Smokey Robinson is one of the primary figures of the Motown label, as an original member of the Motown Record’s first vocal groups. He has proven his exceptional talent as both a solo artist and a member of “The Miracles.”
On this day, July 16th, in 1972, Smokey Robinson gave his last live performance as a Miracle at the Carter Barron Amphitheater in DC. During the performance, Robinson introduced his replacement, the new lead singer Billy Griffin.
After “The Miracles,” Robinson started a more low-key career. He concentrated on his role as the Vice President of Motown and released his first solo LP in 1973. When he achieved his first solo hit single, “Sweet Harmony,” he dedicated the song to the Miracles. He continued on to achieve much more success as a solo artist and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. The other original Miracle members were controversially not included in the award.