The founder and erstwhile frontman of the Motown vocal group, The Miracles, Smokey Robinson, is regarded as one of the prominent figures in American R&B who initially played a vital role in pushing America’s most iconic soul music label toward greatness.
Widely known as the ‘King of Motown,’ Robinson is credited with 4,000 songs and 37 Top 40 hits, including Tracks of My Tears, Tears of a Clown, and more. He also became a vice president at Motown from 1961 to 1988.
After having such a prolific career in the music world, Robinson holds a hefty sum of money. According to celebrity net worth, the artist owns $100 million net worth, in 2019.
What Are The Major Contributing Factors To Smokey Robinson’s Financial History?
Smokey Robinson’s years-long career as a singer, songwriter, and record producer are the major driving forces of his massive wealth. He is a founder and former frontman of the American rhythm and blues vocal group The Miracles.
Between 1960 and 1970, the group became a frequent presence on the pop and R&B charts, releasing a number of hit singles like Tracks of My Tears, Mickey’s Monkey, You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me, and more.
Image Source: Valley Advocate
In November 1965, the group came with their most hit single Going to a Go-Go that sold out approx 500k copies all over the world. The single also became commercially hit, making $650,000. He led the group until 1972 and returned to the music industry with his debut solo album, Smokey, in 1973.
The artist released his singles Being with You in 1981 and One Heartbeat in 1987 that both made a revenue of $650k. In Jan 2009, Smokey released the album The Definitive Performance, which sold over 50k copies and collected $65,000.
Where Does Smokey Robinson Live?
Smokey Robinson bought the 1912 house located in Southern Colonial, in 1988. He sold the property for around $2.3 million in 2002. It is now on the market for $8.253 million.
Furthermore, Robinson put his California nestled mansion up on the market for a discounted price of $7.99 million, in late 2014. He has been struggling to sell the property since 2005, and at that time, it was on the market for $10.5 million. According to property records, Smokey purchased it for $2.7 million back in 2002.
Image Source: Architectural Digest
The star-studded Chatsworth estate in California sits in 9,075-square-foot and features six-bedrooms. Other significant highlights of the home are a wine cellar, movie theater, gym, and outdoor pool.
Charity Work
Smokey Robinson has also been a part of many charitable organizations like Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, UNICEF, United Negro College Fund, and more.
Robinson also performed at the 2008 Diamond Ball & Private Concert to raise a fund for Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Awards And Achievements
Along with his extensive music career, Smokey Robinson has also collected armful accolades. In 1987, he cooperated into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His single Just to See Her won the 1988 Grammy Award.
Robinson was also inducted to the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 1989. Moreover, the artist received a medal at the National Medal of Arts. He won the Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize, in 2016.
Short-Bio: Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson was born on 19th Feb 1940 in Detroit, Michigan, to an African-American father, William Robinson, and a mother, Flossie Robinson. He had a strong bond with his late uncle Claude Robinson who also gave him the nickname “Smokey Joe” as a child.
He graduated from the Nothern High School. At that time, he was a keen athlete.
Talking about his personal life, Smokey Robinson has been married twice. He first tied the knot to Claudette Rogers Robinson, a singer-songwriter, in 1959. The two have two children, a son named Berry Robinson (born 1968) and a daughter Tamla Robinson (born 1971).
During his marriage to Claudette, Smokey also had an affair with another woman. They have a son Trey Robinson, born in 1984. His extra-marital affair eventually ruined his relationship with Claudette, and they later separated. Their divorce was granted in 1986.
Robinson later went on to marry his second spouse Frances Gladney, in May 2002, in a private wedding ceremony. As of now, the two reside in their Pittsburgh home.
Other Facts
- He practices Transcendental Meditation.
- He has golden-green eyes.
- He has stopped to eat red meat since 1972.
