The Miracles were an American vocal group that was the first successful recording act for Berry Gordy's Motown Records, and one of the most important and most influential groups in the history of pop, soul, R&B and rock and roll music. The group's international fame in the 1960s, alongside other Motown acts, led to a greater acceptance of Rhythm & Blues and pop music in the U.S., with the group being considered influential and important in the development of modern popular music.
The Miracles, c. 1962. Clockwise from top left: Bobby Rogers, Marv Tarplin, Ronnie White, Claudette Robinson, and Smokey Robinson. Not pictured: Pete Moore.
The Miracles performing on The Smokey Robinson Show, a 1970 ABC Television special. (L-to-R) Bobby Rogers, Smokey Robinson, Ronnie White.(Pete Moore was sidelined with a leg injury)
William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. is an American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. He was the founder and frontman of the pioneering Motown vocal group the Miracles, for which he was also chief songwriter and producer. He led the group from its 1955 origins, when they were called The Five Chimes, until 1972, when he retired from the group to focus on his role as Motown Records vice president. Robinson returned to the music industry as a solo artist the following year. He left Motown in 1999.
Robinson in 2018
Robinson (front row, left) with The Miracles, circa 1962
Robinson in concert at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California, 2006
Robinson with Senator Doug Jones while testifying at the United States Congress to support the CLASSICS Act in 2018