How did Smokey Robinson become a Motown legend? Career timeline explored amid s*xual assault allegations

Smokey Robinson is regarded as the king of Motown legends and one of the iconic Black pop artists in the latter half of the 20th century.

The s*xual assault allegations, which have been recently leveled against him, come as a shock given his public image and legacy as the Motown icon. According to a report in CBS News, four of his former housekeepers filed a case against him and his wife, Frances Gladney, at the Los Angeles Court on May 6, 2025, alleging him of battery and s*xual assault.

The plaintiffs are reportedly seeking $50 million in damages for various charges, including s*xual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence, and several workplace violations. This has brought attention to his decades-long career.

Smokey Robinson became a Motown legend through his contributions to the music industry as a singer, songwriter, producer, and executive, shaping the label’s sound and cultural impact over the decades.

Smokey Robinson and The Miracles initially earned $5 a week while working with Motown Records. Their big break came in 1960 when their hit track, "Shop Around," made history at the label as the first million-selling single.

Here is more to know about the career of Smokey Robinson.

Exploring the career of Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson was born as William Robinson Jr. in February 1940 in Detroit, Michigan, to William Robinson Sr. and Flossie Smith Robinson. According to a report in Mabumbe, his father was African-American, while his mother had African-American and French ancestry.

While growing up, his childhood was largely influenced by music and culture. The report stated that in 1955, when he was still in high school, Robinson formed The Five Chimes, which later came to be known as The Miracles. He was the lead singer of his group.

In 1959, Berry Gordy founded Tamla Records, which later became part of Motown Records. The Miracles, led by Smokey Robinson, were among the first acts to sign with Gordy’s Tamla label. The collaboration solidified Robison’s status as a key figure in the development of Motown and soul music.

Shop Around, which was released in 1960, marked their rise to fame, which led to the success of other hits such as You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me and The Tracks of My Tears. He embarked on his solo career in the 1970s. He released his solo album, A Quiet Storm, in 1975.

Reportedly, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He was also got the 2016 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for his lifetime contributions to popular music, per IMDb.

Throughout his career, Robinson penned over 4,000 songs, including 37 Top 40 hits such as Tears of a Clown, Tracks of My Tears, and Love Machine. He played an instrumental role in writing and producing songs for Motown artists, including The Temptations and Mary Wells, according to a report in Biography Hosts.

His legendary career spans six decades. Over the years, he has accumulated a net worth of $150 million. He has recently released a new album in April 2025 called What the World Needs Now, which consists of renditions of classic songs like Lean on Me and Three Little Birds. He is currently on his Legacy Tour.

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