| 1. He was born into a poor family in the North End neighbourhood of Detroit, Michigan. |
| 2. He has a diverse ancestry including Nigerian, Scandinavian, Portuguese, and Cherokee. |
| 3. He had a close relationship with his uncle Claude, who nicknamed him 'Smokey Joe' at age 4. |
| 4. Smokey lived just four doors away from Diana Ross during their childhood and played a role in her first Motown audition. |
| 5. He began his musical journey with a group called 'The Five Chimes' which later became 'The Miracles'. |
| 6. Robinson was the first to introduce songwriting in Motown with couples like Berry Gordy backing him. |
| 7. He began his musical journey with a group called 'The Matadors' which later became 'The Miracles' after Claudette Rogers joined. |
| 8. Robinson was instrumental in introducing Berry Gordy to the Primettes, who would later become The Supremes. |
| 9. He served as Vice President of Motown Records and was an in-house producer and talent scout. |
| 10. In 1972, Robinson left The Miracles to spend a year in retirement helping Claudette Rogers raise their two children. |
| 11. He has released more than twenty solo albums since beginning his solo career in 1973. |
| 12. Robinson was the first to introduce songwriting as a key creative force at Motown, establishing the model for the label's success. |
