Smokey Robinson’s Fortune: Motown Legend’s Net Worth in 2024
William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. is a legendary figure in American music whose smooth vocals and poetic lyrics helped define the Motown sound and shape the landscape of R&B and soul music for generations.
Born on February 19, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, Robinson’s career spans over six decades. It encompasses his role as the founder and frontman of the Miracles, a successful solo artist, songwriter, record producer, and record executive.
His contributions to music have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the prestigious Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
Who is Smokey Robinson?
Smokey Robinson is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive who played a pivotal role in developing Motown Records and popularizing soul music.
Known for his silky tenor voice and passionate performances, Robinson first rose to fame as the lead singer of the Miracles in the 1960s. His songwriting abilities earned him the nickname “America’s greatest living poet” from Bob Dylan, and his talents extended far beyond his group as he penned hits for many other Motown artists.
Robinson’s career is marked by numerous chart-topping hits, both with the Miracles and as a solo artist. Some of his most famous songs include “The Tracks of My Tears,” “I Second That Emotion,” “The Tears of a Clown,” and “Cruisin’.”
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. |
| Date of Birth | February 19, 1940 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 84 years old |
| Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Marital Status | Married to Frances Gladney (since 2002) |
| Previous Marriage | Claudette Rogers (1959–1986) |
| Children | Berry Robinson (born 1968), Tamla Robinson (born 1971) |
His smooth, soulful style and romantic lyrics made him one of the most beloved figures in R&B music, and his influence can still be heard in contemporary popular music today.
Personal Life and Relationships
Smokey Robinson’s personal life has been as eventful as his professional career. In 1959, he married Claudette Rogers, a fellow member of the Miracles.
Their marriage lasted for 27 years, during which they had two children together: Berry Robinson (born 1968) and Tamla Robinson (born 1971). However, the couple faced challenges, including a separation in 1974 and Robinson’s extramarital affairs, which he has openly discussed in interviews.
One of the most talked-about aspects of Robinson’s personal life was his affair with Diana Ross, which lasted for about a year. Robinson has stated that the affair ended because Ross felt uncomfortable due to her friendship with Claudette.
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Despite these difficulties, Robinson and Claudette remained married until 1986, when they divorced after Robinson had fathered a child with another woman.
In 2002, Robinson found love again and married Frances Gladney. The couple has been together since, sharing a home in Pittsburgh that they also use as a winery. Robinson’s personal life has often influenced his music, with many of his songs drawing inspiration from his relationships and experiences.
Professional Career and Achievements
Smokey Robinson’s professional career began in 1955 when he formed a doo-wop group called the Five Chimes with his childhood friend Warren “Pete” Moore. The group eventually evolved into the Miracles, signing with Motown Records in 1959.
Under Robinson’s leadership, the Miracles became one of Motown’s most successful acts, releasing hits like “Shop Around,” “You’ve Got a Hold on Me,” and “The Tracks of My Tears.”
In addition to his work with the Miracles, Robinson became a key figure at Motown, serving as vice president from 1961 to 1988. During this time, he wrote and produced hits for other Motown artists, including “My Girl” for the Temptations and “Ain’t That Peculiar” for Marvin Gaye.
Robinson left the Miracles in 1972 to focus on his role as vice president at Motown, but he soon launched a successful solo career. His 1975 album “A Quiet Storm” was a critical and commercial success, spawning the hit single “Baby That’s Backatcha” and lending its name to a new radio format.
Throughout his career, Robinson has received numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 1988 and again as a member of the Miracles in 2012.
He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and received the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, and the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
Age and Physique
Smokey Robinson was born on February 19, 1940, is 84 years old (as of 2024). Despite his age, Robinson has maintained a youthful appearance and energy that has amazed fans and critics alike. Standing 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall, Robinson has always been known for his lean physique and smooth movements on stage.
Robinson attributes his youthful appearance and vitality to a healthy lifestyle. He has been a vegetarian since 1972 and practices Transcendental Meditation. In interviews, he has emphasized the importance of physically and mentally caring for oneself, which he believes has contributed to his longevity in the music industry.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2024, Smokey Robinson’s net worth is estimated at around $150 million. This substantial wealth comes from his long and successful career in the music industry, including his work as a performer, songwriter, producer, and executive.
While specific salary details are not publicly available, Robinson’s income has come from various sources throughout his career.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2024) | Estimated at $150 million |
| Income Sources | Songwriting royalties, album sales, live performances, Motown executive salary, business ventures |
| Notable Business | Winery owned with his wife in Pittsburgh |
These include royalties from his extensive catalog of hit songs, earnings from album sales and live performances, and his salary as a Motown executive. Additionally, Robinson has likely earned income from his business ventures outside of music, such as his winery.
Company Details and Investments
While primarily known for his music career, Smokey Robinson has also ventured into business. He and his wife, Frances, own a winery in Pittsburgh, which they operate from home. This venture combines Robinson’s love for wine with his entrepreneurial spirit.
Welcome to Smokey’s Soul Town! I will be curating and hosting this exclusive channel playing Classic Soul, R&B, and Motown from the 60s & 70s! Learn more: https://t.co/HrfIiv6XmM pic.twitter.com/7mkRD7g8Id
— Smokey Robinson (@smokeyrobinson) November 8, 2023
Robinson has owned several properties over the years regarding real estate investments. 2002, he sold his home in Encino, Los Angeles for $2.3 million. The property, built in 1912, featured 10,600 square feet of living space on 1.5 acres.
2014 Robinson listed another mansion in the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles for $7.99 million, although it had previously been listed for higher amounts in 2005 and 2007.
| Venture | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Winery | Pittsburgh, USA | Operated from their home with his wife, Frances Gladney |
| Real Estate | Encino, Los Angeles | Sold for $2.3 million in 2002 |
| Real Estate | Chatsworth, Los Angeles | The mansion was listed for $7.99 million in 2014 |
While details of Robinson’s other investments are not widely publicized, it’s common for successful artists of his stature to diversify their wealth through various investment vehicles, potentially including stocks, bonds, and other business ventures.
Contact Details and Social Network Handles
Smokey Robinson maintains a public presence on various social media platforms, allowing fans to stay connected with his latest activities and music releases. Here are his official social media handles:
| Platform | Handle | Details |
|---|---|---|
| @smokey_robinson | Updates on music and personal life | |
| @smokeyrobinson | Engages with fans and shares music-related content | |
| @smokeyrobinson | Photos and updates on his career and personal interests |
Robinson is represented by talent agencies for professional inquiries, though specific contact information for these agencies is not publicly available. Fans and media can often reach out through his official website or social media channels for general inquiries or fan mail.
Conclusion
Smokey Robinson’s biography is a testament to his enduring impact on American music and popular culture. From his humble beginnings in Detroit to his status as a music legend, Robinson’s journey is one of talent, perseverance, and innovation.
His contributions to the Motown sound, his success as a solo artist, and his role in shaping the music industry continue to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers alike.
As he continues to perform and create music well into his 80s, Smokey Robinson remains a beloved figure whose legacy is firmly cemented in the annals of music history.
