The Spark That Lit the Melody

Picture a young William Robinson Jr. in 1950s Detroit, a skinny kid in the rough North End, harmonizing with pals on stoops, the clang of Motown’s factory streets in the air. Music wasn’t a career—it was his heartbeat. At 11, he heard Sarah Vaughan’s “It’s Magic” on his mom’s radio, and that silken tone hooked him. “I wanted to make people feel that way—safe, loved,” he’d tell NPR. His sister gave him a notebook; he filled it with rhymes. By 15, he was crooning doo-wop with The Five Chimes, dreaming beyond the assembly lines. Music became his escape from a city’s grind, his gift to a world that needed softness.

From Detroit Dreams to Motown Majesty

Born February 19, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. was the son of Flossie, a homemaker, and William Sr., a truck driver who split early. Raised by his mom and 10 siblings, he dodged gangs with song—nicknamed “Smokey” for his light skin by an uncle. At Northern High, he met Berry Gordy in 1957, auditioning with The Miracles (then The Matadors). Gordy saw gold, and by 1959, “Shop Around”—Motown’s first #1 R&B hit—launched them. Smokey’s falsetto and lyrics—tender, clever—made him a star.

The Miracles rolled through the ’60s—“You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Tracks of My Tears”—while Smokey penned hits for others: Mary Wells’ “My Guy,” The Temptations’ “My Girl.” He was Motown’s VP too, Gordy’s right hand. Going solo in 1972, he dropped A Quiet Storm (1975), birthing a genre. Through the ’80s (“Being with You”) and beyond (“Time Flies,” 2023), he’s stayed smooth. Married to Claudette Rogers (1959-1986), then Frances Glandney (2002-present), he’s got three kids, splitting time between LA and Pittsburgh. At 85 in 2025, he’s still crooning.

Career Constellation and Connections

The Miracles’ classic lineup: Smokey (lead), Claudette (vocals), Bobby Rogers (tenor), Marv Tarplin (guitar), Ronnie White (baritone). Post-1972, he’s leaned on session aces like James Jamerson. Ties? Gordy’s his brother-in-law-by-marriage; he’s mentored Stevie Wonder and penned for Marvin Gaye. A fling with Diana Ross (1980s, per rumors) stayed hush. He’s duetted with Elton John (“Tracks,” 2014) and Aretha Franklin (“Ooo Baby Baby,” 1984).

Onscreen, “Tears of a Clown” graced The Sopranos (2000); he played himself in Hollywood Homicide (2003). Awards? A 1987 Grammy (Best R&B Vocal), a 1999 Lifetime Achievement Grammy, a 1987 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nod (solo), and a 2012 Miracles induction.

Biggest hits:

• “Tracks of My Tears” (Going to a Go-Go, 1965) – Smokey, Tarplin, and Warren Moore’s #16 US weepie, a soul staple.
• “Shop Around” (Hi… We’re The Miracles, 1960) – Smokey and Gordy’s #2 US debut, Motown’s launchpad.
• “Tears of a Clown” (Make It Happen, 1970) – Smokey, Stevie Wonder, and Hank Cosby’s #1 US bittersweet bop.
• “Being with You” (Being with You, 1981) – Smokey’s solo #2 US silk, written alone.

Shadows in the Spotlight

Smokey’s controversies whisper more than shout. His 1986 divorce from Claudette—after his affair with a mistress birthed a son, Trey—rocked Motown lore; she told People, “I couldn’t compete.” A 1980s cocaine spiral nearly killed him—arrested in ’88, he cleaned up by ’90, crediting faith. In 2020, he sued Motown’s parent company on X, claiming rights to his early songs—fans rallied, but it settled quietly. His Miracles exit in ’72 irked purists; some cried sellout. Yet, his charm—velvet, not venom—keeps skeletons at bay.

The Quiet Storm Rolls On

From Detroit’s stoops to soul’s pantheon, Smokey Robinson’s turned heartache into harmony. At 85 in 2025, he’s touring Gasms (2023), his voice a timeless balm. He didn’t chase glory—he crafted it, proving love’s the sweetest sound.