Smokey Robinson

Versatile American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive, William Robinson Jr. is prominently known as Smokey Robinson. He was the founder and frontman of the Motown vocal group the Miracles, for which he was also chief songwriter and producer. He also played with the Five Chimes until 1972 and pursued a solo career. He released such popular songs as "A Quiet Storm," "Tears of a Clown," "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," and "I Second That Emotion." He was a big fan of Westerns and thought his uncle's nickname Smokey Joe was a cowboy moniker. He was inspired to play by artists like Billy Ward and His Dominoes. As well, he was the vice president of Motown Records from 1961 to 1988. Recently, Robinson goes viral for mispronouncing Hanukkah as Chanooka.