambitious songwriting. With his help they released, “Got a Job.” It was the beginning of a successful collaboration and the beginnings of Motown.

Robinson made a triumphant return with the album, One Heartbeat and the singles, “Just to See Her” and “One Heartbeat,” both Top 10 hits.”Just To See Her” won Robinson his first Grammy Award. In the same year, he was inducted as a solo artist to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the UK group ABC released a tribute song, “When Smokey Sings.”