How To Book Smokey Robinson For Your Event

His songs can be heard on scores of movie and television soundtrack. They've helped define the musical profile of a great American city. They've earned virtually every award that can be bestowed upon an artist/songwriter, including a Grammy Award, a place in the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Soul Train Heritage Award and the NARAS Living Legend Award. An entire radio format, "Quiet Storm" owes its name to the title of a Smokey Robinson album.

The Miracles first meet Berry Gordy in 1957 while auditioning for Jackie Wilson's manager. Jackie Wilson turns them down, but Berry sees potential in this group. In retrospect, this may have been the most important meeting in both men's lives. Smokey needed a mentor and an outlet for his budding talents as a singer and songwriter; the ambitious Gordy needed someone with multi-faceted musical vision. Gordy encouraged and polished Robinson's songwriting in particular in the early days, in which The Miracles were one of many acts bridging the doo wop and early soul eras.

He helped them get a recording contract with the "End" label. The Miracles debut with "Got A Job" written by Berry, Smokey, and Billy Davis in 1958. It is a hit locally, but does not gain national attention.

When Berry Gordy sets up the Motown label, The Miracles are one of the first acts he signs. Their first release on the Motown label, "Way Over There," doesn't go anywhere, but their second release "Shop Around" is a huge hit, making it to number 2 on the U.S. charts. This release not only puts The Miracles in the national spotlight, but Motown as well. This is Motown's first million dollar seller.

Over the next seven years, The Miracles experience much success. They become the first Motown act to appear on ABC-TV's American Bandstand in February 1961 and continue to top the charts with the songs "You've Really Got A Hold On Me," "Mickey's Monkey," "Going To A Go-Go" and "I Second That Emotion."

Robinson also was extremely active at Motown as a songwriter and producer for other acts. The #1 singles "My Guy" (Mary Wells) and "My Girl" (Temptations) were each Robinson songs and productions (the latter with fellow Miracle Ronnie White). Smokey also did some excellent work with The Marvelettes and Marvin Gaye.

In 1967, The Miracles became "Smokey Robinson and the Miracles," and continued topping the charts with "Baby, Baby Don't Cry" and "Tears Of A Clown."

In 1972, Smokey Robinson retired from The Miracles to spend more time with his family. Smokey names his replacement, Billy Griffin, at the Carter Barron Amphitheater in Washington, D.C. on July 12 during the group's farewell tour. Three years later, Smokey begins working on his solo career.

Without Smokey, The Miracles hit the charts two more times with "Do It Baby" hitting number 13 in 1974 and "Love Machine (Part 1)" hitting number 1 in 1976. In 1983, The Miracles are reunited with Smokey for Motown's 25th Anniversary NBC-TV Special.

Smokey's solo career is not filled with as many consistent single hits as his career with The Miracles. However, when Smokey does hit the charts he does it well. "Cruisin'" released in 1980, hits number 4, "Being With You" hits number 2 in 1982 and "Just To See Her" hits number 8 in 1987. On the other hand, his thematic albums are very successful and always do well on the charts.

Beginning in 1981, Smokey receives the long-term recognition he deserves. ABC's American Bandstand airs the Smokey Robinson 25th Anniversary Special on December 12. He is inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on January 21, 1987. In December of the following year, he is named a Grammy Living Legend as well as being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame by Whitney Houston on May 30, 1990.

In 1991, after thirty years with Motown, Smokey Robinson leaves Motown to sign with SBK Records. He continues to appear at industry gatherings and events.

He is not only a great songwriter but an extraordinary entertainer. His show, still constantly touring the nation to sold out crowds, has brought joy to his listeners. His songs of the past allow many to remember the times gone by – the good and the bad. He doesn't just give you a selection of hits, but his entire show is a production itself – with lights, effects, script and music.