Smokey Robinson was born in the Motor City itself, Detroit, Michigan, where one of his neighbors was Aretha Franklin. Robinson became interested in music as a child listening to the radio. He formed his first group, known as the Five Chimes, in 1955, and in 1957, they changed their name to the Matadors. Later they called themselves the Miracles, and a classic Motown group was born.
In 1957, the group met legendary record producer Barry Gordy, who wound up signing them to Tamla Records, which he founded, and which reincorporated as Motown. They recorded their first hit, “Shop Around,” on Motown, and it became the first-million seller for the label.
During the decade 1960-1970, Robinson and his group produced 26 songs that hit the Top 40. Hits from this period include “I Second That Emotion,” “Going to a Go-Go,” and the iconic “The Tears of a Clown.”
Robinson is a prolific and gifted songwriter. Among the songs he wrote for others are “I’ll Be Doggone” for Marvin Gaye, and “Get Ready” for The Temptations.
A reviewer points out:
“His vocals are just as strong and breathtaking as they were half a century ago.”
Smokey Robinson will appear at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa on August 12. Using poster printing gives organizers of events like this the perfect tool for creating compelling advertising.