Post by Emerald City on Jul 12, 2004 20:25:39 GMT -5
The Miracles started out together in High School as The Five Chimes in the mid 50’s and consisted of Smokey Robinson, Warren ‘Pete’ Moore, Clarence Dawson, Donald Wicker and James Grice. Soon after they came together, James and Donald left and were replaced by cousins Sonny and Bobby Rogers. Next up to leave was Clarence with Ronnie White taking his place, then Sonny was quickly drafted into the army and his cousin Claudette Rogers officially filled in his spot.
Now known as The Matadors, the group auditioned for Jackie Wilson's manager, Nat Tarnapol but he wasn't interested in them because they reminded him of The Platters. However one of Jackie Wilson's songwriters, Berry Gordy Jr. happened to hear them audition and soon began producing them. They changed their name to The Miracles and released two singles on End Records just before Smokey encouraged Gordy to set up his own label.
‘Shop Around’ was their fifth release on Tamla/Motown in October 1960 reaching #1 on the R&B chart and #2 on the pop chart. It became the labels first million seller and was an excellent start of the hits that were yet to come. ‘You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me’, ‘Ooh Baby Baby‘, ‘Going To A Go-Go’ and ‘The Tracks Of My Tears’ are just a few of the songs that established the Miracles as classic hit makers. Once the name changed to Smokey Robinson and The Miracles they were able to score two more #1‘s ‘I Second That Emotion’ and ‘Tears Of A Clown’.
As we all know Smokey went on to have a great solo career and the Miracles still went on to be successful and maintain a loyal fan base but here we celebrate the great music that they all made together during Motown’s golden period…
