Multi-talented performer/writer/producer Smokey Robinson's career, and life, is inextricably tied up with Motown Records' founder 'Berry Gordy' to go solo in 1972, and met with even more success, turning out hit record after hit record all through the 1970s and 1980s. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Children, with his first wife Claudette Robinson , Tamla and Berry.
Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
He and his singing group, The Miracles , were voted the 32nd Greatest Rock n Roll Artists of all time by Rolling Stone.
He was awarded the U.S. National Medal of Arts in 2002 from the National Endowment of the Arts.
Received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Howard University (May 13, 2006).
Uncle of Eric West.
Awarded Kennedy Center Honors in 2006, with Dolly Parton , Steven Spielberg , Zubin Mehta , and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
One of the personalities mentioned in the song Genius of Love by Tom Tom Club. The others mentioned were James Brown , Bob Marley , Hamilton Bohannon, George Clinton , Bootsy Collins , Kurtis Blow and Lowell Sly Dunbar (as Sly and Robbie) and Robbie Shakespeare (as Sly and Robbie).
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1990.
He had his first recording as The Miracles in 1958. It was a follow up to a No. 1 tune "Get A Job". It was titled "Got A Job", on the legendary "End" label. Unfortunately, it did not have the same success as its predecessor.
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 1500 North Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
He and Aretha Franklin grew up together. Has known her since he was seven years old.
His favorite movie is Back to the Future.
While known for being a perfectionist performer, he also insists that stagehands and other crew involved with live concerts are treated well. For example, Smokeys contracts stipulate that all crew members must be served a hot meal prior to the performance.
Friends with Berry Gordy , Levi Stubbs , Marvin Gaye , Diana Ross , Stevie Wonder , Michael Jackson , Curtis Mayfield , and Teena Marie , Rick James , and Leon Isaac Kennedy.
Has a son Trey (b, 1984) from an outside relationship.
My mother was a churchgoing lady, so I always heard about God at home. .
