William “Smokey” Robinson Jr., born February 19, 1940, is a celebrated American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. As the founder and frontman of The Miracles, he led the group from its 1955 beginnings as The Five Chimes until 1972.
After retiring from the group, Robinson became vice president of Motown Records and returned as a solo artist in 1973. He left Motown in 1999. He has received numerous accolades, including Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction (1987), the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize (2016), and dual Hollywood Walk of Fame stars.
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Smokey Robinson net worth
Smokey Robinson’s net worth is $150 million. In 2002, he sold his Encino, Los Angeles home for $2.3 million. The estate, built in 1912, spanned 10,600 square feet and featured an 800-square-foot private deck on 1.5 acres with English-style gardens. By 2017, the property was sold again for $8.3 million.
Early life
William Robinson Jr., born in Detroit to an African-American father and a mother of mixed African-American and French descent, also has Nigerian, Scandinavian, Portuguese, and Cherokee ancestry. Nicknamed “Smokey Joe” by his uncle, he attended Northern High School, excelling academically and athletically but focusing on music.
He formed the doo-wop group The Five Chimes, later renamed The Matadors, and then The Miracles. Robinson and Aretha Franklin, who lived nearby, knew each other from childhood, with his music influences including Nolan Strong & the Diablos and Barrett Strong.
Career
In August 1957, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles met Berry Gordy after a failed audition, impressing him with Robinson’s vocals and ambitious songwriting. With Gordy’s help, they released their first single, “Got a Job.” The Miracles became one of Motown’s first acts, with their 1960 hit “Shop Around” marking Motown’s first million-seller.
Robinson, as lead singer, songwriter, and producer, crafted 26 top forty hits, including “The Tears of a Clown” and “Ooo Baby Baby.” By 1969, he began focusing on his family and Motown duties, retiring from touring in 1972.
Personal life
Smokey Robinson married fellow Miracles member Claudette Rogers in 1959. They had two children, Berry (1968) and Tamla (1971). Robinson admitted to affairs, including a year-long one with Diana Ross, which ended due to discomfort over his ongoing love for Claudette.
He fathered a son, Trey (1984), with another woman, leading to his separation from Claudette in 1974 and their divorce in 1986. Robinson married Frances Gladney in 2002. He follows a meat-free diet, practices Transcendental Meditation, and hosts SiriusXM’s Soul Town channel.
When did Smokey come out?
He started his journey with the Miracles in 1955 and remained with them until 1972. His debut solo studio album, “Smokey,” was launched in 1973.
Conclusion
Smokey Robinson’s impact on the music industry is profound. His legacy is not just in the songs he sang but also in the songs he wrote and produced. His net worth is evidence of his unmatched contribution to the world of music.
FAQ about Smokey Robinson
1. What is Smokey Robinson’s net worth? Smokey Robinson’s net worth is estimated at $150 million.
2. What is the significance of the name ‘Smokey’? The nickname “Smokey Joe” was given to Robinson by his Uncle Claude because of his love for cowboy movies. He later shortened it to “Smokey.”
3. Did Smokey Robinson have any extramarital affairs? Yes, Robinson admitted to having affairs during his marriage to Claudette Rogers, including a brief relationship with Diana Ross.
4. When did Smokey Robinson start his solo career? Robinson began his solo career in 1973, a year after retiring from The Miracles, with his debut album, Smokey.
5. What was Smokey Robinson’s initial group called? Before becoming The Miracles, Robinson’s initial group was called the Five Chimes, which later changed names before settling on The Miracles.
