Biography
William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson was the founder and frontman of the Motown vocal group the Miracles, for which he was also chief songwriter and producer. Robinson led the group from its 1955 origins as "the Five Chimes" until 1972, when he announced a retirement from the group to focus on his role as Motown's vice president. However, Robinson returned to the music industry as a solo artist the following year. Following the sale of Motown Records in 1988, Robinson left the company in 1990. Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, and was awarded the 2016 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for his lifetime contributions to popular music.
Awards & recognition
- Gershwin Prize · 2016
- Johnny Mercer Award · 2005
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award · 1999
- Grammy Legend Award · 1990
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame · 1987
Show all 8 awards →
- Kennedy Center Honors
- National Medal of Arts
- star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Filmography29 titles
We Are the World: The Story Behind the Song
CMT Crossroads
The Greatest Night in Pop
The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concerts
Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music
The Proud Family
ToddWorld
Hitsville: The Making of Motown
Hollywood Squares
Last Holiday
Police Story
ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke
Who Do You Think You Are?
Beatles '64
Rejoice and Shout
The Apollo
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan
The Voice
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
The Jennifer Hudson Show
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Hollywood Homicide
American Idol
Beat Shazam
Miracle in Motor City
Sherri
The Art of McCartney
A Motown Christmas