Smokey Robinson Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What Is Smokey Robinson’s Net Worth?

With a net worth of $150 million, Smokey Robinson stands as an iconic American R&B and pop singer-songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. He is recognized for being a pioneer of the unique Motown sound that gained immense popularity from the 1950s through the 1970s. As a key member of the Miracles, a vocal group that flourished during the Motown era, Smokey played a crucial role in their success. After leaving the group, he embarked on a fruitful solo career while also serving as vice president of Motown Records. In 1987, Robinson was honored with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Early Life

Born on February 19, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. grew up in a low-income household in the North End of Detroit. His uncle Claude nicknamed him “Smokey” after taking him to cowboy films and giving him the “cowboy name” of “Smokey Joe.” Consequently, the young William introduced himself as Smokey Joe, later abbreviating it to “Smokey.”

During his high school years, Smokey formed a doo-wop group called the Five Chimes. His deep passion for music was evident in his youth, as he listened to a wide array of artists on the radio, including Nolan Strong & the Diablos and Billy Ward and his Dominoes. Eventually, this doo-wop group would be renamed the Matadors.

Career

Following extensive tours in the late 1950s, the Matadors transitioned into the Miracles. Robinson met songwriter Berry Gordy in 1957, who assisted the Miracles in releasing their debut single titled “Got a Job.” At the time, Robinson was pursuing a degree in electrical engineering at college but chose to leave after the single achieved success.

Gordy went on to establish Tamla Records, later known as Motown Records. After signing a record contract with this new label, the Miracles released “Shop Around” in 1960, which became a million-selling hit. The following decade brought numerous other hits, including “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Mickey’s Monkey,” “I Second That Emotion,” “Baby Baby Don’t Cry,” and “The Tears of a Clown.” Throughout this time, Robinson served as the main singer, songwriter, and producer for the group, leading to their name change in 1965 to Smokey Robinson & the Miracles.

In addition to his contributions with the Miracles, Smokey penned numerous songs for other Motown artists and produced several tracks as well. Collaborators included the Temptations, Marvelettes, and Marvin Gaye. However, this collaboration waned as new songwriters joined Motown, a shift coinciding with a growing number of artists penning their own original songs.

By 1969, Smokey voiced a wish to retire. The rigorous touring had taken its toll, prompting a desire to dedicate more time to his family. Soon after, the group released one of their defining hits, “Tears of a Clown,” which led Robinson to continue with the group for several more years until he officially departed in 1972.

(Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images)

Though there were speculations regarding his complete retirement from music, Robinson took only a year off before embarking on a solo career in 1973. That same year, he launched his debut solo album titled “Smokey,” followed by “Pure Smokey” in 1974. While both albums showcased strong musicality, Robinson struggled to achieve significant recognition, largely due to the fierce competition from established solo legends like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.

However, in 1975, Smokey Robinson marked his breakthrough as a solo artist with the album “A Quiet Storm,” featuring hits like “Baby That’s Backatcha” and “Quiet Storm.” Subsequently, his attention shifted more toward his responsibilities as Motown’s vice president, resulting in less promotion for his subsequent solo albums, and he could not fully dedicate himself to these projects as he once had.

A resurgence occurred for Smokey in 1979 with the release of the single “Cruisin,” which climbed into the top ten charts. The chart-topping single “Being with You” followed in 1981, and he achieved additional success with the 1987 album “One Heartbeat,” which included hit singles such as “Just to See Her” and “One Heartbeat.” After Motown was acquired by RCA in 1988, Smokey left his vice president role and concentrated entirely on his solo career. Over the next few decades, he collaborated with numerous artists and released various singles and albums.

Relationships

Claudette Rogers, a member of the Miracles, was Smokey Robinson’s first wife. The couple had two children together before Robinson fathered a third child with another woman, leading to their divorce in 1986. In 2002, he wed Frances Gladney.

Real Estate

In 2002, Robinson sold his Encino, Los Angeles residence for $2.3 million. This opulent estate, constructed in 1912, comprises 10,600 square feet of living area, including an 800-square-foot private deck, all set on 1.5 acres featuring lavish English-style gardens. In 2017, the iconic home changed ownership again, selling for $8.3 million.

Reports in 2014 indicated that Smokey was putting another Californian mansion on the market for $7.99 million. This second residence is situated in the upscale Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles, a hub for numerous celebrities. The 9,075-square-foot estate boasts a separate 2,000-square-foot guest house. Originally listed for $10.5 million in 2005, the property was re-listed for $10 million in 2007 due to challenges in securing a buyer. The eventual sale price of $7.99 million in 2014 marked a substantial discount.