Chapter 17: Soul, Motown, and Stax
In addition to the songwriting teams Holland-Dozier-Holland and Strong-Whitfield, Smokey Robinson stands out as one of Motown’s most gifted songwriters and performers. Robinson was not only a talented vocalist but also a shrewd businessman and creative force behind the label’s rise. When Berry Gordy launched his record company, the first group he signed was Smokey Robinson and the Matadors, who soon changed their name to The Miracles. The group’s initial success was foundational in proving Motown’s concept and sound.
Born in Detroit in 1940, Robison’s smooth yet powerful falsetto became synonymous with Motown’s soulful expression. He founded The Miracles while still in high school, originally modeling the group loosely after The Platters. Early on, the group struggled to find success until Robinson met Berry Gordy, who took a keen interest in developing Robinson’s songwriting and production skills. After initial releases on other labels like End and Chess, Gordy created the Tamla label in 1959, signing The Miracles and releasing "Shop Around" in 1960—a co-write by Gordy and Robinson that became Motown’s first hit and launched the label’s ascent.
Recognizing Robinson’s exceptional talent and business acumen, Gordy appointed him as vice president of Motown in 1961, even before the label had achieved major success. Under his leadership and creativity, The Miracles climbed to the top of the charts with dozens of hits, including five that reached the Top Ten. Smokey Robinson’s contributions to Motown were multifaceted: he was a gifted vocalist, songwriter, producer, adviser, business executive, talent scout, premier backup singer, and acted as the figurehead of the company.
Robinson’s compositions exemplify the classic Motown sound of the 1960s, with hits such as "My Guy," "I Second That Emotion," "The Tears of a Clown," and "My Girl." He also wrote and produced for other Motown acts, including the Temptations’ "The Way You Do The Things You Do."
The Miracles went on to achieve an impressive 39 hits on the pop and R&B charts between 1960 and Robinson’s departure in 1972. Their repertoire included energetic dance tunes like "Mickey’s Monkey," "Going to a Go-Go," and "Tears of a Clown," as well as heartfelt ballads such as "You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me," "Ooo Baby Baby," "The Tracks of My Tears," "The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage," and "I Second That Emotion." Starting in 1967, their records began to be credited to Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, foreshadowing his eventual solo career.
After leaving The Miracles, Robinson sustained his influence in popular music as a solo artist, songwriter, and producer. His solo hits included "Cruisin’" (1979), "Being With You" (1981), "Just to See Her," and "One Heartbeat." Bob Dylan once praised Robinson’s songwriting, calling him “America’s greatest living poet,” underscoring the eloquence and emotional depth of his lyrics.
Throughout his long tenure at Motown, Robinson was a driving force behind its creative and business successes, serving as vice president until Berry Gordy sold the company in 1988. In this role, he was instrumental in scouting new talent, overseeing artistic development, and helping shape the company’s business strategies during Motown’s peak years. His dual role as both a creative artist and business leader helped solidify Motown’s position as one of the most successful and influential African American-owned businesses in history.