Robinson was one of the most influential singers and songwriters in popular music during the 1960s and 1970s. He was born William Robinson in Detroit, Michigan.
At the age of 18, he formed a vocal group, which later became known as the Miracles.
The group's first hit record was "Shop Around" (1961). In the decade that followed, the Miracles produced a highly popular body of work, including "You Really Got a Hold on Me" (1962) and "I Second That Emotion" (1967).
In 1967 the group became known as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. During the 1960s Robinson also wrote and produced classics for other artists, including the Temptations and Marvin Gaye.
Robinson left the Miracles in 1972 to pursue a successful solo music career.
In the 1980s he continued to release a stream of dreamy romantic songs.
