Net Worth Ranker
What Is Smokey Robinson’s Net Worth?
Smokey Robinson, a prominent figure in American R&B and pop music, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $150 million. This financial success is a result of his multifaceted career as a singer-songwriter, record producer, and former record executive.
Early Career and the Rise of the Miracles
Born William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. on February 19, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, his musical journey began in the North End of Detroit. As a child, his uncle Claude gave him the nickname “Smokey Joe” after taking him to see cowboy movies. Eventually, he dropped the “Joe” and went by Smokey.
In high school, Robinson formed a doo-wop group called the Five Chimes, which later evolved into the Matadors. During this time, he was heavily influenced by artists such as Nolan Strong & the Diablos and Billy Ward and his Dominoes. In 1957, Robinson’s connection with songwriter Berry Gordy proved pivotal. Gordy helped the Matadors, now known as the Miracles, release their first single, “Got a Job.” This early success led Robinson to drop out of college, where he was studying electrical engineering.
Gordy’s formation of Tamla Records, which later became Motown Records, marked a significant turning point. The Miracles signed a record deal with Motown, and in 1960, they released “Shop Around.” This single became a major hit, selling over a million copies and establishing the Miracles as a leading Motown act. Throughout the 1960s, the Miracles produced a string of hit songs, 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.” Robinson served as the group’s principal singer, songwriter, and producer, solidifying his role in shaping the Motown sound.
In 1965, the group’s name was changed to Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, reflecting Robinson’s central role. Beyond his work with the Miracles, Robinson wrote and produced songs for other Motown artists, including the Temptations, the Marvelettes, and Marvin Gaye. These contributions further cemented his influence within the Motown ecosystem.
By 1969, after years of extensive touring, Robinson considered retirement to spend more time with his family. However, the release of “Tears of a Clown” convinced him to stay with the group for a few more years. He eventually left the Miracles in 1972, marking the end of an era but also paving the way for his solo career.
Solo Career and Continued Success
Despite initial suggestions of retirement, Robinson launched his solo career in 1973 with the album “Smokey.” He followed up with “Pure Smokey” in 1974. Although these albums were well-received, Robinson initially struggled to achieve the same level of impact as established solo artists like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.
In 1975, Robinson broke through with the album “A Quiet Storm,” which featured hit songs such as “Baby That’s Backatcha” and “Quiet Storm.” This album solidified his solo career and marked a turning point. Concurrently, Robinson focused on his role as vice president at Motown Records. However, this dual role sometimes led to his solo albums not receiving the full promotion and attention they deserved.
In 1979, Robinson rebounded with the single “Cruisin’,” which reached the top ten on the charts, demonstrating his enduring appeal. This song boosted his momentum and reintroduced him to a wider audience as a solo artist. In 1981, Robinson released the chart-topping single “Being with You,” further solidifying his success. This single was a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of his signature songs.
Robinson continued his success in 1987 with the album “One Heartbeat,” which included top-ten singles such as “Just to See Her” and “One Heartbeat.” These hits demonstrated his ability to adapt to changing musical trends and maintain his relevance in the industry.
Following Motown’s acquisition by RCA in 1988, Robinson stepped down as vice president to concentrate solely on his solo career. This decision allowed him to dedicate more time and energy to his music, leading to further collaborations and releases in subsequent decades. In 1987, Smokey Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to his significant contributions to music history.
Real Estate Holdings
In 2002, Robinson sold his home in Encino, Los Angeles, for $2.3 million. This estate, built in 1912, featured 10,600 square feet of living space, including an 800-square-foot private deck. The 1.5-acre property included lavish, English-style gardens. The residence was sold again in 2017 for $8.3 million.
In 2014, Robinson listed another Californian mansion in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, for $7.99 million. This 9,075-square-foot property included a separate, 2,000-square-foot guest house. Originally listed in 2005 for $10.5 million and re-listed in 2007 for $10 million, the final selling price of $7.99 million represented a substantial discount.
