William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, actor and former record executive director. Robinson was the founder and front man of the Motown vocal group the Miracles, for which he was also chief songwriter and producer. He led the group from its 1955 origins as "the Five Chimes" until 1972, when he announced his retirement from the group to focus on his role as Motown's vice president. However, Robinson returned to the music industry as a solo artist the following year. After the sale of Motown Records in 1988, Robinson left the company in 1990. Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and was awarded the 2016 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for his lifetime contributions to popular music. In 2022, he was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.
Links to Peel[]
Peel was particularly fond of some of the Miracles' material, which he would often play on his programmes. He also played some of Smokey Robinson's solo material as well.
Shows Played[]
- 24 June 1980: Shop Around (7" - Shop Around / Who's Lovin You) Tamla
- 01 March 1982: I Gotta Dance To Keep From Crying
- 03 March 1982: What's So Good About Goodbye? () Tamla
- 08 December 1986: The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game (7") Tamla
- 19 January 1987: Shop Around (7" - Shop Around / Who's Lovin You) Tamla
- 19 August 1994: Shop Around (7") London American Recordings
- 27 August 1994 (BFBS): Shop Around (7") London American Recordings
- Smokey Robinson
- 14 February 1974: Just My Soul Responding (single or album track?) Tamla Motown
- 27 November 1979: The Tears Of A Clown (7") Tamla Motown
- 12 December 1979: Christmas Everyday
- 08 July 1987: Tracks Of My Tears (v/a LP - Platoon (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)) Atlantic
- 06 May 1997: 'Going To A Go-Go (7")' (Tamla Motown)
- 08 May 1997 (BFBS): 'Going To A Go-Go (7")' (Tamla Motown)