Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

The Miracles

Role / Field:

Pioneering American R&B and soul vocal group, foundational to Motown's success.

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

The Miracles (known as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles from 1965 to 1972) were an American vocal group formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1955. They were the first successful recording act for Motown Records and are considered one of the most important and most influential groups in the history of pop, soul, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll music. The group's international fame in the 1960s, alongside other Motown acts, led to a greater acceptance of R&B and pop music in the U.S., with the group being considered influential and important in the development of modern popular music. The group was formed as The Five Chimes and changed their name first to the Matadors, and then after adding Claudette, to the Miracles in 1958, by which time their lineup consisted of Smokey Robinson, Claudette Rogers (later Robinson), Bobby Rogers, Warren "Pete" Moore, Marv Tarplin, and Ronnie White.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Referred to as Motown's "soul supergroup", the Miracles recorded more than 50 chart hits, including 26 Top 40 pop hits, 16 of which reached the Billboard Hot 100 Top 20, seven Top 10 singles, and a number-one single (1967's "The Tears of a Clown") while the Robinsons and Tarplin were members. Following the...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aamir Khan — Historical peer (Born in 1965) (1965): Iconic Indian actor and filmmaker, known as "Mr. Perfectionist" in Hindi cinema.
• Alan Freed — Historical peer (Died in 1965) (1965): Pioneering disc jockey who popularized rock and roll and broke racial barriers in 1950s pop culture.
• Abraham Joshua Heschel — Historical peer (Died in 1972) (1972): Leading 20th-century American rabbi, theologian, and philosopher.
• Alec Empire — Historical peer (Born in 1972) (1972): German experimental electronic musician, founder of Atari Teenage Riot and digital hardcore.
• Akiko Yano — Historical peer (Born in 1955) (1955): Pioneering Japanese jazz and pop singer known for her eclectic style.
• Akira Toriyama — Historical peer (Born in 1955) (1955): Pioneering manga artist, creator of Dr. Slump and the global phenomenon, Dragon Ball.
• Alec Baldwin — Historical peer (Born in 1958) (1958): Versatile American actor known for dramatic depth and comedic timing.
• Alfred Noyes — Historical peer (Died in 1958) (1958): Celebrated English poet known for vivid narrative verse, especially 'The Highwayman'.
• Akshay Kumar — Historical peer (Born in 1967) (1967): Veteran Indian actor and producer, celebrated for action roles and prolific career.
• Albert Luthuli — Historical peer (Died in 1967) (1967): Pioneering anti-apartheid activist and leader of the ANC in South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Miracles