The Miracles

USA, 1955–1978

Detroit group led by Smokey Robinson and Motown's first successful act. 'Shop Around', 'The Tracks of My Tears' and 'The Tears of a Clown' moved doo-wop towards soul.

MusicRoots documents 3 artists who influenced The Miracles and 1 artist The Miracles influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced The Miracles?

• Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers — Smokey Robinson idolised Frankie Lymon's soaring boy-tenor — the doo-wop model behind the Miracles' early sound (Lymon in turn lists Robinson among his heirs).
• Clyde McPhatter — Clyde McPhatter's gospel-tenor R&B — with Billy Ward's Dominoes and the Drifters — was among the voices the young Robinson modelled himself on.
• Sam Cooke — Sam Cooke's effortless grace and gospel-to-pop crossover was a defining influence on Robinson's smooth soul phrasing.

Which artists did The Miracles influence?

• Hall & Oates — Smokey Robinson's Miracles were part of the soul lineage behind Hall's smooth, melodic phrasing.