Smokey Robinson Net Worth
Smokey Robinson net worth stands at $150 million as of 2025. The 85-year-old Motown legend built his fortune through six decades in music as founder of The Miracles and successful solo artist. He earned wealth from hit songs like “Shop Around,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” and “Cruisin’.”
His income comes from music royalties, live performances, songwriting credits, and real estate investments. He also served as Motown Records vice president from 1961 to 1988. He sold properties worth millions including a $2.3 million Encino mansion and $7.99 million Chatsworth estate.
He continues earning through tours, music licensing, and business ventures including a skincare line. His songwriting for artists like The Temptations and Marvin Gaye generates ongoing royalties.
Quick Facts About Smokey Robinson
| Fact | Detail |
| Full Name | William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. |
| Real Name | William Robinson Jr. (Smokey is a nickname) |
| Date of Birth | February 19, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Net Worth (2025) | $150 million – $160 million |
| Primary Occupations | Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Former Record Executive |
| Career Span | 1955–present |
| Ventures | The Miracles, Solo music career, Motown VP, Real estate, Skincare line |
Smokey Robinson Net Worth: Current Fortune
Smokey Robinson holds a net worth of $150 million to$160 million in 2025. The 85-year-old singer built this wealth over 70 years in music. He owns rights to over 4,000 songs he wrote. These songs earn him $5 million to $8 million yearly through royalties. His hits like “Shop Around” and “The Tracks of My Tears” still play worldwide. He wrote “My Girl” for The Temptations, which brings continuous income.
Live concerts earn him $2 million to $4 million each year. He sold real estate worth millions including a$2.3 million Encino home and $7.99 million Chatsworth mansion. His 27 years as Motown vice president added steady income. His skincare line and licensing deals generate additional revenue today.
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Who is Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer born February 19, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan. He founded The Miracles in 1955 and became a Motown Records icon. He wrote over 4,000 songs including “Shop Around” and “The Tracks of My Tears.” He served as Motown vice president for 27 years. He launched a successful solo career in 1973 with hits like “Cruisin’.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted him in 1987. He received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize in 2016. He stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and is now 85 years old.
| Platform | Link / Handle |
|---|---|
| YouTube | @SmokeyRobinson |
| @thesmokeyrobinson | |
| @smokeyrobinson | |
| TikTok | @smokeyrobinson |
| X | @smokeyrobinson |
Early Life and Nickname Origin
William Robinson Jr. was born on February 19, 1940, in a poor neighborhood on Detroit’s North End. His parents divorced when he was three years old. He had two older half-sisters named Rose Ella and Geraldine. His mother died when he was 10 years old. He then moved in with his older sister Geraldine and her husband who had 10 children. His uncle Claude gave him the nickname “Smokey Joe” when he was three.
His uncle took him to see cowboy movies and gave him this cowboy name. He introduced himself as Smokey Joe until age 12, then dropped “Joe.” He attended Northern High School in Detroit where music became his main passion. He formed a doo-wop group called the Five Chimes during high school. He lived near Aretha Franklin on Belmont street and knew her since she was five years old.
The Miracles and Motown Success
Smokey Robinson formed the Five Chimes in high school with friends Ronald White and Pete Moore. The group renamed themselves the Matadors in 1957 and added Bobby Rogers. Claudette Rogers replaced her cousin Emerson Rogers and later married Smokey in 1959. Guitarist Marv Tarplin joined in 1958. The group changed their name to The Miracles and started touring Detroit venues.
They met songwriter Berry Gordy in August 1957 after a failed Brunswick Records audition. Smokey showed Gordy a notebook with 100 songs he wrote in high school. Gordy loved his vocals and songwriting ability. Their first single “Got a Job” released on End Records in 1957. Gordy formed Tamla Records, which became Motown. The Miracles signed as one of Motown’s first acts. “Shop Around” became their first million-selling hit in 1960.
They produced 26 top forty hits between 1960 and 1970. Major hits included “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “The Tears of a Clown,” and “Tracks of My Tears.” They renamed themselves Smokey Robinson & the Miracles in 1965.
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Solo Career Achievements
Smokey Robinson left The Miracles in 1972 to focus on his Motown executive role. He released his debut solo album “Smokey” in 1973. His 1975 album “A Quiet Storm” became a major success with the hit “Baby That’s Backatcha.” “Cruisin‘” reached number four on Billboard Hot 100 in 1979. “Being with You” hit number one in the UK in 1981. His 1987 album “One Heartbeat” sold over 900,000 copies.
“Just to See Her” won him his first Grammy Award in 1988. He left Motown in 1990 after 33 years. He released “Smokey & Friends” in 2014 which reached number 12 on Billboard. He dropped “Gasms” in April 2023 at age 83.
Real Estate Investments
Smokey Robinson sold his Encino, Los Angeles mansion for $2.3 million in 2002. The 1912 estate featured 10,600 square feet of living space and an 800-square-foot private deck. The property sat on 1.5 acres with English-style gardens. The home sold again in 2017 for $8.3 million.
He owned a Chatsworth mansion he first listed in 2005 for $10.5 million. He relisted the property in 2007 for $10 million but found no buyers. The 9,075-square-foot home included a separate 2,000-square-foot guest house. He finally sold it in 2014 for $7.99 million after multiple price cuts.
Personal Life and Marriages
Smokey Robinson married Claudette Rogers in 1959. Claudette sang in The Miracles alongside him. They had two children together: Berry Robinson born in 1968 and Tamla Robinson born in 1971. He named his son after Motown founder Berry Gordy. He named his daughter after the Tamla label that became Motown. He admitted having affairs with multiple women during his marriage.
He had a year-long affair with Diana Ross but she ended it. He had a son named Trey born in 1984 with another woman. He filed for legal separation after admitting the affair. They divorced in 1986 after 27 years of marriage. He married Frances Gladney in May 2002. They own a home in Pittsburgh and use it as a winery.
Children and Family
Smokey Robinson has three children. He had two children with his first wife Claudette Rogers. His son Berry Robinson was born in 1968 and named after Motown founder Berry Gordy. His daughter Tamla Robinson was born in 1971 and named after the Tamla Records label. He had a third son named Trey Robinson born in 1984 with another woman during his marriage to Claudette.
He raised his children while balancing his music career and Motown executive duties. He retired briefly in 1972 to spend more time with his family. His family background includes African American, French, Nigerian, Scandinavian, Portuguese, and Cherokee ancestry. He has not publicly shared details about his current relationship with his adult children.
Career Timeline
Smokey Robinson formed the Five Chimes in high school in 1955. The group became the Matadors in 1957 and then The Miracles. He met Berry Gordy in August 1957 after a failed Brunswick Records audition. The Miracles released “Got a Job” in 1957 on End Records. He dropped out of college in January 1959 after two months. He married Claudette Rogers in 1959. “Shop Around” became Motown’s first million seller in 1960.
The group renamed to Smokey Robinson & the Miracles in 1965. He became Motown vice president in the mid 1960s. He left The Miracles in July 1972. He released his first solo album “Smokey” in 1973. “A Quiet Storm” came out in 1975. He divorced Claudette in 1986. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted him in 1987. He won his first Grammy Award in 1988. He left Motown in 1990. He married Frances Gladney in 2002. He received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize in 2016. He released “Gasms” album in April 2023 at age 83.
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Awards and Recognition
Smokey Robinson received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 1983. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted him in 1987. He won his first Grammy Award in 1988 for “Just to See Her.” The Songwriters Hall of Fame inducted him in 1989. He received the National Medal of Arts in 1993. Howard University gave him an honorary doctorate in 2006. He became a Kennedy Center honoree in 2006.
The Miracles received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2009. He won a BET Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. He received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize in 2016. Rolling Stone ranked him number 23 on their Greatest Singers list in 2023.
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Business Ventures
Smokey Robinson launched his own skincare product line in recent years. He earns money through investments and business deals beyond music. He owns a home in Pittsburgh that operates as a winery with his wife Frances. He makes $1 million to $2 million yearly through various investments.
His business ventures contribute to his overall $150 million net worth. He diversified his income beyond music royalties and touring. These ventures help maintain his wealth in his 80s.
Current Activities and Tours
Smokey Robinson continues performing at age 85 across America. He tours theaters, casinos, and special events regularly. He earns $2 million to $4 million yearly through live concerts. He released his album “Gasms” in April 2023 with nine new tracks. He owns and hosts the SiriusXM channel Soul Town since November 2023. He appears on the channel sharing Motown memories and playing favorite songs.
He practices Transcendental Meditation daily. He follows a healthy lifestyle and has not eaten red meat since 1972. He remains active on social media connecting with fans.
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Social Media Presence
Smokey Robinson actively uses Instagram under @smokeyrobinson. He posts on Twitter using @smokeyrobinson. He maintains a Facebook page under @SmokeyRobinson. His YouTube channel runs under @SmokeyRobinson. He shares updates about tours, music releases, and personal moments.
He connects with fans through these platforms regularly. His official website is www.smokeyrobinson.com. Fans can find tour dates and news on his site.
Income Sources Breakdown
| Income Source | Estimated Annual Earnings |
| Music Royalties & Publishing Rights | $5 million to $8 million |
| Live Concerts & Touring | $2 million to $4 million |
| Record Sales (Solo & The Miracles) | $1 million to $2 million |
| Songwriting & Production Credits | $1.5 million to $3 million |
| Licensing for TV, Films & Commercials | $800,000 to $1.5 million |
| Merchandise & Brand Endorsements | $500,000 to $1 million |
| Investments & Business Ventures | $1 million to $2 million |
| Appearances, Interviews & Specials | $300,000 to $700,000 |
Net Worth Comparison with Other Motown Legends
| Name | Net Worth | Age | Famous For | Primary Income |
| Smokey Robinson | $150M to $160M | 85 years | The Miracles, Solo Career | Royalties, tours |
| Berry Gordy | $400M | 95 years | Motown Founder | Music catalog, royalties |
| Diana Ross | $250M | 81 years | The Supremes, Solo Career | Tours, music, acting |
| Stevie Wonder | $200M | 74 years | Solo Career | Music royalties, tours |
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Conclusion
Smokey Robinson net worth of $150 million to $160 million reflects his 70-year legacy in music. The 85-year-old icon continues earning through royalties, concerts, and business ventures. His timeless songs and contributions to Motown ensure his wealth and influence endure for generations.
