Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

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Biography

The Miracles (known from 1965 to 1972 as Smokey Robinson & the Miracles ) are an American rhythm and blues group from Detroit , Michigan , notable as the first successful group act for Berry Gordy 's Motown|Motown Record Corporation . Their single " Shop Around " was Motown's first million-selling hit record, and the group went on to become one of Motown's signature acts of the 1960s. During the same period, the Miracles' original lead singer and founding member Smokey Robinson became one of the most successful songwriters and record producers of all time.

During their nineteen-year run on the American music charts, The Miracles charted over fifty hits and recorded in the genres of doo-wop , soul music|soul , disco , and Rhythm and blues|R& B . Twenty-six Miracles songs reached the Top Ten of the Billboard Hot R& B/Hip-Hop Songs|R& B singles chart , including four R& B number ones. Sixteen of the Miracles' songs charted within the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 , with seven songs charting within the Top Ten and two& nbsp;– 1970's " The Tears of a Clown " and 1975's " Love Machine (The Miracles song)|Love Machine " (Part 1)& nbsp;– reaching number-one.

Referred to by critics as Motown's "soul supergroup", The Miracles are multiple Grammy Hall of Fame inductees, Vocal Group Hall of Fame and Doo-Wop Hall of Fame inductees,Winners of The Rhythm and Blues Foundation|Rhythm and Blues Foundation's Pioneer Award ,multiple Broadcast Music Incorporated|BMI Songwriter's Award winners ,Winners of the ASCAP Award Of Merit , and have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame .

In 2004,and again in 2011, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Smokey Robinson & the Miracles #32 on their list of "The Immortals: The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time." They are also ranked in the Top 100 Artists Of All Time on Billboard Magazine's and Vh-1's 1998 lists.

Motown founder and First President Berry Gordy Jr. said:"Without The Miracles, Motown would not be the Motown it is today".

History

Early years

The Miracles began with two young Detroit students, Smokey Robinson|William Robinson and Ronald White , who had become friends and started singing together while in the fifth grade. Robinson, nicknamed "Smokey" by an uncle so "you won't ever forget you're black", started a doo-wop group called The Five Chimes in 1955 at Northern High School with himself, White, bass (voice type)|bass singer Pete Moore (another childhood friend who Smokey knew since he was age 11), Clarence Dawson, and James Grice. Within a half a year, Dawson and Grice had been replaced by cousins Emerson and Bobby Rogers , and the group's name had been changed to The Matadors . Rogers and Robinson were actually born on the same day& nbsp;– February 19, 1940& nbsp;– in the same Detroit hospital, although they did not meet until they were fifteen years old.
Emerson Rogers was Conscription in the United States|drafted in 1956. He was replaced by his sister Claudette Rogers . In 1958, the group added guitarist Marv Tarplin , who had originally been the accompanist for The Primettes (later The Supremes ).

In 1958, the Matadors auditioned for the manager of Detroit soul star Jackie Wilson , who turned the group down because he felt their sound and four-man-one-woman lineup were too similar to The Platters , a popular vocal group. On their way out the door, the group ran into one of Wilson's chief songwriters, Berry Gordy, Jr. Gordy took a liking to the group, and eventually became the group's manager. In addition, Gordy worked closely with Robinson, the Matadors' chief songwriter, helping him to improve his songcraft.

Gordy and his colleague Roquel Billy Davis|Billy Davis had written a song called "Got a Job" as an answer song to "Get a Job", a recent hit by The Silhouettes . The Matadors recorded the single, and Gordy arranged a record deal for them with End Records . At this time, they changed their name to 'The Miracles', as 'Matadors' had a masculine sound to it, and the group now included a woman. Gordy became the group's main outside collaborator, and he and Robinson wrote another Miracles single, " Bad Girl (Miracles song)|Bad Girl ". Issued on Chess Records , " Bad Girl (Miracles song)|Bad Girl " became the group's first national charting single on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #93. Other early songs that brought regional & R& B chart attention to the group included " Way Over There " (which eventually charted nationally at #94 Pop), "I Need A Change", "I Cry" (1958), "Whatever Makes You Happy" (1963), "I Need Some Money"(1959), '"I Love Your Baby" (1959),"All I Want Is You" (1959), "Would I Love You", "Mama Done Told Me", " Happy Landing " (1962), and " (You Can) Depend on Me " (1959).

Frustrated by low financial returns due to the group's practice of selling their masters to various labels, Robinson suggested Gordy start his own record label. Thus, in 1959, Gordy founded Tamla Records (later Motown ), and signed The Miracles as one of his first acts. By 1961, Robinson would be appointed vice-president of the corporation.

Success at Motown: 1960–1967

After three unsuccessful singles, The Miracles' fourth Tamla single, " Shop Around " backed with " Who's Lovin' You " (1960), became their first Motown hit. "Shop Around" was the first Motown song to reach #1 on the national R& B charts, and the first to sell over a million copies. Both sides of this record became standards for R& B and rock musicians for several decades afterwards. In the wake of this success, the Miracles became the first-ever Motown act to perform on Dick Clark 's American Bandstand on December 27, 1960. "Shop Around" was followed by many more hits, including " You Really Got a Hold on Me " (Top 10) (1962), " What's So Good About Goodbye " (1962), " I'll Try Something New (song)|I'll Try Something New (1962)" " Mickey's Monkey " (Top 10) (1963), " I Gotta Dance to Keep From Crying " (1963), " I Like It Like That (Miracles song)|I Like It Like That " (1964), " That's What Love Is Made Of " (1964), " Come On Do The Jerk "
(1964), " Going to a Go-Go (song)|Going to a Go-Go " (1965), " My Girl Has Gone " (1965), the multiple award-winning " The Tracks Of My Tears " (1965), and their signature song, " Ooh Baby Baby " (all Top 20, 1965). The Miracles had become a national sensation.

During this period, The Miracles were the most popular group on the label. The Miracles' success paved the way for all future Motown stars, and, as a result, the group was the headlining act of the Motor Town Revue , a nationwide package concert touring show which showcased Motown artists. Their exciting live performances earned them the nickname, "The Showstoppers" .Commenting to Rolling Stone Magazine , Bob Seger said, "I used to go to the Motown revues, and the Miracles always closed the show. They were that good, and everybody knew it." The group also influenced a significant number of outside performers as well, particularly The Beatles , who covered The Miracles' " You Really Got a Hold on Me " on their second album, With the Beatles . John Lennon of the Beatles acknowledged Smokey Robinson as one of his favorite writers, and named the Miracles' " I've Been Good To You " as one of his favorite songs. Another Beatles song, Ask Me Why , also written by Lennon, was influenced by The Miracles' hit " What's So Good About Goodbye ". George Harrison also greatly admired Robinson and paid tribute to him in his 1976 song 'Pure Smokey', while The Rolling Stones covered the group's 1965 hit " Going to a Go-Go (song)|Going to a Go-Go ". The Hollies covered the group's 1963 smash " Mickey's Monkey (song)|Mickey's Monkey ". The Zombies also covered "You've Really Got a Hold On Me" and "Going To A Go-Go" , while The Who covered The Miracles' hit, " I Gotta Dance to Keep From Crying ". While the British Invasion meant the end of many American artists' recording careers, it had very little effect on The Miracles, who continued having hits throughout this period. In fact, The Miracles were a major influence on many British Invasion groups in particular.In addition, artists of many diverse musical genres have covered their songs, including Jazz , Country music|Country & Western , Easy Listening|MOR , Reggae , Hip-Hop , Rock, and Pop, as well as Rhythm and blues|R& B / Soul music|Soul . (See "Cover Versions" section).

Behind the scenes, Robinson (often assisted by the other Miracles), handled most of the songwriting and production for not only the Miracles, but for most of the acts on Motown during this early period. During the first half of the 1960s, Robinson tutored labelmates The Supremes and The Temptations . Indeed, by the time each group had its breakthrough hit in 1964, the Miracles had already issued a double-LP greatest hits album, Greatest Hits from the Beginning .

In addition to penning their own material, Miracles Robinson, White, Rogers, Tarplin, and Moore wrote for many of their labelmates as well. Motown hits written, but not recorded, by members of the Miracles include songs for the Temptations (" The Way You Do The Things You Do ", " My Girl (The Temptations song)|My Girl ", " Don't Look Back (The Temptations song)|Don't Look Back ", " I'll Be in Trouble ", " You've Got to Earn It ", " Since I Lost My Baby ", " It's Growing ", " My Baby (The Temptations song)|My Baby ", " Get Ready (Motown song)|Get Ready "), Mary Wells (" My Guy ", " The One Who Really Loves You ", " What Love Has Joined Together ", " You Beat Me to the Punch ", " Two Lovers (Mary Wells song)|Two Lovers "), Marvin Gaye (" I'll Be Doggone ", " One More Heartache ", " Ain't That Peculiar ", " Take This Heart of Mine "), The Marvelettes (" Don't Mess With Bill ", " The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game "), The Contours (" First I Look at the Purse ", " That Day When She Needed Me "), The Four Tops "( Still Water (Love) " , and Brenda Holloway (" When I'm Gone (Motown song)|When I'm Gone ", " Operator (Motown song)|Operator ").

Despite their success, the Miracles were beset with a number of personal problems during the early and mid-1960s. During the first Motor Town Revue tour, Smokey Robinson caught the Asian Flu , requiring Claudette Rogers to take over his role as lead singer until he recovered. In addition, Pete Moore was drafted into the US Army, and remained away from the group for over a year. In early 1964, Claudette decided to retire from the road and remain at home in Detroit. From this point on, Claudette did not tour with the Miracles or appear in any official group photographs or on television, although she continued to sing backup with the group in the studio until 1972.

The name change: Smokey Robinson & the Miracles: 1965–1971

After Claudette Roger's departure, the remaining Miracles appeared in The T.A.M.I. Show , a 1964 concert film recorded live at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium , and distributed nationally by American International Pictures , which also featured The Supremes , Marvin Gaye , The Beach Boys , Lesley Gore , Chuck Berry , The Rolling Stones , Gerry & the Pacemakers and James Brown & The Famous Flames . The Miracles also appeared on many of the popular variety television programs of the period, including The Ed Sullivan Show , Shindig! , Hullabaloo (TV series)|Hullabaloo , American Bandstand , Where The Action Is , The Mike Douglas Show , The Andy Williams Show , Teen Town (TV series)|Teen Town , Hollywood A Go-Go , Upbeat (TV series)|Upbeat ,
and Britain's Ready Steady Go! . Acknowledging Robinson's presence upfront, Motown Records' President and founder Berry Gordy changed the Miracles' name to "Smokey Robinson & the Miracles" in 1965, although they were billed as simply "The Miracles" on their 45s until " The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage ", a Top 20 pop hit, in 1967. On that song's flip side was " Come Spy with Me (The Miracles song)|Come Spy with Me "; The Miracles sang the original theme to the 1967 20th Century Fox film Come Spy with Me (film)|of the same name .In addition, 4 of the group's songs,''That's The Way I Feel , Mickey's Monkey , You've Really Got A Hold On Me , and I'll Try Something New were used in the soundtrack of the 1964 Ivan Dixon film, " Nothing But a Man " . Very popular in The United Kingdom, in 1968, The Miracles went to England, where they gave a Royal Command Performance for Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth .

After scoring a few more major hits such as " (Come 'Round Here) I'm The One You Need " (1966), the Top 10 " I Second That Emotion " (1967), and " More Love (Smokey Robinson & the Miracles song)|More Love " (1967), the Miracles, along with several other classic Motown acts, experienced a slight chart decline during the late 60s. The group still continued to chart hits, however, including " If You Can Want " (1968), " Yester Love " (1968), " Special Occasion (Miracles song)|Special Occasion " (1968), " Here I Go Again (Miracles song)|Here I Go Again " (1969)," Point It Out " (1969), and the Top 10 " Baby, Baby Don't Cry " (1969). Constantly away from home and his family, Smokey Robinson began planning to leave the group for a solo career, which would allow him more time to remain at home and concentrate on his role as Vice-President of Motown Records. Robinson told White, Moore, and Rogers of his intentions in 1969, but Robinson decided to stay for two more years when the group's 1970 single " The Tears of a Clown " became their biggest hit to date.

"The Tears of a Clown" had, in fact, been recorded in 1967 for the album Make It Happen (Miracles album)|Make It Happen , and became the group's first US number-one hit (and their only number-one hit with Smokey Robinson).The song also reached #1 on the charts in England. Also in 1970, the group was given its own American Broadcasting Company|ABC television special, The Smokey Robinson Show , which starred The Miracles, and guest-starred The Temptations, The Supremes, and Stevie Wonder , who was discovered by Miracle Ronnie While.

Exit Smokey Robinson, enter Billy Griffin

After one more Top 20 hit in late 1971, " I Don't Blame You At All ", Robinson announced that he would indeed leave the Miracles, and the group began a six-month farewell tour of the United States. Coinciding with this tour was the release of the group's final studio album with Robinson, Flying High Together (1972). The lead single, " We've Come Too Far to End It Now ", became a Top 10 R& B hit.

Robinson's final performance as a Miracle was at the Carter Barron Amphitheater in Washington, D.C. on July 16, 1972. For this performance, Claudette Rogers rejoined the group onstage for the first time in eight years. At the conclusion of the concert, which Motown later released as a live album entitled " Smokey Robinson & The Miracles: 1957-1972 ", Robinson introduced the group's new lead singer, Billy Griffin . Griffin was introduced to national television audiences on NBC 's The Midnight Special (TV series)|The Midnight Special , on an episode guest-starring The Miracles and hosted by Smokey Robinson, broadcast on July 13, 1973.

Griffin's arrival meant the departure not only of Smokey Robinson, but Claudette Robinson and Marv Tarplin as well. Claudette retired from recording, choosing to be a stay-at-home wife and mom to her and Smokey's two children, Berry and Tamla. In 1973, Tarplin also left the group ,and began touring and working with Robinson, and was replaced in The Miracles by Billy Griffin's brother Donald. The group's first post-Robinson album, featuring Griffin on lead, was 1973's critically acclaimed album, Renaissance (Miracles album)|Renaissance . The Miracles scored nine charting singles, including two Top 20 hits: 1975's #13& nbsp;million-selling hit " Do It Baby "The Book of Golden Discs& nbsp;– by Joseph Murrells, pgs 348 & 361 and 1976's #1 hit " Love Machine (The Miracles song)|Love Machine (Part 1) ", the group's biggest success, taken from their platinum-selling City of Angels (album)|City of Angels album. City of Angels (album) The Miracles also scored a Top 10 R& B hit with "Don't Cha Love It". However, the group's following releases did not match the success of "Love Machine". In 1977, they left Motown for Columbia Records , where they released the controversial single "Spy For Brotherhood", from their 1977 Love Crazy album, which was actually pulled from the airwaves due to protests from the FBI .
Their subsequent Columbia releases did not have the impact of their Motown hits.

Later years, The RRHOF controversy, awards and accolades

In 1978, Billy Griffin and Pete Moore retired from performing to concentrate on songwriting. Griffin later went on to enjoy a briefly successful solo career in the 1980s, scoring a hit with "Hold Me Tighter in the Rain" in 1982. Ronnie White and Bobby Rogers recruited new members Dave Finley and Carl Cotton. After reuniting with Smokey Robinson on the Motown 25 television special in 1983, (minus Ronnie White ), the Miracles essentially disbanded and ceased to perform. Sadly,twenty years later, Cotton was murdered after an altercation in Detroit on September 14, 2003.

Motown held a 35th anniversary retrospective for the Miracles in 1993, and Ronnie White and Bobby Rogers decided to reunite the group. The two of them and Dave Finley recruited Sidney Justin (formerly of Shalamar ) as the new fourth member, and began making personal appearances and touring. White, the last founding member remaining in the group, died of leukemia in 1995, and the other three members carried on as a trio.

In 1987, Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist. In a move that has since sparked much controversy, the other original Miracles& nbsp;– Bobby Rogers, Ronnie White, Pete Moore,Marv Tarplin, and Claudette Rogers-Robinson & nbsp;– were not inducted. Nor was '70s Miracles lead singer Billy Griffin . This has miffed Robinson, Motown alumnus, music industry insiders,Disc Jockeys, and Miracles fans, who feel the entire group deserves induction. Particularly so, since Rolling Stone Magazine had already listed The Miracles among its Immortals—The 50 Greatest Artists Of All Time and because the group has three songs on The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame's own list of The 500 Songs That Helped Shape Rock and Roll , and also due to their historical importance as Motown's first group. The Miracles as a group were honored with the national Rhythm and Blues Foundation 's Pioneer Award in 1997, and inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001.

New York City's newspaper, The Village Voice , in its issue of October 30, 2009, in reporting on the ''Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame's 25th Anniversary Concert'', stated in an interview with Smokey, that he expressed "regret" that the rest of The Miracles weren't inducted into the Hall Of Fame with him.
In December, 2010, Goldmine (magazine)|Goldmine , the famous oldies music magazine, in its continuing series on "Artists Who Should be in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, But Are Not", focused on The Miracles, Marvelettes, and Mary Wells. About The Miracles, author Phill Marder stated :"If the Supremes got in with Diana Ross and the Vandellas made it in with Martha Reeves and the three other Tops made it in with Levi Stubbs, how could the Miracles, who were much more important, not get in with Smokey? " Little Anthony and the Imperials|Little Anthony and The Imperials , on their 2009 induction into the RRHOF, mentioned The Miracles as well. yet, The RRHOF Induction Committee has continued to ignore the group, for unknown reasons.

A video retrospective of the Miracles' work, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles: The Definitive Performances , was released on DVD by Motown Records and Universal Home Video in late 2006. It featured new interview footage with original Miracles Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, and Bobby Rogers. This DVD has been awarded Certified Gold status By The RIAA . In early 2007, " The Tracks of My Tears " became the fourth Miracles song to be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame . The other inducted songs are "Shop Around" (inducted 2006), " The Tears of a Clown " (inducted 2002), and "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" (inducted 1998). Three Miracles songs, "The Tracks of My Tears", "Ooo Baby Baby", and "Shop Around" are in Rolling Stone magazine's list of " The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time ", and their 1965 Going To a Go-Go album is on ''Rolling Stone's list of " The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time ". With their song "The Tears of a Clown", The Miracles are also noted as the first-ever Motown group to have a #1 record in England. Their million-selling song "The Tracks of My Tears" was honored by the Record Industry Association of America ( RIAA ) as #127 on their list of the Songs of the Century -the 365 Greatest Songs of the 20th Century, and on May 14, 2008, the song was preserved by the United States Library of Congress as an "culturally, historically and aesthetically significance" to the National Recording Registry . It was also chosen as one of the Top 10 Best Songs of All Time'' by a panel of 20 top industry songwriters and producers including Hal David , Paul McCartney , Brian Wilson , Jerry Leiber , and others as reported to Britain's Mojo (magazine)|Mojo music magazine, and was also winner of "The Award Of Merit" from The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers ( ASCAP ) for the song's writers, Miracles members Pete Moore , Marv Tarplin and Smokey Robinson .

Also, every member of The Miracles (except Claudette), has been a winner of the prestigious Broadcast Music Incorporated|BMI award for Songwriting. Ebony , Oct 1971, pg 169 Famed bandleader/arranger/producer Quincy Jones referred to The Miracles as "The Beethovens of The 20th Century", due to their prolific songwriting talents, and huge body of composed hit records. (reference: The Miracles: The Definitive Performances (1963–1987) ).In 1998,
Cable TV network VH-1 chose The Miracles as #61 in their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time , and in 2008, Billboard magazine, on the 50th anniversary of its Hot 100 chart, recently ranked them as #71 in its list of the Top 100 Artists of All Time . In addition, "Going to a Go-Go", "The Tracks of My Tears", and "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" are on The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 's list of "The 500 Songs That Helped Shape Rock and Roll" , and Rolling Stone Magazine ranked the Miracles as #32 in their list of "The Immortals: The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time" .

Tee Turner, who had been serving as the group's bassist, was made a fourth vocalist in 2001. Today, the Miracles are composed of classic-era member Bobby Rogers, along with Dave Finley, Tee Turner, and lead singer Mark Scott. Claudette Rogers performs with the group upon special request. The group continues to tour and perform throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, in 2001. The Miracles were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame . And, although not technically a Doo-Wop group, (though they did start out in that era and genre), The Miracles have also been inducted into the Doo-Wop Hall of Fame . Also, on July 12,2011, The editors of Goldmine (magazine)|Goldmine Magazine selected The Miracles as one of "The 20 Greatest Doo-Wop Groups of All Time" .

The original Miracles today

Today, original member Pete Moore is owner and CEO of his own Las Vegas-based entertainment firm, WBMM Enterprises. He and his wife Tina are parents to twin daughters, Monette and Monique. Bobby Rogers , tours nationally and internationally with the current Miracles group. Divorced from his first wife, The Marvelettes|Marvelettes member Wanda Young and now re-married for many years to current wife Joan, he has 4 grown children, Bobbae, Gina, Robert III & Kimberly. Ronnie White became an affluent real estate developer*. He died on August 26, 1995 at the age of 57, and is survived by his wife, Gloria, a son, Ron II, and a daughter, Pamela. His first wife, Earlyn, and eldest daughter Michelle, preceded him in death. Claudette Rogers is the First Lady of Motown, an active board member of the National Rhythm and Blues Foundation, HAL (Heroes & Legends) Awards, and she continues to perform at selected concerts with the Miracles. She is also writing her memoirs for publishing. She and Smokey are now divorced and have two grown children, Berry and Tamla. Marv Tarplin and his former wife, Sylvia, have a daughter, Talese. The couple divorced, and Sylvia died in 2004. Marv also had two other daughters, Lisa, and Eboney, from another relationship. Tarplin retired from touring in 2008. The second original member of the group to pass away, Marv died on September 30, 2011 at the age of 70. Smokey Robinson owns a food corporation, Smokey Robinson Foods and continues to tour and record as a solo artist. His current wife is Frances Robinson, and he has another son, Trey Robinson.

The original Miracles, Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore, Claudette Rogers and Smokey Robinson, re-united in Detroit in 2007 to celebrate the group's 50th anniversary, and performed in a tribute to Motown founder Berry Gordy .

In 2006, Woodbridge Estates, an exclusive residential development in The City of Detroit, named their community park "Miracles Park" and one of its streets "Miracles Boulevard", in recognition of the legendary Motown group's importance to the city, and as a tribute to their many accomplishments in the music industry. To date, The Miracles have sold over 40,000,000 records worldwide, and have won numerous Gold and Platinum Records, and other music industry awards. In 2006, the original Miracles were inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame. In 2008, the group's recording of "The Tracks Of My Tears" was voted a Legendary Michigan Song.

Despite the inductions of many of their Motown labelmates, as of 2012, the Miracles, Motown's first group, the artists most responsible for establishing the label's early success, still have not been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

On March 20, 2009, in Motown Records' 50th anniversary year, the Miracles received the latest of many career awards when they were honored with a star on the http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/ap/cbfc3329-e2ad-4c03-b60f-e3bd5b3dccc7.hmedium.jpg http://mrpoplife.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ede41cc883301156e312aba970c-320wi more than fifty years after the group's founding in 1957. That effort was led by public relations veteran Ron Brewington. The Star is located on the southwest corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Sycamore Street, one block east of La Brea Boulevard. The ceremony was attended by original Miracles Smokey Robinson, Claudette Rogers, Pete Moore, Bobby Rogers, Billy Griffin, and the late Ronnie White's widow Gloria, his daughter Pamela and granddaughter Mya; along with Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder , and other celebrities including, Brian Holland|Brian and Eddie Holland (of Holland-Dozier-Holland ), Mary Wilson (singer)|Mary Wilson of The Supremes , Al B Sure! , Freda Payne , and her sister, former Supreme Scherrie Payne , Motown songwriter Janie Bradford , Kevin Frazier of Entertainment Tonight , and a host of family, friends and fans. Speaking in tribute to the group,a tearful Stevie Wonder said,"Were it not for The Miracles, there would be no Stevie Wonder.I was discovered by the late Ronnie White of The Miracles. I owe everything that I have to The Miracles". Motown founder and First President Berry Gordy Jr. said: "Without The Miracles, Motown would not be the Motown it is today" .

Cover versions and Influence

The Miracles , Motown's first group,are far and away,the most covered Motown group of all time. Their music and songs have influenced artists all over the world& nbsp;– in every major musical genre& nbsp;– over the last 50 years. Almost all of their hits were self-written, making them unique among Motown acts. Many of the Miracles' songs have been major hits or important recordings for other artists. Among these are:

"Going to a Go-Go"& nbsp;– The Rolling Stones , Phil Collins , The Hags , and Secret Affair .

"I Second That Emotion"& nbsp;– Japan (band)|Japan , Michael McDonald (singer)|Michael McDonald , Kiki Dee , The Manhattan Transfer , Jerry Garcia , Diana Ross & the Supremes with the Temptations, 10db, Tammy Wynette , José Feliciano ,Emilie, Stuck In The Middle , Thelma Jones.

"(Come 'Round Here) I'm The One You Need "& nbsp;– The Jackson 5, The Cowsills , The GP's

"If You Can Want"& nbsp;– The Dirtbombs , Barbara McNair , Chazz Dixon.

"Nowhere To Go- Kanye West (as the basis of his song "About An Angel"), Beanie Sigel (as "Got Nowhere"), Freeway (rapper)|Freeway

"Much Better Off"& nbsp;– J Dilla .

"You've Got The Love I Need" - J Dilla , Raekwon .

"A Legend In Its Own Time"& nbsp;– J Dilla (as an exercept of his song "One Eleven").

"Oh Be My Love"- Barbara Lewis , The Supremes , Barbara McNair .

"I Don't Blame You At All"- Rosetta Hightower .

"Mighty Good Lovin"-Edwin Starr, Chris Clark.

"You're So Fine and Sweet"- The Undertakers .

"I Like It Like That" (Miracles song)- Bobby Vee , Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels .

"Would I Love You"- Len Barry .

"Happy Landing"- The Temptations .

"Special Occasion- Jim Gilstrap .

"I'll Try Something New"& nbsp;– The Supremes|Diana Ross & The Supremes with The Temptations , Barbara McNair , A Taste of Honey (band)|A Taste of Honey , Spyder Turner (as an excerpt from his cover of "Stand By Me")

"My Girl Has Gone"& nbsp;– Etienne Daho , Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers|Bobby Taylor , Edwyn Collins , Ken Parker (musician)|Ken Parker .

"Yester Love"& nbsp;– Gerald Wilson & His Orchestra.

"The Love I Saw In You Was Just a Mirage"& nbsp;– The Jackson 5 , Vance Gilbert , The Uniques

"Love Machine"& nbsp;– Wham! , Thelma Houston

"Determination"& nbsp;– The Contours .

Choosey Beggar& nbsp;– Chazz Dixon, Debby Boone .

"I've Been Good To You"& nbsp;– Marshall Crenshaw , Brenda Holloway, Joe Meek , The Temptones , Ray, Goodman & Brown (The Moments), The Ones , The Temptations .

"Mickey's Monkey"& nbsp;– Mother's Finest, Martha and the Vandellas , The Supremes , The Hollies , The Young Rascals , John Mellencamp , Lou Christie , Cannibal & the Headhunters , The C.A.Quintet , The Defenders (band)|The Defenders , Chris Catena , The Sugar Beats , The Mac Truque .

"More Love"& nbsp;– Kim Carnes , Paul Young (singer and guitarist)|Paul Young , Barbara McNair , Mica Paris , The 5th Dimension , Rick Webb .

"Ooo Baby Baby"& nbsp;– Linda Ronstadt , Brenda Holloway , Shalamar , Ruby Turner , Sylvester James|Sylvester , Spirit Traveler , Five Stairsteps , Zapp (band)|Zapp , Laura Nyro , Ella Fitzgerald , Honey Cone , Human Nature (band)|Human Nature , Fingazz

"Shop Around"& nbsp;– Captain & Tennille , Don Bryant , The Astronauts , The Allusions , and Georgie Fame , Neil Merryweather and Lynn Carey , among numerous others.

"The Tears of a Clown"& nbsp;– La Toya Jackson , The Beat (band)|The Beat , The Rocking Chairs , The Re-Bops , Nnenna Freelon , The Flying Pickets , Caligula (band)|Caligula , Human Nature (band)|Human Nature , Enuff Z'Nuff , Eumir Deodato , Brian Ray , Marc Cohn , Phil Collins .

"The Tracks of My Tears "& nbsp;– Linda Ronstadt , Aretha Franklin , Johnny Rivers , Gladys Knight & the Pips , Mongo Santamaría , Martha and the Vandellas , Bryan Ferry , Björns Vänner (as Ser Jag Ut Att Må Bra? ), Dolly Parton , Boyz II Men , Human Nature (band)|Human Nature , among many others

"Darling Dear"& nbsp;– The Jackson Five .

"Who's Loving You"& nbsp;– The Jackson 5, En Vogue , Terence Trent D'Arby , Brenda Holloway , The Supremes , The Temptations , Honey Cone , Stevie B. , Archie Bell & the Drells , Nikka Costa .

" You've Really Got a Hold on Me"& nbsp;– Percy Sledge , Barbara McNair , The Beatles , The Temptations , The Supremes , The Zombies , Aidan Smith, Sonny & Cher , Mickey Gilley , Eddie Money , Cyndi Lauper , The Bobs, Greg Brown, Small Faces , Bobby McFerrin , Derrick Harriott , and She & Him among many others.

"I Gotta Dance to Keep From Crying"& nbsp;– The Who , Jimmy James (singer)|Jimmy James .

"From Head to Toe"& nbsp;– Elvis Costello , Chris Clark (singer)|Chris Clark

"A Fork in the Road "& nbsp;– Rebbie Jackson

"Way Over There"& nbsp;– The Royal Counts, The Temptations , Edwin Starr , The Marvelettes , New Man, Eddie Adams Jr.

"(You Can't Let the Boy Overpower) The Man In You"& nbsp;– Chuck Jackson

"What's So Good About Goodbye"& nbsp;– Giant Sunflower, The Temptations , Quix*O*Tic

"More, More, More of Your Love"& nbsp;– Bob Brady & the Con Chords

"Doggone Right"& nbsp;– Bobby Davis.

"After All"& nbsp;– The Supremes , The Marvelettes .

"Swept For You Baby"& nbsp;– The Sylvers , The Blenders , The Tamlins (as Sweat For You Baby ).

"The Hurt is Over"& nbsp;– The DT's

"Whatever Makes You Happy"- Jacki Gore, Steve Washington.

"Save Me"& nbsp;– The Undertones

"(You Can) Depend On Me"& nbsp;– The Temptations , The Supremes , Mary Wells , Brenda Holloway , Barbara Mason .

"Baby Baby Don't Cry"& nbsp;– Gerald Wilson and His Orchestra, Projekt .

"Can You Love a Poor Boy"& nbsp;– Bobby Vee , Softones, Gil Bernal, Ronnie Walker.

"Bad Girl"& nbsp;– Dazz Band .

"That's What Love Is Made Of"& nbsp;– Michael Jackson , Bobby Vee , Choker Campbell , The Magicians .

"We've Come Too Far To End It Now"- The Escorts

"Here I Go Again"& nbsp;– Chazz Dixon, Carey Bell, A.J. De Bravo, Little Willie G., Oran "Juice" Jones .

"Point It Out"'& nbsp;– The Supremes and The Temptations .

"Got A Job"& nbsp;– The Marcels

"Whole Lotta Shakin' In My Heart (Since I Met You)"& nbsp;– The Hellacopters , Marv Johnson .

"Give Me Just Another Day"& nbsp;– Young Jeezy (as the basis for his song, "Mr 17.5")

"Do It Baby"- Jimmy Ponder , Red Holt (of Young-Holt Unlimited ).

"Who's Gonna Take The Blame"& nbsp;– Capone N. Noreaga (as the basis of their song "Live On Live Long").

References: Allmusic, The Covers Project,Second Hand Songs, "Who Sampled" website.

Awards, Legacy, and Professional Recognition

Every member of The Miracles (except Claudette) has been awarded the Broadcast Music Incorporated|BMI award for songwriting.Ebony,Oct 1971,pg 169

Berry Gordy's Motown Record Corporation's signature act; their first Group, and their first million selling act was The Miracles.Their groundbraking success paved the way for all future Motown stars.

Without The Miracles there would be no Motown, quoted Berry Gordy, March 20, 2009 @ Miracles HWOF Ceremony.

Without The Miracles there would be no Stevie Wonder, quoted Stevie Wonder, March 20, 2009 @ Miracles HWOF Ceremony.

The Miracles Day, dedicated in Hollywood, California, March 20, 2009.

Gold & Platinum Record (Single & Album) Awards (Sales of more than 500,000 or 1,000,000 units)

Worldwide over 40 Million records sold.

Motown DVD The Miracles: The Definitive Performances (1963–1987) awarded Certified Gold status by the RIAA .

Twenty six of The Miracles single releases reached the Top Ten Billboard R& B Charts

Four of The Miracles' songs reached #1 on Billboard R& B Charts

Sixteen releases of The Miracles' recordings reached Billboards Hot 100's Pop Top 20 List with 7 Pop Top Tens.

Two Miracles songs,the multi-million sellers Tears of a Clown , and " Love Machine (The Miracles song)|Love Machine" , reach #1 on Billboard Pop chart. A third song, their 1st million-seller Shop Around , reached #1 on Cash Box Pop chart. It was also the Motown label's first Billboard #1 R& B Hit.

Four-time inductees Grammy Hall of Fame . (As of 2011, the Miracles have more Grammy Hall Of Fame inducted songs than any other Motown group).

Doo-Wop Hall of Fame Inductees.

Triple induction Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Best" song List.

Double recipient of the prestigious "Heroes and Legends" Award.

Winner- Rhythm and Blues Foundation|Rhythm and Blues Foundation's Pioneer Award

Vocal Group Hall of Fame Induction & Award

Spirit of Detroit Award

Rolling Stone Magazine named The Miracles #32 in its list of "The Immortals": The 50 Greatest Rock n' Roll Artists" of All Time (the highest ranking Motown group on the listing).

Billboard Magazine lists The Miracles among The 100 Greatest Artists of all Time (#71).

VH-1 lists The Miracles among The 100 Greatest Artists of all Time (#61).

Under the terms of the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, the Library's National Recording Preservation Board announced The Miracles' million seller, "Tracks of My Tears" being "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant" to preserve for all time in the United States Library of Congress.

Miracles Boulevard and Miracles Park named after the group, Detroit, Michigan (Woodbridge Estates)

Governor of the State of Michigan, Certificate of Tribute and recognition of The Miracles and their importance to the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit for tremendous accomplishments in the music industry.

Mayor of Detroit Proclamation for a Lifetime of history making accomplishments in music.

Resolution Award, the Detroit City Council gave the Highest Honor they can present to The Miracles for 5 decades of unchallenged achievements in the music industry.

City of Beverly Hills, California, Beverly Hills Mayor & City Council Proclamation recognizing The Miracles contributions to the music industry and American Culture.

Miracles members Pete Moore , Marv Tarplin , and Smokey Robinson are winners of "The Award Of Merit" from The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers ( ASCAP ), for composing The Tracks Of My Tears .

The Miracles received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 20, 2009.

Members

Smokey Robinson|William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. (1955–1972)

Ronald White|Ronald "Ronnie" White (1955–1983; 1993–1995)

Pete Moore|Warren "Pete" Moore (1955–1978)

Clarence Dawson (1955)

James Grice (1955)

Emerson "Sonny" Rogers (1956)

Bobby Rogers|Robert "Bobby" Rogers (1956–1983; 1993–present)

Claudette Rogers (1957–1973; 2005-present)*

Marv Tarplin|Marvin "Marv" Tarplin (1958–1973)**

Billy Griffin|William "Billy" Griffin (1972–1978; late 1990s)

Donald Griffin (1973–1978)**

David "Dave" Finley (1978–1983; 1993–present)

Carl Cotton (1978–1983)

Sidney Justin (1993–2005)

Tee Turner (2001–present)

Mark Scott (2005–present)

Alphonse Franklin (June-December 2008)***

(*) Claudette Rogers retired from performing on stage in 1964 to start a family. Although she does not appear in any official Miracles photographs, nor mentioned as ever being a group member, after this point, she continued to sing in the background with the group on their recordings for as long as her former husband Smokey Robinson was a member. As most of the group's performances before the camera were without her, some fans were unaware the group had a female member, and some sources dispute it. Claudette, however, did appear on the cover of The Miracles' 1970 One Dozen Roses album, their aborted 1964 album, I Like It Like That (album)|I Like It Like That , all pre-1964 albums that showed the group, and on the back covers of their albums Away We a Go-Go (1966) and What Love Has...Joined Together (album)|What Love Has...Joined Together (1970), and the center insert of their album, Greatest Hits from the Beginning . Claudette also appears on the cover of the 2009 Motown CD release : " The Miracles – Depend On Me: The Early Albums|The Miracles: Depend On Me ". Today,she is a board member of the national Rhythm and Blues Foundation , an organization dedicated to the preservation of Rhythm and Blues music, and the protection of its artists' rights.

(**) Original Miracle Marv Tarplin, although remaining with the group until 1973, only appeared on the covers of 3 classic Miracles albums: 1961's '' Cookin' with The Miracles '', 1962's '' I'll Try Something New '', and 1963's The Fabulous Miracles . He was also mentioned, though not pictured, on the back of the group's very first album,'' Hi... We're the Miracles '', and listed as an original group member. Tarplin left The Miracles in 1973, to tour and work with Smokey. He did this for another 35 years, before he finally retired in 2008. His replacement in The Miracles was Donald Griffin, brother of Billy Griffin, Robinson's replacement in the group. Griffin appears on the cover of The Miracles' 1977 Columbia album, "The Miracles: Love Crazy". http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-eWy9xG9GY8/SD_zE6JsOhI/AAAAAAAACUc/LEOiZe9FUn8/s320/the_miracles-love_crazy%5B1%5D.jpg Tarplin is also pictured on the cover of the 2006 CD Smokey Robinson & The Miracles: Gold , and the 2009 Motown CD release, The Miracles–Depend On Me: The Early Albums , as well as being listed as an original member of The Miracles in the collection's liner notes. Despite this some do not recognize Marv Tarplin or Donald Griffin, as being official group members as they played guitar for the group and did not sing with them. However, in the 2006 Motown DVD release, "Smokey Robinson and The Miracles: The Definitive Performances" , Smokey Robinson himself acknowledged Marv Tarplin as being a member of The Miracles with the words "And that is how Marv Tarplin got into our group" Marv passed away on September 30th 2011.

(***) Alphonse Franklin, filled in for the group's current lead singer Mark Scott during the later part of 2008. Some sources dispute calling him an official member of the group, though at that time he actually was.

Discography

Note: For a detailed listing of albums and singles,see

Top Twenty US and UK singles

1960: " Shop Around " (US: #2)

1962: " You've Really Got a Hold on Me " (US #8)

1963: " Mickey's Monkey (song)|Mickey's Monkey " (US #8)

1965: " Ooo Baby Baby " (US: #16)

1965: " The Tracks of My Tears " (US #16, UK #9)

1965: " My Girl Has Gone " (US #14)

1965: " Going to a Go-Go (song)|Going to a Go-Go " (US #11)

1966: " (Come 'Round Here) I'm The One You Need " (US #17, UK #13)

1967: " The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage " (US #20)

1967: " I Second That Emotion " (US #4)

1968: " If You Can Want " (US: #11)

1969: " Baby, Baby Don't Cry " (US #8)

1970: " The Tears of a Clown " (US #1, UK: #1)

1971: " I Don't Blame You At All " (US #18, UK #11)

1974: " Do It Baby " (US #13)

1976: " Love Machine (The Miracles song)|Love Machine& nbsp;– Pt. I "(US #1, UK #3)

Top Forty albums

1965: Greatest Hits from the Beginning (US #21)

1965: Going to a Go-Go (US #8)

1967: Make It Happen (Miracles album)|Make It Happen (US #28)

1968: Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 (Miracles album)|Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 (US #7)

1969: Time Out For Smokey Robinson & the Miracles (US #25)

1975: City of Angels (album)|City of Angels (US #33)

Videography

DVD

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles: The Definitive Performances (1963-1987) Motown/Universal (2006- RIAA Certified Gold)

The T.A.M.I. Show (1964)

''Ed Sullivan's Rock & Roll Classics

Red, White, and Rock (PBS special-VHS & DVD)

Soul Spectacular: 40 Years Of R& B (PBS Special-VHS & DVD)

Music Scene& nbsp;– The Best of 1969–70 (DVD & VHS)

Motortown Gold on The Ed Sullivan Show & nbsp;– SOFA Entertainment& nbsp;– 2005

The Best of Music Scene& nbsp;– The Best of 1969–70 & nbsp;– 2005

VHS

Shindig- Motor City Magic Rhino/ABC-1991

Ready Steady Go- Special Edition: The Sounds Of Motown -1985

That Was Rock: The T.A.M.I/T.N.T Shows - Media Home Entertainment-1984

Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever

The Soul Experience - USA Home Video (VHS & DVD)& nbsp;– 1985

The History Of Rock and Roll: The Sounds of Soul-Time Life/Warner Bros/Quincy Jones Productions-(VHS & DVD) 1985

Awards and achievements

100 Greatest Artists of All Time

The Miracles are on 3 lists of The 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time :

''' Rolling Stone Magazine 's list at #32.

VH-1 's list at #61. (1998 list)

''' Billboard Magazine 's list at #71.

Grammy Hall of Fame

The Miracles are 4-time inductees into the Grammy Hall of Fame Award|Grammy Hall of Fame *, which is a special Grammy award established in 1973 to honor recordings that are at least twenty-five years old, and that have "qualitative or historical significance." As of 2011, The Miracles have more Grammy Hall of Fame inducted songs than any other Motown group:

Year Recorded	Title	Genre	Label	Year Inducted
Grammy Hall of Fame Awards-The Miracles:
1962	You've Really Got a Hold on Me	Traditional R& B (Single)	Tamla	1998
1965	The Tracks Of My Tears	Traditional R& B (Single)	Tamla	2007
1970*	The Tears of a Clown	Pop (Single)	Tamla	2002
1960	Shop Around	Traditional R& B (Single)	Tamla	2006

*"The Tears Of A Clown", although not released as a single until 1970, was first recorded in 1966 and released on The Miracles' 1967 album Make It Happen , later re-named The Tears Of A Clown .

* Awarded by The National Academy Of Recording Arts and Sciences.

Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time

The Miracles have 3 songs in ''Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time :

Year Recorded	Title	Genre	Label	Song Position
'''Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time -The Miracles:
1965	Ooo Baby Baby *	R& B (Single)	Tamla (Motown)	#262
1965	The Tracks Of My Tears	R& B (Single)	Tamla (Motown)	#50
1960	Shop Around	R& B (Single)	Tamla (Motown)	#495

The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time was the cover story of a special issue of Rolling Stone magazine published in November 2004. It was chosen based on votes by 172 musicians, critics, and industry figures.

* Incorrectly credited solely to Smokey Robinson, "Ooo Baby Baby" was recorded by The Miracles as a group in 1965, while Robinson was still a member (Tamla 54113).

The Miracles' 1965 album, Going to a Go-Go , from which two of these songs were taken, also made #271 on ''Rolling Stone's list of "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time " .

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll

Although still not inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame as of 2012, The Miracles have three songs on their "500 best" list:

Year Recorded	Title	Genre	Label	Album
''' The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll - The Miracles :
1965	Going to a Go-Go *	R& B (Single)	Tamla (Motown)	Going to a Go-Go
1965	The Tracks of My Tears	R& B (Single)	Tamla (Motown)	Going to a Go-Go
1962	You've Really Got a Hold on Me	R& B (Single)	Tamla (Motown)	The Fabulous Miracles

Selected by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum curatorial staff and a number of rock critics and historians, these 500 songs are some of rock and roll's most popular and influential recordings. This list of 500 songs cover a variety of musicians and genres illustrating the evolution of rock and roll over the last century.

The Miracles' "Hall of Fame" Awards

Grammy Hall Of Fame

Vocal Group Hall Of Fame

Doo-Wop Hall Of Fame

Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame

'''The Peoples'Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame'''

Hollywood Walk Of Fame

(Note: In early 2011 , It had been revealed that The Miracles had been nominated for induction into the Hit Parade Hall Of Fame

References

External links

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Copyright Citations

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