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Smokey Robinson

William "Smokey" Robinson is an iconic figure in the landscape of American R&B and soul music, known for his smooth tenor voice, elegant songwriting, and his influential role in the Motown record label's success. Born on February 19, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, Robinson quickly rose to fame in the 1960s as the frontman of The Miracles, one of the first acts signed to Motown. With hits like "Shop Around," "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," and "The Tears of a Clown," Robinson and his group were instrumental in crafting the Motown sound—a blend of soulful vocals, pop appeal, and R&B rhythm—that dominated the airwaves and helped integrate American music.

Aside from his success with The Miracles, Smokey Robinson is revered as a solo artist and a prolific songwriter. Over the years, he has penned numerous classics for other Motown artists, such as "My Girl" for The Temptations and "Ain't That Peculiar" for Marvin Gaye. His solo career, marked by his departure from The Miracles in 1972, flourished with hits like "Cruisin’" and "Being with You." Robinson's longevity in the music industry is denoted by a string of releases that continued well into the 21st century, including his 2014 duets album "Smokey & Friends," which featured collaborations with contemporary artists, and the more recent "Gasms" in 2021, showcasing his enduring ability to blend classic soul with modern sensibilities. His contribution to music has earned him numerous accolades, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Smokey Robinson remains a beloved and enduring figure in American music, cherished not only for his own recordings but also for the indelible mark he has left as a songwriter and a pioneer of the Motown sound.

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