Smokey Robinson

USA, 1955–now

American singer, songwriter and Motown executive. He led the Miracles, wrote 'My Girl' and 'The Tracks of My Tears', and was vice-president of the label under Berry Gordy.

MusicRoots documents 6 artists who influenced Smokey Robinson and 1 artist Smokey Robinson influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Smokey Robinson?

• Jackie Wilson — Jackie Wilson was the first singer who made young Smokey want to sing.
• The Impressions — The Impressions' conscious soul songwriting influenced Smokey Robinson's more introspective work.
• Billie Holiday — Billie Holiday was Smokey's model for poetic depth — what he wanted to bring to the soul ballad.
• Sam Cooke — Sam Cooke's effortless gospel-to-pop grace was a defining model for Robinson's smooth, poetic soul.
• Clyde McPhatter — When rock'n'roll hit, Robinson became a big fan of tenor Clyde McPhatter — the gospel-R&B lead behind his own style.
• Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers — Frankie Lymon's boy-tenor doo-wop was among the voices the young Robinson modelled himself on.

Which artists did Smokey Robinson influence?

• Hall & Oates — Named within the Motown tradition Hall & Oates's blue-eyed soul drew on.