One of the most important songwriters/musicians to ever live is William Robinson Jr, also known as Smokey. Smokey stood alongside Berry Gordy Jr as he helped build one of the most important musical legacies in Black culture.

What if Aretha & Smokey were a duo? The friends since childhood could’ve slayed our lives!

The 50s:

Albums Released: N/A

The Miracles were one of the first acts signed to Motown. The original lineup consisted of Smokey, Bobby Rogers, Claudette Rogers Robinson, Ronnie White, Marv Tarplin, & Pete Moore..

The 60s:

Albums Released: Hi… We’re The Miracles, Cookin’ with The Miracles, I’ll Try Something New, Christmas with The Miracles, The Fabulous Miracles, The Miracles Recorded Love on Stage, The Miracles Doin’ Mickey’s Monkey, I Like It Like It That, Going to a Go-Go, Away We a Go-Go, Make It Happen, Special Occasion, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles LIVE, Time Out for Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Four in Blue.

The Miracles’ first hit single “Shop Around” gave Motown one of their first singles that sold over a million copies. 🙌🏾

The group struck gold with their single “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me,” their well known bops & singles throughout the 60s. Motown’s first group were the blueprint for subsequent groups following them and were truly showstoppers.

Smokey was an in demand songwriter for many of the Motown acts! You know it’s a Smokey song when you hear it.

The 70s:

Albums Released: What Love Has Joined Together, A Pocket Full of Miracles, The Season for Miracles, One Dozen Roses, Flying High Together, Smokey, Pure Smokey, A Quiet Storm, Smokey’s Family Robinson, Deep In My Soul, Big Time, Love Breeze, Smokin’, Where There’s Smoke…

Smokey wanted to retire from the music to focus on a more executive role in Motown. However, he couldn’t stay away. He released his first solo album in 1973. Love quiet storm music? Thank our King smokey because his song “Quiet Storm” is responsible for a whole new sub genre of soul!

Smokey continued to drop gem after gem!

The 80s:

Albums Released: Warm Thoughts, Being with You, Yes It’s You Lady, Touch the Sky, Essar, Smoke Signals, One Heartbeat.

Smokey kept the gems coming!

The 90s:

Albums Released: Love, Smokey, Intimate, Double Good Everything.

Smokey did not consistently drop music,but did what he could!

The 00s:

Albums Released: Food for the Spirit, Timeless Love, Time Flies When You’re Having Fun.

The 10s:

Albums Released: Now And Then, Smokey & Friends.

Smokey is important to Black music. His talent will always be appreciated!!! -MJ