The Ultimate Answer: When Did Smokey Robinson Pass Away?

When did Smokey Robinson die?

Smokey Robinson is still alive. As of 2023, he is 82 years old.

William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive director. He was the founder and frontman of the vocal group the Miracles, for which he was primarily the lead singer and occasional songwriter. Robinson led the group from its 1955 origins as "the Five Chimes" to the mid-1970s, and was responsible for most of their material as writer and producer.

Robinson's smooth, rich tenor voice has made him one of the most celebrated vocalists in popular music. He has written and produced numerous hit songs for himself, the Miracles, and other artists. Some of his best-known songs include "Shop Around," "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "My Girl," "Tears of a Clown," "Cruisin'," and "Being with You."

Robinson has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame. He has also received numerous awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Robinson continues to perform and record music. He released his latest album, "Gasms," in 2022.

When Did Smokey Robinson Die?

Smokey Robinson is still alive, so the question of when he died is not applicable. However, here are six key aspects related to his life and career:

• Birthdate: February 19, 1940
• Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan
• Occupation: Singer, songwriter, record producer
• Years active: 1955present
• Group: The Miracles
• Genre: R&B, soul

Smokey Robinson is one of the most successful and influential figures in popular music. He has written and produced numerous hit songs for himself, the Miracles, and other artists. He has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame. Robinson continues to perform and record music, and he is still considered one of the greatest singers of all time.

1. Birthdate

Smokey Robinson's birthdate is significant because it provides a reference point for understanding his life and career. By knowing when he was born, we can contextualize his achievements and contributions to music. For example, we can see that he was a child prodigy, writing and performing songs at a young age. We can also see that he was a key figure in the development of Motown Records, which became one of the most successful record labels in history.

Robinson's birthdate is also relevant to the question of when he died. Since he is still alive, the question of when he died is not applicable. However, by knowing his birthdate, we can infer that he is currently 83 years old. This information can help us to understand his current activities and plans for the future.

In conclusion, Smokey Robinson's birthdate is a significant piece of information that can help us to understand his life and career. It provides a reference point for contextualizing his achievements and contributions to music, and it can also help us to understand his current activities and plans for the future.

2. Birthplace

Smokey Robinson's birthplace, Detroit, Michigan, is significant to the question of when he died because it provides context for his life and career. Detroit was a major center for music in the 1950s and 1960s, and it was home to Motown Records, the record label that Robinson was signed to. Motown played a major role in Robinson's success, and it is likely that he would not have achieved the same level of success if he had been born in a different city.

In addition, Detroit's musical heritage has had a profound impact on Robinson's music. The city's rich musical tradition can be heard in Robinson's songs, which often feature elements of R&B, soul, and gospel.

In conclusion, Smokey Robinson's birthplace, Detroit, Michigan, is significant to the question of when he died because it provides context for his life and career. Detroit was a major center for music in the 1950s and 1960s, and it was home to Motown Records, the record label that Robinson was signed to. Motown played a major role in Robinson's success, and it is likely that he would not have achieved the same level of success if he had been born in a different city.

3. Occupation

Smokey Robinson's occupation as a singer, songwriter, and record producer is significant to the question of when he died because it provides context for his life and career. As a singer, Robinson has released numerous hit songs, including "Shop Around," "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "My Girl," and "Tears of a Clown." As a songwriter, Robinson has written songs for himself and other artists, including The Temptations, The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye. As a record producer, Robinson has produced albums for himself and other artists, including The Miracles, The Marvelettes, and The Four Tops.

• Facet 1: Singer
  

  As a singer, Robinson has had a major impact on the music industry. His smooth, rich tenor voice has made him one of the most celebrated vocalists in popular music. He has been praised for his ability to convey emotion through his singing, and his songs have touched the lives of millions of people around the world.

• Facet 2: Songwriter
  

  As a songwriter, Robinson has written some of the most iconic songs in popular music history. His songs are known for their catchy melodies, memorable lyrics, and timeless appeal. He has written songs for himself and other artists, and his songs have been recorded by a wide range of artists, including The Temptations, The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye.

• Facet 3: Record producer
  

  As a record producer, Robinson has played a major role in the development of Motown Records. He has produced albums for himself and other artists, and his productions are known for their high quality and attention to detail. He has helped to shape the sound of Motown Records, and his productions have helped to launch the careers of many successful artists.

In conclusion, Smokey Robinson's occupation as a singer, songwriter, and record producer is significant to the question of when he died because it provides context for his life and career. He has made significant contributions to the music industry, and his work has had a lasting impact on popular music.

4. Years active

Smokey Robinson has been active in the music industry since 1955. He is still alive today, so the question of when he died is not applicable. However, his years active provide context for his life and career. By knowing when he began his career, we can see that he has been a successful musician for over 60 years.

Robinson's longevity in the music industry is a testament to his talent and dedication. He has remained relevant for over six decades, and he continues to perform and record music today. His years active also show that he is a pioneer in the music industry. He was one of the first artists to sign with Motown Records, and he played a major role in the development of the label's sound. Robinson's music has influenced generations of musicians, and he is considered one of the greatest singers of all time.

In conclusion, Smokey Robinson's years active are significant because they provide context for his life and career. He has been a successful musician for over 60 years, and he is considered one of the greatest singers of all time. His longevity in the music industry is a testament to his talent and dedication.

5. Group

The Miracles were an American vocal group founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1955. The group was originally known as "The Five Chimes," but changed their name to "The Miracles" in 1958. The Miracles were one of the most successful vocal groups of the 1960s and 1970s, and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Smokey Robinson was the lead singer of The Miracles from 1955 to 1972. He was the primary songwriter for the group, and he wrote or co-wrote many of their hit songs, including "Shop Around," "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "My Girl," and "Tears of a Clown." Robinson left The Miracles in 1972 to pursue a solo career, but he has continued to perform and record with the group on occasion.

The Miracles were an important part of Smokey Robinson's life and career. They provided him with a platform to showcase his songwriting and singing talents, and they helped him to achieve international success. The Miracles also played a major role in the development of Motown Records, which became one of the most successful record labels in history.

In conclusion, the connection between "Group: The Miracles" and "when did smokey robinson die" is significant because The Miracles were an important part of Smokey Robinson's life and career. They provided him with a platform to showcase his songwriting and singing talents, and they helped him to achieve international success. The Miracles also played a major role in the development of Motown Records, which became one of the most successful record labels in history.

6. Genre

The connection between "Genre: R&B, soul" and "when did smokey robinson die" is significant because it provides context for his life and career. Smokey Robinson is an R&B and soul singer, songwriter, and producer. He is considered one of the most influential figures in popular music history. His music has had a major impact on the development of R&B and soul music, and he has helped to shape the sound of Motown Records.

• Facet 1: R&B
  

  R&B is a genre of music that originated in the African-American community in the United States in the 1940s. It is characterized by its strong vocal harmonies, syncopated rhythms, and use of blues and jazz elements. Smokey Robinson is one of the most influential R&B singers of all time. His songs have been covered by a wide range of artists, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Marvin Gaye.

• Facet 2: Soul
  

  Soul is a genre of music that originated in the African-American community in the United States in the 1950s. It is characterized by its emotional intensity, strong vocals, and use of gospel and blues elements. Smokey Robinson is one of the most influential soul singers of all time. His songs have been covered by a wide range of artists, including Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke.

• Facet 3: Motown Records
  

  Motown Records is a record label that was founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959. It is one of the most successful record labels in history. Smokey Robinson was one of the first artists to sign with Motown Records, and he played a major role in the development of the label's sound. Motown Records has released some of the most iconic songs in popular music history, including "My Girl," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine."

In conclusion, the connection between "Genre: R&B, soul" and "when did smokey robinson die" is significant because it provides context for his life and career. Smokey Robinson is one of the most influential figures in popular music history. His music has had a major impact on the development of R&B and soul music, and he has helped to shape the sound of Motown Records.

FAQs on "When Did Smokey Robinson Die"

This section provides a comprehensive overview of frequently asked questions and their respective answers regarding "When Did Smokey Robinson Die".

Question 1: Is Smokey Robinson still alive?

Answer: Yes, as of 2023, Smokey Robinson is still alive. He is 83 years old.

Question 2: When was Smokey Robinson born?

Answer: Smokey Robinson was born on February 19, 1940.

Question 3: Where was Smokey Robinson born?

Answer: Smokey Robinson was born in Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Question 4: What is Smokey Robinson's occupation?

Answer: Smokey Robinson is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive.

Question 5: Why is Smokey Robinson significant in music history?

Answer: Smokey Robinson is a highly influential figure in R&B and soul music. He was the lead singer and primary songwriter for The Miracles, and he wrote numerous hit songs, including "My Girl" and "Tears of a Clown".

Summary: Smokey Robinson is a living legend in the music industry. His contributions to R&B and soul music have had a lasting impact, and he continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time.

Conclusion on "When Did Smokey Robinson Die"

Smokey Robinson is one of the most influential figures in popular music history. As the founder and frontman of The Miracles, and as a solo artist, he has written and produced numerous hit songs that have touched the lives of millions of people around the world. His smooth, rich tenor voice and his gift for songwriting have made him one of the most celebrated vocalists of all time.

Robinson's impact on music is immeasurable. He has helped to shape the sound of R&B and soul music, and his songs have been covered by a wide range of artists, from The Beatles to Aretha Franklin. He is a true pioneer in the music industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire and influence musicians for generations to come.