Smokey Robinson Net Worth, Age, Height, Biography, Wife, Children, Parents

Smokey Robinson Net Worth

Smokey Robinson, an American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, producer, and former record executive director from Detroit, Michigan has a net worth of $150 million. His real name is William Smokey Robinson Jr.

Smokey Robinson Profile

Smokey Robinson Biography

William Smokey Robinson Jr., a renowned American R&B and soul artist, was born on February 19, 1940.

He actively pursued a career as a singer, songwriter, producer, and former executive director in the record industry. Robinson's most notable achievement is his role as the founder and frontman of the influential Motown vocal group, the Miracles.

He actively served as the group's chief songwriter and producer from its inception in 1955 as the Five Chimes until 1972. During this period, he successfully led the Miracles to great success and also assumed the position of Motown's vice president. However, in 1973, Robinson took a new direction and embarked on a solo career in the music industry. In 1990, he made the decision to part ways with Motown Records, following the company's sale two years earlier.

Robinson's remarkable contributions to music have garnered him numerous prestigious accolades. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted him in 1987, and he received the esteemed 2016 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize in recognition of his lifelong dedication to popular music. Additionally, Robinson has been honored twice on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2009, he was inducted as a member of the Miracles, while in 1983, he earned an individual star as a solo artist. In 2022, Robinson's extraordinary achievements led to his induction into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.

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During his time at Northern High School, Robinson showcased both academic excellence and athletic prowess. Despite his accomplishments in these areas, his true passion resided in music. He took the initiative to form a doo-wop group named the Five Chimes. It is worth noting that Robinson's connection with the legendary singer Aretha Franklin dates back to their childhood.

They were neighbors on Belmont Street in Detroit, living just a few houses apart. Robinson fondly remembers overhearing Franklin playing the piano when he visited her older brother Cecil to jam together shortly after Franklin's family had relocated to the neighborhood.

Robinson's musical journey commenced when he became enthralled by the performances of Nolan Strong & the Diablos and Billy Ward and his Dominoes, which he heard on the radio during his early years. A prominent vocal influence for Robinson was Barrett Strong, also a native of Detroit. In 1955, Robinson, along with his childhood friend Ronald White and classmate Pete Moore, established the original lineup of the Five Chimes. After two years, the group underwent a name change to the Matadors, which included Bobby Rogers. Claudette Rogers, Bobby's sister, replaced Sonny Rogers, Bobby's cousin, and would eventually marry Smokey Robinson in 1959. Around 1958, guitarist Marv Tarplin joined the group. It was during this period that the Matadors transformed into the Miracles, embarking on performances at various venues in Detroit.

Smokey Robinson Age

The American singer was born on February 19, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan, United States of America. Thus, Smokey Robinson is 83 years old as of 2023.

Detroit, Michigan Relationship, Wife and Children

Robinson married Claudette Rogers, a fellow member of the Miracles, in 1959. They had two children from their union. They named their firstborn son Berry Robinson in honor of Berry Gordy, the pioneering founder of Motown Records. Berry was born in 1968. Their second child, a daughter named Tamla Robinson, arrived in 1971 and was named after the original Tamla label established by Gordy, which later evolved into Motown.

However, while married to Claudette, Robinson fathered a son named Trey with another woman. This revelation prompted Robinson to confess and admit to fathering a child outside of his marriage.

Consequently, he initiated legal proceedings for separation, leading to a finalized divorce in 1986. It is noteworthy that the Robinsons had previously separated in 1974. During this period of separation, Robinson engaged in an extramarital affair that inspired the song The Agony & The Ecstasy, which later appeared on the album A Quiet Storm.

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In May 2002, Robinson married Frances Gladney. They own a residence in Pittsburgh together, which also serves as a winery.

Smokey Robinson Parents

The American singer William Smokey Robinson Jr parents are lossie Robinson, and William Robinson.