Smokey Robinson
Biography
William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson was the founder and frontman of the Motown vocal group the Miracles, for which he was also chief songwriter and producer. Robinson led the group from its 1955 origins as "the Five Chimes" until 1972, when he announced a retirement from the group to focus on his role as Motown's vice president. However, Robinson returned to the music industry as a solo artist the following year. Following the sale of Motown Records in 1988, Robinson left the company in 1990. Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, and was awarded the 2016 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for his lifetime contributions to popular music.
Also Known As
Movie Appearances
Soul of a Nation Presents: Black in Vegas
as Self
2023
Motown 40: The Music is Forever
as Self
1998
The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concerts
as Self
2009
Miracle in Motor City
as Self
2021
Rejoice and Shout
2011
DJ Juice: The King is Back Mixtape Blend DVD Vol. 70
as Self (archive footage)
2009
Aretha Franklin: Duets
as Self
1993
Knights of the City
as Himself
1986
Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days
as Self (uncredited) (archive footage)
2010
Smokey Robinson - Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park
2013
Ready Steady Go! The Sounds of Motown
as self
1995
The Greatest Night in Pop
as Self
2024
Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues
as Self
1988
Quincy Jones...The First 50 Years
as Self
1998
The Giants of Black Music
as Self
2003
Last Holiday
as Smokey Robinson
2006
Hollywood Homicide
as Cabbie
2003
DTV: Golden Oldies
as Self
1984
Smokey Robinson: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
as Himself
2017
Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever
as Self
1983
TV Appearances
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
as Self
2003
Celebrity Duets
2006
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
1992
American Idol
as Self - Guest Judge
2002
The Jay Leno Show
as Self
2009
Police Story
1973
The Heaven and Earth Show
1998
The Grammys
as Self
1959
The Billy Crystal Comedy Hour
1982
The Kennedy Center Honors
as Self
1978
American Idol
as Self
2002
Hollywood Squares
as Self - Panelist
1998