4 fast facts about Smokey Robinson before Dayton concert

Another big name in music is headed to Dayton.

Motown legend Smokey Robinson will perform at the Schuster Center on Thursday, April 2.

Here are 4 fast facts about this music legend who is now 75.

1. He has been making music for 60 years.

William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. was born in Detroit on Feb. 19, 1940. He began singing at an early age and formed The Five Chimes in 1955 at age 15. The combo changed its name to the Matadors before finally settling on the Miracles. Between 1960 and 1970, the group scored more than 25 Top 40 hits.

2. Robinson’s group had Motown’s first smash hit.

The Miracles’ had Motown’s first No. 1 smash, “Shop Around.” Other Top 10 hits for the group include classics such as “Tears of a Clown,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “I Second That Emotion” and “Mickey’s Monkey.” Robinson wrote or co-wrote smash hits for Motown label mates, including “My Girl” by the Temptations, “Don’t Mess With Bill” by the Marvelettes and “My Guy” by Mary Wells.

3. He was a record exec in his early 20s.

At age 23, Robinson was made vice president of Motown. He held that position for nearly two decades. He nurtured many rising acts during his tenure but considers his greatest signing to be The Supremes, a singing group started by his friend and neighbor Diana Ross.

4. He has collaborated on duets with top artists including John Legend

Robinson’s latest album, “Smokey & Friends” (Verve Records), was released in September. For this project the singer delivered new duet versions of some of his best loved songs such as “The Tracks of My Tears” with Elton John, “Being With You” with Mary J. Blige, “Ain’t That Peculiar” with James Taylor, “Quiet Storm” with John Legend and “The Tears of a Clown” with Sheryl Crow.

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