Friday April 16th 1976

The Miracles (known from 1965 to 1972 as Smokey Robinson & the Miracles) is an American rhythm and blues group from Detroit, Michigan, notable as the first successful group act for Berry Gordy's Motown Records.

The Miracles went on to become one of Motown's signature acts of the 1960s, during which time their original lead singer and founding member Smokey Robinson became one of the most successful songwriters and record producers of all time.

Exit Smokey Robinson, enter Billy Griffin
After one more Top 20 hit in late 1971, "I Don't Blame You At All", Robinson announced that he would indeed leave the Miracles, and the group began a six-month farewell tour of the United States.
Coinciding with this tour was the release of the group's final studio album with Robinson, Flying High Together (1972). The lead single, "We've Come Too Far To End It Now", became a Top 10 R&B hit.

Robinson's final performance as a Miracle was at the Carter Barron Amphitheater in Washington, DC on July 16, 1972.
For this performance, Claudette Rogers Robinson rejoined the group onstage for the first time in eight years.
At the conclusion of the concert, which Motown later released as a live album entitled "Smokey Robinson & The Miracles: 1957-1972", Robinson introduced the group's new lead singer, Billy Griffin.
Griffin was introduced to national television audiences on NBC'S The Midnight Special, on an episode guest-starring The Miracles and hosted by Smokey Robinson, broadcast on July 13, 1973.

26.08.2008. 08:11

This article hasn't been commented yet.