Motown has undoubtedly contributed to the American songbook. Songs such as "My Girl" and "The Tracks of My Tears", among many others, have become popular standards. The acclaimed record company was built on great songwriting, so it should come as no surprise. Founder Berry Gordy began to make a name for himself as R&B icon Jackie Wilson's lead songwriter.
Perhaps one of Gordy's greatest musical contributions was discovering and mentoring a young man who would eventually become Vice President of Motown and one of the organization's most in-demand producers and songwriters. This individual was Smokey Robinson.
A gifted singer in his own right, Robinson would lead his group, The Miracles, to international fame. His song, "Shop Around", was the first million-selling record for Motown. Under Gordy's wing, Smokey developed his skills and talents and literally made Motown a household name. Rightfully, Gordy and Robinson were both honored as the 2023 MusiCares Persons of the Year.
The story of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
When Berry Gordy first met seventeen-year-old William "Smokey" Robinson in 1957, he saw potential. Robinson had shared a notebook of songs with Gordy in a chance meeting. Berry knew with some polishing, Smokey could write hits.
Gordy decided to coach Robinson and teach him how to tell a story with a song. This would prove to be exactly what Smokey needed. Once he began to recognize songs were narratives that needed a beginning, middle, and end, Robinson was able to really shine as a songwriter.
His first hit songs were for his group, The Miracles. "Shop Around", "I'll Try Something New", "Mickey's Monkey" and "You've Really Got A Hold On Me" were some of his earliest successes. With his poetic lyrics and smooth, falsetto voice, the Miracles found a sound that propelled them to stardom. They were Motown's first hitmakers, and Gordy never forgot this.
Smokey's profound influence
Gordy and Robinson would develop a close friendship, and as a result, Smokey became more prominent in the company. Berry knew Smokey was one of Motown's strongest talents and that he could write hits for the label's other artists. Robinson was no longer just the Miracles' lead singer and principal songwriter. He was a critical creative force that drove Motown's impressive chart rankings.
Robinson would write massive hits for artists such as the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, and the Marvelettes. Songs including "My Girl", "Get Ready", "The Way You Do The Things You Do", "My Guy", "You Beat Me to the Punch", "Ain't That Peculiar", "I'll Be Doggone", and "Don't Mess With Bill" are his creations.
One of Smokey's earlier compositions, "Who's Lovin' You", was first recorded by the Miracles in 1960. However, the track is frequently associated with Michael Jackson, who covered it in 1969. A young Jackson made it into a huge hit.
The Miracles' incredible comeback
Smokey Robinson was certainly busy in the early to mid-1960s writing and producing songs for Motown's roster. While he and the Miracles still recorded, some of their best work was not released until between 1965 and 1970. "The Tracks of My Tears", which was named as the greatest Motown song of all time by Rolling Stone, alongside the beautiful ballad, "Ooo Baby Baby", were singles from the group's 1965 album, "Going to a Go-Go."
"I Second That Emotion" and "More Love", two of the Miracles' most popular upbeat tracks, came out in 1967. Their biggest hit and only No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, "The Tears of A Clown", was first released in 1967, but rose to the top of the charts as a re-mixed single version in 1970.
Smokey's legacy
Now in his mid eighties, Smokey Robinson still tours the country. He once tried retirement and realized it wasn't for him. As one of Motown's elder statesmen, alongside Berry Gordy himself, Smokey keeps the music empire's legacy alive every day. On July 4th, 2024, he celebrated the 65th anniversary of Motown by performing on PBS's A Capitol Fourth.
A humble genius, Robinson is open about his career, but always reminds people that Motown was a family foremost. Competition was heavy among artists, songwriters, and producers, but everyone helped each other out.
Rightfully, Smokey has been acknowledged for his musical accomplishments. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983, became a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, and was given the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize in 2016. His work not only was praised by, but inspired artists such as the Beatles and Bob Dylan.
While many people became household names as a result of Motown's international success, Smokey Robinson might be the most influential person behind Berry Gordy. Smokey gave Motown its start and wrote some of the label's most beloved and recognized songs. He was there from Motown's inception and became Gordy's right-hand man.
For Motown and music fans alike, Smokey Robinson is a living legend who participated in history. Motown was built on the idea of creating music for all people, no matter your ethnicity or background. During the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Motown was able to demonstrate the power of music and how it can bring individuals together.
Smokey was instrumental in this effort and used his gifts to bring happiness to millions of people worldwide. For this, he should always be celebrated and revered.