He Got Soul: Smokey Robinson

A look at Smokey Robinson's five decades of soul.

A True Soul Man - His 58-year career in the music industry has been extraordinary. He has ruled the charts with The Miracles, as a solo act and an in-demand songwriter. Garnering Grammy Awards, a seat in the Rock and Roll and Songwriter's Hall of Fames and other accolades, it is no question that Smokey Robinson's got soul! (Photo: Robso Records)

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A True Soul Man - His 58-year career in the music industry has been extraordinary. He has ruled the charts with The Miracles, as a solo act and an in-demand songwriter. Garnering Grammy Awards, a seat in the Rock and Roll and Songwriter's Hall of Fames and other accolades, it is no question that Smokey Robinson's got soul! (Photo: Robso Records)

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Where It All Started - William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1940. His early interest in music prompted him to form the doo-wop group The Five Chimes, which in 1955 morphed into The Miracles. Smokey was the group's front man and took lead on penning their songs.  (Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Photo By Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

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Ushering in the Motown Era - A 1957 audition with songwriter Berry Gordy, who took a liking to Smokey's vocal and songwriting talent, saw the two join forces. After Motown was incorporated, The Miracles became one of the label's first acts. It can be said that Smokey was largely responsible for Motown Records, as it was his suggestion to Berry Gordy to start his own label.(Photo: Gilles Petard/Redferns)

Photo By Photo: Gilles Petard/Redferns

A Musician's Musician Smokey Robinson.

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A Musician's Musician  - Throughout the 1960s, Robinson crafted over 20 Top 40 records with the The Miracles. The first hit was the '60s smash "Shop Around." Other notable records include "I Second That Emotion" and "Ooo Baby Baby."(Photo: Detroit Free Press/MCT /Landov)

Photo By Photo: Detroit Free Press/MCT /Landov

"Let's Get It On," Marvin Gaye - A trailblazer in R&B's many movements, Marvin Gaye is also the originator of bedroom soul. This sexy single could be dubbed your momma's music, but the original track as recorded by Gaye –– filled with passionate, woe-filled vocals and sultry instrumentation –– eternally sizzles. Imitators needn't apply, Gaye's 1973 ode to sexual liberation is still the crystal clear standard today.  (Photo: Jim Britt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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Working With Soul's Greats  - Smokey Robinson has penned songs for Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Eddie Kendricks among other top acts that have graced the R&B/soul genre. (Photo: Jim Britt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Photo By Jim Britt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

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Smokey Robinson

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Soul in the Corner Office  - After a successful 14-year stint with The Miracles, Smokey expressed interest in retiring from touring and the work required to be in the group. Consequently, he served as Motown's vice president. (Photo: MLIVE.COM /Landov)

Photo By Photo: MLIVE.COM/Landov

His Solo Moment  - While serving as Motown Records' vice president for roughly a year, Smokey Robinson embarked on a solo career. His debut solo record Smokey was received with mixed reviews and experienced underwhelming success. (Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

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His Solo Moment  - While serving as Motown Records' vice president for roughly a year, Smokey Robinson embarked on a solo career. His debut solo record Smokey was received with mixed reviews and experienced underwhelming success. (Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Smokey Robinson

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A Balancing Act - Quiet Storm, the 1975 follow-up to Smokey, experienced solid reviews but Smokey's solo endeavors proved to be limited as he juggled his music career and executive duties at Motown Records. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

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Finding His Solo Rhythm  - Smokey Robinson struck gold with the '70s hit "Cruisin'," his first Top 10 single. The Marv Tarplin-composed record proved to be the formula that Smokey needed to find his solo rhythm and he'd work with Tarplin on his follow-up album. Since then, he has released several albums and countless hits. (Photo: Tim Alban/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Tim Alban/Getty Images

Taking the Stage - Watch Smokey Robinson bring his legendary sounds to the stage at the 2013 Soul Train Awards Sunday, December 1 at 8P/7C.(Photo: Theo Wargo/WireImage for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation)

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Taking the Stage - Watch Smokey Robinson bring his legendary sounds to the stage at the 2013 Soul Train Awards Sunday, December 1 at 8P/7C.(Photo: Theo Wargo/WireImage for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation)