The Miracles

In 1957 the city of Detroit was alive with music. It was the golden age of doo-wop and everyone wanted to harmonize. Teenagers gathered in the park and on many a street corner, vocalizing the hits of the era.

 

One such group of teenagers was the Matadors: William "Smokey" Robinson, Warren "Pete" Moore, Ronald "Ronnie" White, cousins Robert "Bobby" Rogers, and Emerson "Sonny" Rogers. Music was as natural to them as breathing. They even had a "sister" group, The Matadorettes, one member of which was Sonny's sister, Claudette. The group rehearsed together often and appeared on talent shows throughout the city.

 

After a year, when it seemed that nothing was going to happen, Sonny joined the U.S. Army. Within a month's time, there was an agency searching for talented young people to record. An audition was scheduled for the following Saturday. However, the Matadors felt their music called for a fifth voice, and a female voice would add just the right touch to their vocal blend. A quick decision was made: "Ask Claudette?" She was familiar with the songs since the group used her basement as their rehearsal hall. Claudette said yes.

 

Armed with a simple notebook of about 100 original songs written by Smokey, they gave it their all. Unfortunately, they were turned down by the agent. Dejected, they turned to leave. But fate intervened in the person of young songwriter Berry Gordy, who just happened to be across the hall from the audition. Mr. Gordy remarked that he was impressed with the songs and wanted to hear more. He listened patiently and made songwriting suggestions to Smokey. A bond was forged that day that would forever impact music history and help break down barriers of racism and segregation with their engaging lyrics and universal music.

 

Gordy and the former Matadors — now The Miracles — became a team. He became their manager, mentor, teacher and friend. The Miracles were the first group to be signed by Gordy, giving Claudette the distinction of being the "First Lady of Motown." Gordy gave her this official title since she was the first female to ink a contract with Motown Records.

 

As a result, The Miracles gave Motown its first million-seller with "Shop Around."

 

It was a magical partnership for Gordy and The Miracles. Headlining the Motortown Revue, The Miracles traveled throughout the United States and eventually, the world. During the course of five decades, The Miracles compiled an enviable list of chart-busting million-sellers, including "Shop Around," "Ooo Baby, Baby," "I Second that Emotion," "More Love," "Mickey's Monkey," "Tracks of My Tears," and "The Tears of a Clown."

 

The Miracles have four recordings inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012; they are two-time recipients of the prestigious Heroes and Legends Award, the Rhythm & Blues Foundation's Pioneer Award, Vocal Group Hall of Fame Award, and the Spirit of Detroit Award; and they ranked No. 32 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists list. In 2007 the Library of Congress added The Miracles' million-seller hit "Tracks of my Tears" to its National Recording Registry in recognition of the song being "culturally, historically and aesthetically significant."

 

As their list of accolades are many, one salutation very dear to The Miracles was being recognized in their hometown of Detroit, Michigan, where their musical legacy began over 50 years ago: A Street and Park was named in their honor.

 

The group evolved with the music; Smokey and Claudette married; Pete served two years in the United States Army, and in 1965 the group became known as Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. Claudette retired from touring that same year, but continued to record in the studio on all of The Miracles' recordings until 1972. In June 1972 the group held its last performance as Smokey Robinson and The Miracles at the Carter Baron Theater in Washington, D.C.