Smokey Robinson: The Voice Behind The Hits

How Much is Smokey Robinson Worth?

Let’s talk about Smokey Robinson, the legendary voice of Motown who’s worth a whopping $150 million. Born and raised in Detroit, Smokey isn’t just a singer—he’s a songwriter, a record producer, and a music executive who helped shape the Motown sound that took the world by storm from the ‘50s to the ‘70s. His work with The Miracles was nothing short of iconic, but his solo career and time as the vice president of Motown Records added even more to his legacy. In 1987, he was honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his place in music history.

Where Did It All Begin?

William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. was born on February 19, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, where he grew up in the North End, a neighborhood that shaped his early years. His nickname "Smokey" came from his uncle Claude, who loved taking young William to cowboy movies and gave him the moniker "Smokey Joe." Over time, "Joe" was dropped, and Smokey stuck. Growing up, Smokey was surrounded by music, and his passion for it was evident from an early age. While in high school, he formed a doo-wop group called the Five Chimes, which later evolved into the Matadors. These early groups were crucial stepping stones for the man who would become one of the most influential figures in music history.

Breaking Through: The Career That Defined an Era

Smokey’s career really took off in the late ‘50s when the Matadors changed their name to the Miracles and hooked up with a young songwriter named Berry Gordy. Their first single, "Got a Job," was a modest success, but it was enough to convince Smokey to drop out of college and focus on music full-time. Gordy went on to found Tamla Records, which later became Motown Records, and the Miracles were right there at the forefront. Their 1960 hit "Shop Around" was a game-changer, selling over a million copies and setting the stage for a string of hits that included "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "Mickey's Monkey," and "The Tears of a Clown." By 1965, the group had rebranded as Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, reflecting Smokey’s central role as singer, songwriter, and producer.

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But Smokey wasn’t just about the Miracles. He also wrote and produced hits for other Motown legends like the Temptations, the Marvelettes, and Marvin Gaye. When a new wave of songwriters arrived at Motown, Smokey adapted, but by 1969, the grind of constant touring was catching up with him. He wanted more time with his family and considered retiring. But then came "Tears of a Clown," one of the group’s biggest hits, which convinced him to stick around for a few more years. He finally parted ways with the Miracles in 1972, but that didn’t mean the end of his music career.

A Solo Career That Kept the Magic Alive

In 1973, Smokey launched his solo career with the album "Smokey," followed by "Pure Smokey" in 1974. While these albums were critically acclaimed, they didn’t quite match the commercial success he’d enjoyed with the Miracles, partly because he was competing with other Motown legends like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. But Smokey wasn’t done yet. In 1975, he released "A Quiet Storm," which gave him hits like "Baby That's Backatcha" and "Quiet Storm." This album marked a turning point, and Smokey began to focus more on his role as Motown’s vice president.

His solo career had its ups and downs, but in 1979, he made a comeback with the single "Cruisin'," which hit the top ten. In 1981, "Being with You" topped the charts, and in 1987, the album "One Heartbeat" brought him back to the forefront with hits like "Just to See Her" and "One Heartbeat." When Motown was sold to RCA in 1988, Smokey stepped down as vice president and refocused on his solo career. Over the years, he continued to collaborate with new artists and release music that kept his legacy alive.

Personal Life: Love, Family, and Heartbreak

Smokey’s personal life has been as colorful as his music career. He first married Claudette Rogers, a fellow member of the Miracles, and together they had two children. However, when Smokey had a child with another woman, it led to their divorce in 1986. In 2002, Smokey found love again when he married Frances Gladney.

Real Estate: Smokey’s Luxurious Lifestyle

In 2002, Smokey sold his Encino, Los Angeles, home for $2.3 million. This historic estate, built in 1912, boasts 10,600 square feet of living space, including a private deck that’s 800 square feet. Situated on 1.5 acres of land, the property features stunning English-style gardens. The house was sold again in 2017 for a whopping $8.3 million. But that’s not all—Smokey also listed another mansion in the exclusive Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles for $7.99 million in 2014. This 9,075-square-foot property includes a separate 2,000-square-foot guest house. Originally listed at $10.5 million in 2005, the price dropped to $7.99 million in 2014, making it a bargain for someone lucky enough to snap it up.