William “Smokey” Robinson b 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

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

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