1. William “Smokey” Robinson b. 1940 Inducted in 1987 Singer, songwriter, producer, and music executive Raised in Detroit, Michigan Lead singer of the Miracles Joins Motown Records from its founding in 1959 and later becomes a vice president Becomes a solo artist in the 1970s

2. The Miracles Inducted 2012 Vocal group formed in the 1950s in Detroit Smokey Robinson was the group’s lead singer until 1972; the group became known as “Smokey Robinson and the Miracles” in 1967 Inducted members: Warren “Pete” Moore, Bobby Rogers, Claudette Rogers, Ronnie White, and Marv Tarplin (guitar) The first group signed to Motown Records

3. 1959: Berry Gordy, Jr. founds Motown in Detroit with an $800 loan from his family 1959: Berry Gordy, Jr. founds Motown in Detroit with an $800 loan from his family 1961: Motown’s first #1 hit is “Please Mr. Postman” by the Marvelettes 1961: Motown’s first #1 hit is “Please Mr. Postman” by the Marvelettes 1988: Gordy sells Motown Records to MCA 1988: Gordy sells Motown Records to MCA 1960: Motown’s first #1 R&B single is the Miracles’ “Shop Around” 1960: Motown’s first #1 R&B single is the Miracles’ “Shop Around” 1972: Motown leaves the Hitsville U.S.A. studio in Detroit for Los Angeles 1972: Motown leaves the Hitsville U.S.A. studio in Detroit for Los Angeles 1964: Gordy hires Maxine Powell to run an in-house finishing school and Cholly Atkins as choreographer 1964: Gordy hires Maxine Powell to run an in-house finishing school and Cholly Atkins as choreographer Motown Records