The Miracles were Motown’s sparkplug. They were there first, long before acts such as the Supremes, the Four Tops and the Temptations would glide on greater glory into the pop music annals.
In the beginning, the Miracles were a group and William “Smokey” Robinson was the lead singer. The name remained unchanged until 1967, when they became Smokey Robinson and the Miracles – a recognition of Robinson’s indisputable role as frontman, songwriter and guiding light. However, every member of the Miracles was talented, and their satiny harmonies, sharp choreography and other contributions were important to the group’s success.
The Miracles were one of Motown’s most gifted ensembles and among its most long-lived, dating back to their roots as a group at Detroit’s Northern High School. Robinson, Pete Moore and Bobby Rogers actually first sang together in their preteen years. In 1955, Robinson formed the Five Chimes, which consisted of Robinson and Moore, along with high-school classmates James Grice, Clarence Dawson and Donald Wicker. Ronnie White replaced Wicker, Emerson “Sonny” Rogers replaced Dawson, Bobby Rogers replaced Grice, and the group then became the Matadors.
When Sonny Rogers quit to joined the army, Robinson asked Rogers’ sister, Claudette – a member of the Matadorettes, their sister band – to join. The lineup was now set. However, because they now had a female member, the name Matadors was no longer appropriate, so they rechristened themselves the Miracles.
Barry Gordy Jr.’s Introductory Speech about the Miracles at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Miracles Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Website.
For the full article, see Brian McCollum, “Rock hall of fame induction comes late for the Miracles”, Detroit Free Press, April 14, 2012.
For another, see Brian McCollom, “Rare reunion for Smokey Robinson and the Miracles is a chance to recall glory days”, originally published Feb. 27, 1997, Detroit Free Press, April 14, 2012.