Smokey Robinson

Singer, songwriter, and record producer William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr., was born on February 19, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. Growing up in a rough neighborhood, Robinson started out singing in local groups. In the early 1950s, he formed the Matadors, which later became the world famous Miracles. A chance meeting with record producer Berry Gordy, Jr. led to a contract with Motown Records as well as an important working relationship. The Miracles scored their first big hit with "Shop Around" (1960) and developed quite a following with their energetic R&B sound. The group has numerous hits, including "You Really Got a Hold on Me" (1962) and "I Second That Emotion" (1967). Robinson also worked behind the scenes, composing and producing for the Miracles and other Motown artists, such as Mary Wells and the Temptations. His work contributed to the success of Motown Records and helped advance the popularity of soul music.

Robinson went solo in 1972, creating a more mellow sound for himself. Often associated with romantic soul music, he released such successful albums as "A Quiet Storm" (1974) and "Touch the Sky" (1983). The mid-1980s were a difficult time for him as he battled a drug addiction. Robinson openly discussed his cocaine problem as well as many other personal topics in his 1989 autobiography "Smokey: Inside My Life." He has credited his recovery from substance abuse to his religious faith. 

Robinson went on to win his first Grammy Award as a solo artist in 1987 for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male for the song "Just To See Her" from the album "One Heartbeat." Other later solo recordings included "Double Good Everything" (1991) and "Intimate" (1999). He took his work in a new direction in 2004, releasing a collection of music that reflected his spiritual beliefs entitled "Food for the Spirit."

In 2006, Robinson was selected to be a Kennedy Center Honoree for his contributions to the arts and American culture and received an honorary degree from Howard University. That year, he also put out a new album, "Timeless Love," which offered Robinson's own take on several classic songs, such as Cole Porter's "Night and Day" and the Gershwin brothers' "Our Love Is Here to Stay."

On March 25, 2009, Robinson appeared as a mentor on the popular television show American Idol. He coached the top 10 contestants of Season 8, who performed classic Motown songs. He also premiered the first single, "You're the One For Me", which features Joss Stone. The song also became available on iTunes and Amazon, March 26, 2009. The song is an updated version of the song "You're The One For Me Bobby," which he wrote and produced for The Marvelettes in 1968 for their album "Sophisticated Soul." On March 20 2009, The Miracles were finally honored as a group with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.