If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Robinson also served as vice president of Motown Records, writing and producing hits for groups such as The Temptations ("My Girl") and Mary Wells ("My Guy"). It went well, felt good and I'm not afraid anymore. 'George Burns said he was going to do his last concert when he was 100 and he did,' the singer said. He graduated from San Mateo High School in 1954 and eventually enrolled at Pomona College as an aspiring writer. His positive mindset helped too with him noting: "When I was there trying to get well while weak, I never thought about dying. Before his death, he spent over 11 days in acute care last December, even though he made it out through the worst, the ' Tears of a Clown' hitmaker would never sing again. Warren "Pete" Moore, an original member of the legendary Motown singing group the Miracles, died Sunday at the age of 78. Three are deceased: MARV TARPLIN (died. Wanna know is he still alive? He had another son Trey with a different woman while in the first marriage with Rogers that born in 1984. He tested again and it was positive. Who did Smokey Robinson sing with? I stay active as I don't want to be decrepit.'. Lim, CEO & Chairman of Genting Berhad and developer of Resorts World, with the Keep Memory Alive Global Community Leadership Award in honor of his outstanding accomplishments and generous philanthropic support for those with neurodegenerative disease. The mid-1980s were a difficult time for him as he battled a drug addiction. I used to run marathons, but I couldn't continue running that distance due to my knees, which got bad on me. The Miracles became one of the first acts signed to the label,[1] although they had actually been with Gordy since before the formation of Motown Records. However, that's not all. Motown founder Berry Gordy confirmed Moore's death in a statement. In 2006, Robinson was selected to be a Kennedy Center Honoree for his contributions to the arts and American culture and received an honorary degree from Howard University. At this point Robinson relied on other writers and producers to help him with his albums. Rock Icon KISS Is Saying Goodbye (For Real), Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Name: Smokey Robinson, Birth Year: 1940, Birth date: February 19, 1940, Birth State: Michigan, Birth City: Detroit, Birth Country: United States. ", 'I am like I had a party on the stage for two hours, now my party is going to be going to the hotel and watching TV until I fall asleep.'. Anyway, if you choose to know Smokeys transformation before he has done plastic surgery, lets compare his past and recent pictures. Singer, songwriter and record producer Smokey Robinson was born William Robinson Jr. on February 19, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan. Other achievements of Smokey Roberson include induction in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and get a medal from National Medal of Arts. I walk every day. In 1965, the Miracles were the first Motown group to change their name when they released their 1965 album Going to a Go-Go as Smokey Robinson & the Miracles. Smokey Robinson died in early 2021 after contracting COVID-19. Smokey Robinson. Other notable hits such as "Ooo Baby Baby", "Going to a Go-Go",the multi-award-winning "The Tracks of My Tears", "(Come Round Here) I'm The One You Need", "The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage" and "More Love" peaked in the top twenty. Smokey is an ordinary petty thief hailing from New York whose newfound friendship with Joseph Joestar places him at the spectator's seat of the battle against the Pillar Men. While growing up in Detroit, Robinson's two older sisters introduced Robinson to jazz, and he devoured Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan while his mother played blues innovators such as Muddy Waters and Little Walter for him. . 10-1: Black Saturday, Better than Most and Rickie's wild ride, Letters to the Editor: Shasta County dumps Dominion voting machines at its own peril. [13][14] In 2012, however, the committee rectified the mistake announcing that the group would be inducted on their own merit. Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and was awarded the 2016 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for his lifetime contributions to popular music. Robinson, speaking from his Los Angeles home, said of the honor: 'They do such a wonderful thing treating these ailments connected to the brain, from Alzheimer's to dementia, it's very important. Moreover, he overdid the treatments, which cause his face looks so plastic, especially when he smiled. He is a tall man who looks to be of ordinary stature in his photographs. March 4, 2013 Bobby Rogers, who was born on the same day in the same Detroit hospital as the Motown crooner Smokey Robinson, with whom he harmonized in high school and eventually in the Hall of. He married his first wife Claudette Rogers, a fellow band member Claudette Rogers in 1959. I plan on being the George Burns in this sphere of show business. He is notable as Artist and Musician. Legendary Grammy winner, Smokey Robinson is the only man in musical history to simultaneously be in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame and honored by NARAS as a "Living Legend." In many respects, Smokey Robinson, writer of over 1,000 songs, qualifies for the title . I don't know how I could have had a better life. It was one of the most frightening fights I have ever had. The first COVID test he took was negative, but two days later he was even sicker. Then it scared me. 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[Part 4]", "The Miracles: In the '60s, we loved and lost to this Motown legend's smooth songs (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2012)", "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame still missing 3 Motown stalwarts | Goldmine Magazine", "Music icon Smokey Robinson makes repeat visit to Stockton school", "Music legend Smokey Robinson visits Stockton elementary school", "Smokey Robinson is Special Guest on 'Beat Shazam' Hosted by Jamie Foxx Tonight on FOX | Feeling the Vibe Magazine", "Smokey Robinson, 'King of Motown,' to release new solo album", "Smokey Robinson Teams With Pittsburgh's Engine House 25 Wines", "Smokey Robinson interview: 'God saved me from cocaine', "Smokey Robinson - Hollywood Walk of Fame", "Michigan Rock and Roll Legends - SMOKEY ROBINSON", "Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement", "2019 Summit Highlights Photo: Roger Daltrey, the lead singer of The Who, greets a friend and fellow honoree, Motown legend Smokey Robinson", Smokey Robinson interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' December 1992, Smokey Robinson's page at soulwalking.co.uk, Smokey Robinson Biography and Update at SoulTracks, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Smokey_Robinson&oldid=1137854062, This page was last edited on 6 February 2023, at 20:01. He is also a former record executive. 5. Now, he's back to two-hour shows. In 2016, Robinson received the Library of Congress' Gershwin Prize for Popular Song; and, on August 21, 2016, he was inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in his hometown of Detroit. 3. Did Smokey Robinson sing at Temptations funeral? Woodside as Melvin Franklin, and Terron Brooks as Eddie Kendricks. The rich celebrity stands about 5 feet 10.5 inches tall. Additional albums from the legendary singer include Smokey & Friends (2014), a collection of duets, and Christmas Everyday (2017). So, is he still alive? The "Quiet Storm" singer spoke. Smokey Robinson Death Hoax Dismissed Since Singer Is 'Alive And Well' On Wednesday (March 01) the singer's reps officially confirmed that Smokey Robinson is not dead. Well, his skins look smoother, and there is no wrinkle which we usually manage to see on aged people. In 1993, Robinson was awarded a medal at the National Medal of Arts. He called the battle to regain his singing voice "one of the most frightening fights I have ever had." In 2004 Robinson sang the main title theme song "Colorful World" to the American children's animated series ToddWorld for Discovery Kids, TLC and Mike Young Productions. It reached number 59 on the Billboard album chart, his highest showing since One Heartbeat. He was inducted as a solo artist to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988,[1] later igniting controversy as the committee had inducted only Robinson and not members of his group, the Miracles, which Robinson was personally offended by. One of the greatest of all time." And that is exactly what I did and came back to the life I loved.'. The multi-million selling single came off of their second album without Robinson, 1975's City of Angels, and stayed on the charts for over six months, making it the longest-running hit the band ever had. Smokey officially is a victim of plastic surgery, which turns his face into unrecognizable and botched. Smokey Robinson was rumored to take several plastic surgeries such as facelift, eyelid, botox injection, and other treatments to save his younger look. Gordy was impressed with Robinson's vocals and even more impressed with Robinson's ambitious songwriting. But Robinson has no plans to hang up his microphone anytime soon. William " Smokey " Robinson Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive director. Robinson was also known as the frontman and founder of the Motown vocal group named The Miracles. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. ", Justin Timberlake posts sweet birthday message for 'dream of a partner' Jessica Biel, Tom Sizemore, star of 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'Heat,' dies at 61 after brain aneurysm, Josh Hartnett is done talking about his break from Hollywood but ready to make fun of actors: 'We're the worst', Michael B. Jordan admits muscle gain for 'Creed' has been harder as he's gotten older, Billy Bush suggests Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes start their own show after ABC exit: 'They've got something that works'. Smokey Robinson Death Hoax Dismissed Since Singer Is Alive And Well. Other albums include Smokey & Friends (2014) and Christmas Everyday (2017). Alongside Robison the milestone anniversary night will include performances and appearances from actor, comedian and Blackish star Anthony Anderson, multi-Grammy Award winner, writer and producer Tori Kelly, two-time Grammy Award winner Kenny Loggins, Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman of R&B group Boyz II Men, Charlie Wilson and Grammy winning chart topper Bruno Mars. The nine-track album will be called Gasms, and will feature entirely new music. Like others, you may also believe that the famous actor has passed away. Is Smokey Robinson Married. Smokey Robinson Reveals 'Frightening' Bout with COVID That Nearly Took His Voice: 'I Could've Died' A National Medal of Arts recipient, a Grammy winner and an inductee to both the Rock and Roll. Robinson, 81, is best-known as a performer, but the humble Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is one of the greatest songwriters in Motown's long and illustrious history. Just keep on reading. I was thinking: I am going to get well.". ", He felt fortunate that he never needed to be put on a ventilator. "He makes miracles in people's lives, and not just the Smokey Robinson kind," she said. Robinson remained virtually quiet during the nineties (though he would make a notable cameo appearance in The Temptations 1998 miniseries), making a brief comeback in 1999 when he re-signed with Motown and issued the album, Intimate, which included the song "Easy to Love". During this time, Robinson attended college and started classes in January 1959, studying electrical engineering. Just three months before the pandemic shut down civilization, the Motown legend was belting out hits in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Bobby Rogers died in March 2013, 2 weeks after his 73rd birthday. The talented actor was still alive and well. "I've been honored so many times, and I take that all seriously. Smokey Robinson Jr. is a legendary American singer who is active in the music industry for more than six decades. . He quit the group in 1972, focusing on his role as Motown's vice president. Smokey Robinson has revealed that he spent 11 days in a Los Angeles hospital and almost died after contracting COVID-19 last December . Two years later, Robinson released the standards album, Timeless Love, in 2006 on Universal Records. Yes, Smokey Robinson has three Children. He has spent several years in the music industry and has set lots of achievements that build up his career in the music sector. In 1974, Robinson's second album, Pure Smokey, was released but failed to produce hits. Is Smokey Robinson secretly gay and hiding in the closet? In 2012, Robinson gave an impressive performance on the television competition Dancing with the Stars. And thankfully, he lives a healthy and happy life. Growing up in a rough neighborhood, Robinson started out singing in local groups. That's what everyone called me until I was about 12 and then I dropped the Joe part. Former members Carl Cotton, Marv Tarplin and Donald Griffin are also deceased (in 2003, 2011, and 2015 respectively). "I'm finishing two albums right now," Robinson said on the red carpet of the 25th annual Keep Memory Alive Power of . Later in his career, Robinson wrote lyrics and music for the Contours such as "First I Look at the Purse", as well as the Four Tops' "Still Water" and The Supremes' "Floy Joy". A-list trainer shares the ultimate do's and don'ts of workout etiquette - revealing why you should NEVER use a metal water bottle, Trump collaborates with January 6 prison choir in release of new single 'Justice for All' - which dropped ahead of his CPAC appearance, King Charles will offer Prince Harry and Meghan a Buckingham Palace apartment when they visit UK after kicking them out of Frogmore Cottage. There are more than 500, 000 copies of his album Heartbeat has released till now. However, he gave credit to the Barrett Strong as a major influencer for making a career in the music industry. During "Enormous" Robinson, so taken with the beauty of the Gorge, told the audience he was going to play his entire canon. Robinson went solo in 1972, creating a more mellow sound for himself. Birth Year: 1929. It's an important factor. Smokey Robinson played a remarkable concert this week in Los Angeles, one that clearly demonstrated that the 75-year-old singer still has a voice and still has things to say with it.. 'Once you sign up, you do what you're told': Duke of Sussex tells trauma expert Gabor Mat 'a lot of us' in the Army 'didn't necessarily agree or disagree' with the West's invasion of Afghanistan but did 'what you're trained to do'. Robinson & Claudette divorced each other in 1986, but they are still good friends. Often associated with romantic soul music, he released such successful albums as A Quiet Storm (1974) and Touch the Sky (1983). Going through a divorce process is not an easy one. "Interview with Smokey Robinson. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, was awarded the 2002 National Medal of Arts, received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2006, and won the Gershwin Prize in 2016. Smokey was present with original Miracles members Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore, (Bobby's cousin) Claudette Rogers, and Gloria White, accepting for her husband, the late Ronnie White, whose daughter Pamela and granddaughter Maya were there representing him as well. He releases his first solo album Smokey in 1973 that was not much successful. While some might have the divorce settlement done amicably and quietly, some divorce can turn acrimonious, leaving both . I've been blessed to have such an instrument. [1] His last performance with the group was in July 1972 in Washington, D.C. After a year of retirement, Robinson announced his comeback with the release of the eponymous Smokey album, in 1973. His first wife was Claudette Rogers, from 1959 to 1986. In December 2006 Robinson was one of five Kennedy Center honorees, along with Dolly Parton, Zubin Mehta, Steven Spielberg and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The way I look at it is that I have a job to do so the people in the audience can party. Smokey Robinson sings R&B, soul, and pop music. Young singers have asked me how I do it at this age, and the answer is to stay in shape. However, Robinson's solo career suffered from his work as Motown's vice president, and his own music took the backseat. Does Smokey Robinson have Children? By 1969, Robinson wanted to retire from touring to focus on raising his two children with his wife Claudette, and on his duties as Motown's vice president, a job he had taken on by the mid-1960s after Esther Gordy Edwards had left the position. He took refuge in a tree, and while managing to stay alive was left badly burned. [27][28], CBS, Steven and Ross, Scott. Is Smokey Robinson Married. Smokey Robinson is the kind of person that was great as a student and was a stellar athlete but was drawn to something else that caught his attention when he was younger, that being music. "They had to rush me to the hospital. As of 2022, He is 82. The soulful entertainer's songwriting and production ability made him arguably the most indispensable member of the Motown Machine. Is Smokey Robinson Still Alive. 'It is what keeps me going. The same can be said for Robinson, who was awarded the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for his lifetime contribution to popular music in 2016. In August 1957, Robinson and the Miracles met songwriter Berry Gordy after a failed audition for Brunswick Records. You can tell if Smokey got a brow lift surgery to make his forehead skins tighter plus removed the wrinkle. In 2009, Robinson received an honorary doctorate degree along with Linda Ronstadt and gave a commencement speech at Berklee College of Music's commencement ceremony. "There was a lot of inspiration that was flowing through me," Robinson said. They own a home in Pittsburgh and use it as a winery. Smokey Robinson and his ex-wife Claudette spent many years together. 2022. Find information on all of Smokey Robinson's upcoming concerts, tour dates and ticket information for 2023-2024. The Matadors began touring Detroit venues around this time. 'None of this really scared me until after I came home,' he said. "It was over, man," he said. If Smokey does not want to listen to those experts to stop doing surgery, then maybe you can imagine how his face will turn into? The majority of his income comes from the record sales of the albums over the past decades. [21][22] Robinson is notable for having golden green eyes, which he believes were passed down from his French great-grandmother. Published: 10:41 EST, 12 October 2021 | Updated: 10:41 EST, 12 October 2021. The Robinsons had also separated in 1974; during that separation, Robinson engaged in an extramarital affair that inspired the song "The Agony & The Ecstasy" (later featured on A Quiet Storm). On 19 February 1940, he was born in Detroit, Michigan, and as of 2022, hes currently 82 years old. Smokey Robinson Net Worth. The Detroit born star insists he learned his lesson after his first 'and only' attempt at retirement was a disaster when he quit his original chart-topping act The Miracles for an executive role at Motown Records in the early 1970s. "To hear something like that from anybody is great, but to hear that from (Dylan) is incredible.". It was an album of duets, including songs with Elton John, Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor. [1] It also hit number one in the UK Singles Chart, becoming his most successful single to date. Smokey worked as an in-house producer and songwriter, while also singing lead alongside Claudette in their 5-member group, The Miracles. The cast of the 1998 televised motion picture "The Temptations" included Charles Malik Whitfield as Otis Williams, D.B. Though, he is 1.82 m tall, he weighs about 82 kg. He releases his first album Hi Were The Miracles in 1961 with the group Miracles in 1961. News of singer Smokey Robinsons death spread quickly earlier this week causing concern among fans across the world. Biography and associated logos are trademarks of A+E Networksprotected in the US and other countries around the globe. He added that his passion for performance never left him: 'That was my life since I was in high school. From them, you can judge what kind of plastic surgeries which Smokey Robinson has done? Best Known For: Berry Gordy Jr. founded Motown Records . "Just to See Her" won Robinson his first Grammy Award in 1988. [1] The first single from the album, called "If We Don't Have Each Other", was already available on streaming service by January 2023.[18]. However, Robinson returned to the music industry as a solo artist the following year. [1] With his help, the Miracles released their first single, "Got a Job", an answer song to the Silhouettes' hit single "Get a Job"[9] on End Records. No doubt if youre a fan of this superstar, youre familiar with him; but do you know how old and tall is Smokey Robinson? Are The Temptations still alive? Yes! "I lost all my energy and could not walk from the bed to the bathroom without being exhausted. Explore Smokey's anthology of musical releases, get information on upcoming events, discover recent news, and celebrate one of the music industry's most influential contributors. Why has Smokey Robinson got green eyes? In another case, Smokey Robinson might be a stranger, fortunately for you we have compiled all you need to know about Smokey Robinsons biography-wiki, his personal life, todays net worth as of 2023, his age, height, weight, career, professional life, and more facts. 2023 MediaMass All rights reserved. Robinson now fully vaccinated said he's also upped his fitness routine. A significant number of his fans ask, Is Smokey Robinson Still Alive 2022. He married his first wife Claudette Rogers, a fellow band member Claudette Rogers in 1959. Smokey eye bags seem to vanish and removed with a procedure called eyelid surgery. Smokey Robinson, pictured performing in Los Angeles last month, has revealed he nearly died last December after a terrifying battle with Covid-19, The Motown legend told DailyMail.com he feared he would never sing again after the virus 'took my voice' and left him weak, Robinson, speaking ahead of being honored at the Power of Love Gala in Las Vegas on Saturday, said: 'I am a Covid survivor.'. Smokey Robinson's age is 83 years old as of today's date 2nd March 2023 having been born on 19 February 1940. Do not reproduce (even with permission). So, if youre ready, lets get started! He got a cowboy name for me, which was Smokey Joe. 'I lift weights and work out. According to the 81-year-old Motown singer, he contracted the virus in December and was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital, where he remained for several days. So, is he still alive? "I didn't know Diane that well," said WIlson. However, 48 hours after that, his condition worsened and he was having trouble breathing. It didn't matter that Robinson has reached octogenarian status. Jul. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. Site contains certain content that is owned A&E Television Networks, LLC. . At that time during the audition, Robinson had brought along with him a "Big 10" notebook with 100 songs he wrote while in high school. Gems such as "Shop Around" and "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" were written and performed by Robinson while he fronted the Miracles. After we read those plastic surgeries which Smokey has done, we can pretty sure that he needs to stop doing them again and think to age gracefully without those treatments. "I've been incredibly fortunate," Robinson said. He barely has aging signs such as fine lines and wrinkles; of course, people and media will accuse him of taking surgery because of his tighter and no shaggy skins. 'When I was there trying to get well while weak I never thought about dying. Christmas Everyday was Robinson's first post-Miracles Christmas album, and was released on November 10, 2017. filed 27 February 2023 in Editor's Notes. Robinson's interest in music started after hearing the groups Nolan Strong & the Diablos and Billy Ward and his Dominoes on the radio as a child, and he has listed Barrett Strong, a Detroit native, as a strong vocal influence. Getty Images. Then I did another at 60 minutes. Keep Memory Alive, whose mission is to provide enhanced treatment and ultimately cures for patients and their families suffering from neurocognitive disorders, raises awareness and funds in support of Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Robinson was the founder and front man of the Motown vocal group the Miracles, for which he also served as the group's chief songwriter and producer. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Smokey Robinson grew jazzier, perhaps mellower, certainly never a slave to the disco fashion but very much in touch with the pulse of music lovers. Personal Life: Affair, Girlfriends, Wife, Kids Smokey has married twice in his life. He didn't want to do anything other than become a musician and thanks to his ambition and dedication he eventually became someone that a lot of people looked up to and wanted to be like when they first . Astrological Sign: Pisces, Article Title: Smokey Robinson Biography, Author: Biography.com Editors, Website Name: The Biography.com website, Url: https://www.biography.com/musicians/smokey-robinson, Publisher: A&E; Television Networks, Last Updated: July 23, 2020, Original Published Date: April 2, 2014. Time for a new language. Referred to as Motown's "soul supergroup", the Miracles recorded 26 Top 40 Pop hits, sixteen of . Motown legend Smokey Robinson feared he would never sing again after his terrifying battle with Covid-19 late last year. Smokey Robinson sang with the vocal group The Miracles and also had a successful solo career. I could have retired years ago, but there is still nothing like entertaining an audience.". Is He Still Alive? After Motown was sold off to MCA in 1988, Robinson relinquished his position as vice president. Smokey Robinson nearly died from COVID-19 last year. A recent poll conducted for the Celebrity Post shows that a large majority (93%) of respondents think those Smokey Robinson death rumors are not funny anymore. [23], On February 22, 1983, Smokey was awarded an individual star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. Smokey Robinson was born on 19 February 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. It didn't matter that. Otis Williams, who owns the rights to the group's name and is still a member of the band, is the only member who remains. Go on the road." In 1983, Robinson teamed up with fellow Motown label mate Rick James recording the R&B ballad, "Ebony Eyes". But the greatest for me is to be able to write, sing and to have worked with so many incredibly talented people. So from the time I was three years old if people asked me what my name was I didn't tell them my name was William, I told them my name was Smokey Joe. 22Smokey Robinson is ageless. Robinson has very beautiful golden green eyes. They added many members like Claudette Rogers, Bobby Rogers, and Marv Tarplin in the upcoming years and toured in the areas near the Detroit. It seems like every celebrity has been called gay at some point or another. William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive director. In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Robinson said he is almost fully recovered and has even stepped up his physical workout regime to stay fit to ward off reinfection. What are some of Smokey Robinson's hit songs? However the poll suggests that a big majority - 79% - of respondents don't believe that he . (read more), Smokey Robinson death hoax spreads on Facebook. He has credited his recovery from substance abuse to his religious faith. Biography She was born on June 20, 1942, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, as Claudette Annette Rogers. [11] In late 1960, the group recorded their first hit single, "Shop Around", which became Motown's first million-selling hit record. Sometimes, people need to accept that they will start to get aged, and surgeries cannot always help us to have the best appearance. Usually I do two or two and half hours. Has Smokey Robinson had plastic surgery? The Miracles scored their first big hit with "Shop Around" (1960) and developed quite a following with their energetic R&B sound. Smokey doesnt eat red meat and practices transcendental meditation. Is Smokey Robinson Still Alive? In 2023, Robinson announced that he would release his first album in almost a decade in April 2023. Afterward, Smokey formed the Five Chimes band along with childhood friends Pete Moore and Ronald White in 1955. [1] Robinson's ancestry is also part Nigerian, Scandinavian, Portuguese, and Cherokee. "I take good care of myself," Robinson said. Is Kris Kristofferson still alive or dead? Smokey Robinson is an American R&B and pop singer-songwriter, record producer, and former record executive who has a net worth of $150 million.