Smokie Robinson Turns 77 Today

TODAY IN BLACK HISTORY:

William “Smokey” Robinson, legendary recording artist and lead singer of the “Miracles,” was born on this very day in 1940. The "King of Motown" turned 77-years-old today.Smokey Robinson founded the R&B group,The Matadors, which later became "The Miracles", and developed quite a following with their energetic R&B sound.  Their first big song was "Shop Around" in 1960, and hits like "You Really Got A Hold On Me" and "I Second That Emotion" kept coming. The Miracles delivered 37 Top 40 hits for Motown Records.
Smokey Robinson, a prolific songwriter, is credited with 4,000 songs and 37 Top 40 hits, including "Tears of a Clown," "Tracks of My Tears" and "Love Machine." He is second to Barry Gordy in finding the legendary, Motown Records that revolutionized the music industry.  Robinson also served as vice president of Motown records, writing and producing hits for groups such as The Temptations ("My Girl") and Mary Wells ("My Guy").

On this day of Black History, we salute, Smokey Robinson!