Smokey Robinson

Biography

William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson was the founder and frontman of the Motown vocal group the Miracles, for which he was also chief songwriter and producer. Robinson led the group from its 1955 origins as "the Five Chimes" until 1972, when he announced a 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. Following 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.

Known For

The Voice

The Kelly Clarkson Show

Top of the Pops

The Jennifer Hudson Show

Steve

The Mike Douglas Show

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Hollywood Squares

All Movies (42)

• A Motown Christmas2024 · as Self
• Beatles '642024 · as Self
• American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special2024 · as Self
• The Greatest Night in Pop2024 · as Self
• Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan2023 · as Self
• Soul of a Nation Presents: Black in Vegas2023 · as Self
• Miracle in Motor City2021 · as Self
• Dionne Warwick: Don't Make Me Over2021 · as Self
• Aretha Franklin Remembered (My Music)2019 · as Self
• Hitsville: The Making of Motown2019 · as Self
• The Apollo2019 · as Self
• ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke2019 · as Self
• Hitsville US Eh!2017 · as Interviewee
• Smokey Robinson: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song2017 · as Himself
• The Art of McCartney2014 · as Self
• Michael Jackson - The Final Days2014 · as self
• Smokey Robinson - Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park2013
• Rejoice and Shout2011
• Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days2010 · as Self (uncredited) (archive footage)
• The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concerts2009 · as Self
• Michael Jackson Memorial2009 · as Self
• DJ Juice: The King is Back Mixtape Blend DVD Vol. 702009 · as Self (archive footage)
• Motown at the BBC2009 · as Self
• Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical History2008 · as Self
• Last Holiday2006 · as Smokey Robinson
• The Very Best of Smokey Robinson Live In Concert2004 · as Himself
• Hollywood Homicide2003 · as Cabbie
• The Giants of Black Music2003 · as Self
• It's Black Entertainment2002 · as Self
• Mr. Bill Does Vegas2002
• Quincy Jones... The First 50 Years1998 · as Self
• Motown 40: The Music Is Forever1998 · as Self
• Ready Steady Go! The Sounds of Motown1995 · as Self
• Aretha Franklin: Duets1993 · as Self
• Michael Jackson Talks... to Oprah1993 · as Self
• Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues1988 · as Self
• Knights of the City1986 · as Himself
• We Are the World: The Story Behind the Song1985 · as Self
• DTV: Golden Oldies1984 · as Self
• Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever1983 · as Self
• The T.A.M.I. Show1964 · as Self - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
• The Sound of Protest—

All TV Shows (33)

• The Jennifer Hudson Show2022 · as Self
• Sherri2022 · as Self - Guest
• Unfiltered: Paris Jackson & Gabriel Glenn2020 · as Self
• The Kelly Clarkson Show2019 · as Self
• Steve2017 · as Self
• Beat Shazam2017 · as Self
• Soundbreaking2016 · as Self
• The Voice2011 · as Self
• Who Do You Think You Are?2010 · as Self
• The Jay Leno Show2009 · as Self
• NPR Tiny Desk Concerts2008 · as Self
• Celebrity Duets2006
• On Air with Ryan Seacrest2004 · as Self - Performer
• The Ellen DeGeneres Show2003 · as Self
• Jimmy Kimmel Live!2003 · as Self - Musical Guest
• American Idol2002 · as Self - Guest Judge
• American Idol2002 · as Self
• CMT Crossroads2002 · as Self
• The Proud Family2001
• One on One2001 · as Duane's Father
• Hollywood Squares1998 · as Self - Panelist
• The Heaven and Earth Show1998
• The Tonight Show with Jay Leno1992
• The Jim Henson Hour1989 · as Self
• The Billy Crystal Comedy Hour1982
• The Kennedy Center Honors1978 · as Self
• Dinah!1974 · as Self
• American Music Awards1974 · as Self - Presenter
• Police Story1973
• The Midnight Special1972 · as Self
• Top of the Pops1964 · as Self
• The Mike Douglas Show1961 · as Self
• The Grammys1959 · as Self