THE MIRACLES
The Miracles (also known as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles from 1965 to 1972) were an American rhythm and blues vocal group that was the first successful recording act for Berry Gordy’s Motown Records, and one of the most important and influential groups in pop, rock and roll, and R&B music history. The most notable Miracles line-up included Smokey Robinson, Claudette Robinson, Warren “Pete” Moore, Ronnie White, Bobby Rogers, and Marv Tarplin. The group eventually scored Tamla Records’ first million-selling hit record with the 1960 Grammy Hall of Fame smash, “Shop Around”, and further established themselves as one of Motown’s top acts with a series of other hit singles. Referred to as Motown’s “soul supergroup”, the Miracles recorded 26 Top 40 Pop hits, sixteen of which reached the Billboard Top 20, seven top 10 singles, and a number one single (“The Tears of a Clown”) while the Robinsons and Tarplin were members. The Miracles have been awarded many top music industry honors over the years. In 2008, Billboard listed them at #61 on their 100 most successful Billboard artists ever list. After much controversy, the Miracles were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. (More from Wikipedia)
When Diana Ross approached Smokey Robinson (who had been a neighbor previously) about getting an audition with Motown founder Berry Gordy, Robinson agreed to help but was more impressed with their guitarist; Marvin Tarplin quickly became the guitarist for his band the Miracles for more than a decade. For his part, Berry Gordy originally thought the girls were too young and inexperienced but finally signed them in January 1961.
The first band signed to Motown Records was the Miracles (originally called the Matadors). The leader of this band was William “Smokey” Robinson, Jr., who was also an important songwriter and record producer who helped develop the “Motown Sound”.
(April 2015/1)
