William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. stands as one of America’s most treasured musical icons, earning the title “King of Motown” through his extraordinary contributions to R&B, soul, and pop music. Born on February 19, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, Robinson transformed from a young lad with big dreams into a legendary singer-songwriter, record producer, and music executive who helped shape the sound of an entire generation.
What sets Smokey apart isn’t just his silky smooth vocals or his poetic songwriting prowess—it’s his incredible ability to craft songs that speak directly to the heart. From founding The Miracles in 1955 to his successful solo career spanning over six decades, Robinson has proven time and again why he’s considered one of the greatest musical talents America has ever produced.
Biography
Smokey’s journey began in Detroit’s North End, where he was born into a working-class family. His father was African-American, whilst his mother came from mixed African-American and French heritage. The family faced financial struggles, and tragedy struck early when Robinson’s mother passed away when he was just 10 years old. Following her death, he went to live with his older sister Geraldine and her husband, joining their household of 10 children.
Ever wondered how William Robinson became “Smokey”? The tale behind his iconic nickname is rather charming. His beloved Uncle Claude, who served as both mentor and godfather, dubbed him “Smokey Joe” during his childhood. As Robinson himself explained, Uncle Claude would take him to cowboy films, and the western-inspired moniker stuck. By age 12, he’d dropped the “Joe” part, becoming simply “Smokey”—a name that would become synonymous with musical excellence.
Robinson’s diverse ancestry includes Nigerian, Scandinavian, Portuguese, and Cherokee roots, which contribute to his distinctive golden-green eyes, a trait he attributes to his French great-grandmother.
Building the Motown Empire
At Northern High School, young Robinson excelled academically and athletically, but music remained his true passion. In 1955, he formed The Five Chimes with childhood mate Ronald White and classmate Pete Moore. The group evolved through several name changes—becoming The Matadors before finally settling on The Miracles.
The pivotal moment came in August 1957 when Robinson and The Miracles met Berry Gordy after a failed audition at Brunswick Records. Robinson had brought along a notebook containing 100 songs he’d penned during high school. Gordy was absolutely gobsmacked by Robinson’s songwriting talent, marking the beginning of one of music history’s most successful partnerships.
The Miracles became one of Motown’s first signings, and their breakthrough came with “Shop Around” in late 1960—Motown’s first million-selling hit. Between 1960 and 1970, Robinson produced 26 top-forty hits as The Miracles’ lead singer, chief songwriter, and producer.
Some of their most memorable tracks include:
- “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me”
- “Mickey’s Monkey”
- “I Second That Emotion”
- “The Tracks of My Tears” (widely regarded as one of the greatest soul songs ever written)
- “The Tears of a Clown” (their only number-one hit during Robinson’s tenure)
Robinson wasn’t just creating hits for The Miracles—he was crafting musical magic for fellow Motown artists. His songwriting credits read like a who’s who of soul music:
For The Temptations: “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” “My Girl,” “Get Ready” For Mary Wells: “My Guy,” “The One Who Really Loves You,” “You Beat Me to the Punch” For Marvin Gaye: “I’ll Be Doggone,” “Ain’t That Peculiar” For The Marvelettes: “Don’t Mess With Bill,” “The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game”
His poetic approach to songwriting earned him praise from unlikely sources—Bob Dylan once called Robinson “America’s greatest living poet.”
Solo Career
In 1972, Robinson made the difficult decision to step away from The Miracles to focus on his role as Motown’s vice president and spend more time with his family. After a year’s hiatus, he returned to music as a solo artist with the aptly titled album “Smokey” in 1973.
Robinson’s solo career produced several unforgettable hits:
“Cruisin'” (1979): His first solo top-ten pop single, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcasing his sensual, laid-back style.
“Being with You” (1981): Perhaps his most successful solo effort, hitting number one in the UK and number two on the US Billboard Hot 100.
“Just to See Her” (1987): This beautiful ballad earned Robinson his first Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, proving his enduring relevance in the music industry.
The album “One Heartbeat” (1987) marked a significant comeback, selling over 900,000 copies in the United States alone and generating two top-ten hits.
Personal Life
Robinson’s personal life has been as eventful as his professional career. He married fellow Miracles member Claudette Rogers in 1959, and together they had two children: Berry Robinson (born 1968, named after Berry Gordy) and Tamla Robinson (born 1971, named after Gordy’s original Tamla label).
However, Robinson has been open about his marital struggles, admitting to multiple affairs during his marriage to Claudette, including a relationship with Diana Ross. He also fathered a son named Trey (born 1984) with another woman. The couple separated in 1974 and again later, with their divorce finalised in 1986.
Second Chance at Love
In May 2002, Robinson found happiness again, marrying Frances Gladney. The couple owns a home in Pittsburgh, which they’ve transformed into a winery. Frances, an accomplished interior designer, has collaborated with Smokey on various projects, including a skincare collection targeting people with darker complexions.
Lifestyle Choices
Robinson has maintained several interesting lifestyle choices throughout his life. He hasn’t eaten red meat since 1972 and practices Transcendental Meditation. These choices reflect his commitment to health and spiritual well-being.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
Smokey Robinson’s net worth stands at an impressive £120 million (approximately $150 million), accumulated through nearly six decades in the music industry. His wealth comes from various sources:
- Music royalties: Earning roughly £4 million annually from his extensive catalogue
- Real estate investments: Including strategic property sales in Los Angeles
- Business ventures: From wine production to skincare lines
- Performance income: Continuing to tour and perform globally
Real Estate Portfolio
Robinson has made savvy real estate investments over the years:
- Sold his Encino estate for $2.3 million in 2002, later reselling it for $8.3 million in 2017
- Disposed of a Chatsworth mansion for $7.99 million in 2014, originally listed for $10.5 million
- Currently maintains his Pittsburgh winery property with his wife, Frances
Smokey Robinson Wines
In 2017, Robinson ventured into the wine business, launching his “Artist Song Series Brand” featuring wines named after his hit songs:
- “My Girl” Chardonnay
- “Being with You” Pinot Noir
- “Second That Emotion” Cabernet
- “Cruisin'” Bordeaux Blend
The wines, produced in Santa Barbara, California, have received impressive reviews and represent Robinson’s passion for quality craftsmanship beyond music.
Awards and Recognition: A Legacy of Excellence
Robinson’s contributions to music have earned him numerous prestigious honours:
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction (1987): Recognised as a solo artist
- Grammy Award (1988): Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “Just to See Her”
- Library of Congress Gershwin Prize (2016): For lifetime contributions to popular music
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: Double inductee as solo artist (1983) and with The Miracles (2009)
- Kennedy Center Honours (2006): Alongside Dolly Parton, Steven Spielberg, and others
- Songwriter’s Hall of Fame (1989): Recognising his exceptional songwriting talent
- Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame (2022)
- BET Lifetime Achievement Award (2015)
- National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame (2016)
Current Status and Recent Developments
At 85 years young, Smokey Robinson continues to create and perform. In 2023, he released “Gasms,” his first album in nearly a decade, featuring nine tracks of entirely new material. The lead single “If We Don’t Have Each Other” demonstrates that his songwriting abilities remain as sharp as ever.
Since November 2023, Robinson has been hosting his own SiriusXM channel, “Smokey’s Soul Town,” where he shares stories from his Motown days and plays R&B and soul classics from the 1950s to the early 1980s.
Recent Legal Challenges
In 2025, Robinson faced serious allegations from former employees, which he has vehemently denied through his legal team. These legal proceedings are ongoing, and Robinson has filed counter-suits in response.
Legacy and Influence
Smokey Robinson’s influence on popular music cannot be overstated. He’s penned over 4,000 songs throughout his career, with many becoming timeless classics covered by countless artists. The Beatles recorded “You Really Gotta Hold on Me,” whilst George Harrison paid tribute with a track called “Pure Smokey.”
Robinson’s 1975 album “A Quiet Storm” didn’t just produce hits—it created an entirely new radio format. The “quiet storm” style, named after his album, became a staple of late-night R&B radio programming, influencing artists for generations.
Beyond music, Robinson helped break down racial barriers in popular culture. His sophisticated songwriting and crossover appeal helped bring African-American music to mainstream audiences, paving the way for future generations of artists.
Smokey Robinson remains active in music and continues touring globally. His latest album “Gasms” is available on all major streaming platforms, and his wines can be purchased at SmokeyRobinsonWines.com.
