He Got Soul: Smokey Robinson
A look at Smokey Robinson's five decades of soul.
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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
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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
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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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