Smokey Robinson is one of the most influential figures in the music industry. His story is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication. He moved from a young, aspiring artist to a music industry legend.
It all started when he first joined Motown Records in the late 1950s as a member of the music group The Miracles. At the time, Robinson was earning a modest $5 a week at Motown, which was just a fledgling Detroit-based label founded by Berry Gordy, who would become Robinson’s mentor and close friend, according to Vulture.
“Berry sat us down. He said, ‘Imma start my own record company. Ain’t nobody paying. Imma start my own record company, and we gonna be the crew, and we’re not just going to make Black music,’” Robinson said on the “R&B Money” podcast. “‘We’re going to make music for the world. We’re going to always have some great beats and some great stories, and that’s going to be our quality control to have that when we put our records out, but we going to make music for the world.’”
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“…I was making $5 a week ’cause there were only five people that worked there then. Him and four others of us you know so it was considered our car fair to get there,” he recounted.
Despite the meager pay, Robinson’s passion for music and his belief in Gordy’s vision kept him committed to the label. His breakthrough came in 1960 when The Miracles released “Shop Around,” that became Motown’s first million-selling hit.
The song catapulted Robinson and The Miracles to national fame and put Motown on the map. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Robinson quickly became one of Motown’s most valuable assets.
He penned timeless hits like “My Girl” for The Temptations and “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” for his group, The Miracles. His smooth vocals and poetic lyrics helped define the “Motown Sound,” which became a cultural phenomenon in the 1960s and beyond.
Robinson’s contributions extended far beyond his artistry. Recognizing his business acumen and deep understanding of the music industry, Gordy appointed him as Motown’s vice president in the 1960s.
In this role, Robinson played a pivotal part in shaping the label’s direction, scouting and nurturing talent, and ensuring its rise to global prominence. Under his leadership, Motown became a powerhouse, launching the careers of icons like Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye.
Robinson remained the vice president until Gordy sold his stake in 1988 for a reported $61 million, according to Afro Tech.
From his humble beginnings earning $5 a week, Robinson has become one of the most influential figures in music history. His legacy as both an artist and an executive continues to inspire generations of musicians and entrepreneurs.
