THE MIRACLES
Motown didn't start with The Miracles. Well, it sort of did, but what became Detroit's most famous record company actually had its beginning when label founder Berry Gordy began writing and producing Jackie Wilson's hits for Brunswick Records in 1957. Later, Marv Johnson got the same treatment as Wilson, for United Artists. But when Smokey Robinson and his three best friends (and girlfriend) came along, that's when Gordy found the act that would get his Tamla label going in a big way. Thanks in large part to the Miracles, Motown became a major force. William Robinson was nicknamed "Smokey Joe" by one of his uncles when he was very young. Since William had light skin, his uncle wanted to give him a reason to always remember ... MORE ››
