William ìSmokeyî Robinson, Jr. is a soul singer, record producer, and songwriter, who is best known as one of the main figures associated with Motown records. Born on February 19, 1940, Robinson has been deemed as the ìKing of Motown,î and has been one of the most successful recording artists to have been signed by the label.
Robinson started focusing on his singing career when he was in high school when he and a couple of high school friends got together and started ìThe Five Chimes.î Afterward, Robinson was invited to join The Miracles, which was able to record a number of hit singles for Motown.
When Robinson went on his solo career, it did not start as breakthrough as it should have since he was also concentrating on his other duties as the vice president of Motown. However, when his career took off, it went with a bang, so much so that even until today, he is still enjoying the fruits of his success.
Robinson has come a long way since his start with Motown, and he has even been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 1987.