
Acting
Smokey Robinson
Born
1940-02-19 (86)
Place of birth
Detroit, Michigan, USA
Known for
Acting
Credits
78 titles
William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson was the founder and frontman of the Motown vocal group the Miracles, for which he was also chief songwriter and producer. Robinson led the group from its 1955 origins as "the Five Chimes" until 1972, when he announced a retirement from the group to focus on his role as Motown's vice president. However, Robinson returned to the music industry as a solo artist the following year. Following the sale of Motown Records in 1988, Robinson left the company in 1990. Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, and was awarded the 2016 Library of Congress Gersh…
Known for
6.2Kelly Clarkson presents the biggest newsmakers and names in film, television and music; as well as emerging new talent and everyday people who are beacons of hope in their communities.
The Kelly Clarkson Show
2019
5.8The Mike Douglas Show is an American daytime television talk show hosted by Mike Douglas that originally aired only in the Cleveland area during much of its first two years on the air. It then went into syndication in 1963 and remained on television until 1982. It was distributed by Westinghouse Broadcasting and for much of its run, originated from studios of two of the company's TV stations in Cleveland and Philadelphia.
The Mike Douglas Show
1961
6.6The biggest stars, the most iconic performances, the most outrageous outfits – it’s Britain’s number one pop show.
Top of the Pops
1964
7.6On September 14, 1998, a Hollywood Squares revival debuted with Tom Bergeron as its host. In addition to her production duties, Whoopi Goldberg served as the permanent center square, with series head writer Bruce Vilanch, Gilbert Gottfried, Martin Mull, and Caroline Rhea as regular panelists and Brad Garrett, Bobcat Goldthwait, Jeffrey Tambor, George Wallace, Kathy Griffin and various others as semi-regular panelists. Shadoe Stevens returned to announce, although he was not given a square on the panel as he had been when John Davidson was host.
Hollywood Squares
1998
5.3Jimmy Kimmel Live! is an American late-night talk show, created and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and broadcast on ABC.
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
2003
5.6Talented entertainer and newly-minted EGOT Jennifer Hudson takes on the daytime talk show landscape.
The Jennifer Hudson Show
2022
Film credits
2020s · 8 titles
7.9On a January night in 1985, music's biggest stars gathered to record "We Are the World." This documentary goes behind the scenes of the historic event.
The Greatest Night in Pop
2024
6.6Featuring never-before-seen footage of the band and the legions of young fans who helped fuel their ascendance, follow McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Starr as they land in New York City in February 1964 and solidify their status as the biggest band in the world.
Beatles '64
2024
6.9Ed Sullivan broke barriers by booking Black artists on his Sunday night variety show. This documentary spotlights the TV pioneer's legacy of equality.
Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan
2023
4.6Amber Dupont bites off more than she can chew when she takes charge of her church's annual Christmas pageant and inadvertently promises to deliver a special performance by Motown legend Smokey Robinson. When her best friends secretly enlist Amber's former flame Eddie to help, the pair reconnect in a quest to find Smokey and convince him to appear. With the clock ticking, family, friends, and superstar Smokey Robinson come together to stage the most special pageant yet.
Miracle in Motor City
2021
2.0This special explores the history of Black entertainers in Las Vegas and celebrating those who are now ruling the historic strip.
Soul of a Nation Presents: Black in Vegas
2023
6.5The story of the iconic singer's fascinating six-decade career in both music and Black and LGBTQ activism.
Dionne Warwick: Don't Make Me Over
2021
NRSmokey Robinson and Halle Bailey co-host NBC's "A Motown Christmas"
A Motown Christmas
2024
An evening celebrating half a century of groundbreaking music, iconic moments, unforgettable performances, and rich pop culture history.
American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special
2024
2010s · 11 titles
6.4The history of New York City's Apollo Theater in Harlem is given the full treatment.
The Apollo
2019
7.7The remarkable story of the legendary Motown Records is told through exclusive interviews with the label’s visionary founder, Berry Gordy, and many of its superstar artists and creative figures, as well as rare performances and behind-the-scenes footage unearthed from Motown’s vaults and Gordy’s personal archives.
Hitsville: The Making of Motown
2019
NRA look back at 40 years of Seasame Street.
Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days
2010
6.8This investigation examines the mysterious shooting of soul icon Sam Cooke, whose death silenced one of the most vital voices in the civil rights movement.
ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke
2019
NRA CNN Live special on the "King of Pop". Featuring Interviews from various family, artists, and friends who knew, worked with, and loved Michael.
Michael Jackson - The Final Days
2014
NREnjoy an all-star tribute to Smokey Robinson, the 2016 recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, with performances by Robinson, as well as Aloe Blacc, Gallant, CeeLo Green, JoJo, Ledisi, Tegan Marie, Kip Moore, Corinne Bailey Rae, Esperanza Spalding, The Tenors, BeBe Winans, and a special appearance by Berry Gordy, Founder of Motown, with Samuel L. Jackson as host and Greg Phillinganes as music director.
Smokey Robinson: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
2017
2.0An inside look at the making of The Art Of McCartney album on which some of the world's greatest artists interpret the songs of one of the world's greatest songwriters, Paul McCartney.
The Art of McCartney
2014
NRA look at the history of Motown and how Canada factored into it.
Hitsville US Eh!
2017
NRA chronological documentary about the life and music of one of the world's most iconic singers, Aretha Franklin.
Aretha Franklin Remembered (My Music)
2019
6.5REJOICE AND SHOUT traces the evolution of Gospel through its many musical styles – spirituals and early hymns, four-part harmony-based quartets, the integration of blues and swing into Gospel, the emergence of Soul, and the blending of Rap and Hip Hop elements. Gospel music also walked in step with the story of African-American culture – from slavery, hardscrabble rural existence and plantation work, the exodus to major cities, the Depression, World War II, to the civil rights movement and empowerment. REJOICE AND SHOUT connects the history of African-American culture with Gospel as it first impacted popular culture at large – and continues to do so. Years in the making, REJOICE AND SHOUT captures so much of what is special about this music and African-American Christianity – the sermonizing, the heartfelt testimonials, getting “slain in the spirit,” the hard hollerin’, and of course the inspiring music. Dare yourself not to be moved.
Rejoice and Shout
2011
7.0As part of BBC Radio 2's Festival in a Day in London's Hyde Park, soul and Motown legend Smokey Robinson takes to the stage at the end of a lovely summer's day to close proceedings with a rousing headline set. Along with a little help from the crowd, Smokey and band perform a selection of classics from his impressive repertoire. Set list: 1. Going to a Go-Go 2. I Second That Emotion 3. You've Really Got a Hold on Me 4. Ooo Baby Baby 5. The Tears of a Clown 6. The Way You Do the Things You Do 7. Get Ready 8. My Girl 9. Just to See Her 10. The Tracks of My Tears 11. Cruisin'
Smokey Robinson - Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park
2013
2000s · 11 titles
7.3The discovery that she has a terminal illness prompts introverted department store saleswoman Georgia Byrd to reflect on what she realizes has been an overly cautious life. With weeks to live, she withdraws her life savings, sells all her possessions and jets off to Europe where she lives it up at a posh hotel. Upbeat and passionate, Georgia charms everybody she meets, including renowned Chef Didier. The only one missing from her new life is her longtime crush Sean Williams.
Last Holiday
2006
5.2Joe Gavilan and his new partner K. C. Calden, are detectives on the beat in Tinseltown. Neither one of them really wants to be a cop, Gavilan moonlights as a real estate broker, and Calden is an aspiring actor moonlighting as a yoga instructor. When the two are assigned a big case they must work out whether they want to solve the case or follow their hearts.
Hollywood Homicide
2003
8.0The history of Hollywood musical movies, from the very beginning until the 21st century, hosted by Shirley Jones.
Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical History
2008
7.9On October 29th and 30th, 2009, rock 'n' roll royalty held court at Madison Square Garden for what have been called 'the best concerts ever,' and 'where rock 'n' roll history was made.' The concerts featured a who's who of rock 'n' roll from the '50s to the '90s and included artists performing together in unprecedented combinations that will most likely never be witnessed again. 'The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Anniversary Concerts' included sets by Crosby, Stills & Nash; Stevie Wonder; Paul Simon; Simon & Garfunkel; Aretha Franklin; Metallica; U2; Jeff Beck and Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band. Joining this iconic line up on stage were special guests including: Jerry Lee Lewis, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Smokey Robinson, B.B. King, Annie Lennox, Lou Reed, John Fogerty, Mick Jagger, Fergie and others. A 4-hour special of the concerts aired on HBO to high ratings, and was seen by tens of millions. Now this historic event is available on DVD.
The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concerts
2009
8.7A star-studded tribute (from the creators of That's Entertainment) to the contributions of Afro-Americans in film over the last century. Vanessa Williams traces the struggles and triumphs of the superstars of music and film. Among the many artists featured are: Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr., Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Cab Calloway, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Ella Fitzgerald, and Little Richard, Also included are today's contemporary superstars: Snoop Dogg, Ice T, Quincy Jones, Spike Lee, Russell Simmons, and many, more! 80 minutes plus DVD bonus features.
It's Black Entertainment
2002
8.0A live telecast of the public memorial service for the king of pop, Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson Memorial
2009
6.0To mark the 50-year anniversary of Motown in 2009, a compilation of some of the iconic record label's greatest names filmed live in the BBC studios. Visitors from Hitsville USA over the years have included Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops and The Jackson 5.
Motown at the BBC
2009
NRRecorded at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas in July 1992, Smokey Robinson Live showcases one of Motown s greatest talents. Credited as being the greatest living poet by Bob Dylan, Smokey has recorded and written numerous hits for a host of artists including The Temptations and Marvin Gaye. In this intimate concert Smokey Robinson performs his UK number one hits Tears of a Clown and Being With You together with his trademark romantic ballads and up-tempo party tunes.
The Very Best of Smokey Robinson Live In Concert
2004
NRMr. Bill heads west to cruise the strip in Las Vegas.
Mr. Bill Does Vegas
2002
NRMother Popcorn - James Brown What's The Use Of Breaking Up - Jerry Butler MacArthur Park - Della Reese Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday - Stevie Wonder Nowhere To Run - Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Nothing But Heartaches - The Supremes Ain't That Peculiar - Marvin Gaye Goin' To A Go-Go - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles Don't Mess With Bill - The Marvelettes Something About You - The Four Tops River Deep, Mountain High - Mary Wilson It's a Man's Man's Man's World - James Brown Everyday People - Sly & Family Stone
The Giants of Black Music
2003
DJ Juice is making his dope DVD blend again and this time its time for volume 70!! So just lay back and relax to some dope music videos from 2009 and high quality blend.
DJ Juice: The King is Back Mixtape Blend DVD Vol. 70
2009
1990s · 5 titles
7.8Oprah interviews Michael Jackson, broadcast live around the world from his home, Neverland Valley Ranch.
Michael Jackson Talks... to Oprah
1993
8.3A chance to hear admirers including Elton John, Gloria Estefan, Smokey Robinson, PM Dawn, Bonnie Raitt and Rod Stewart sharing a stage with the Queen of Soul herself. The concert took place at New York City's Neederlander Theatre in 1993, as an Aids benefit. Elton, Smokey and Rod provide backing vocals on the first number Chain of Fools.
Aretha Franklin: Duets
1993
NRThe composer-arranger-producer is honored in a tribute taped in 1997.
Quincy Jones... The First 50 Years
1998
NRArchival music performances and contemporary interviews cover some of the history of Motown Records and Productions.
Motown 40: The Music Is Forever
1998
A 1965 live concert recording featuring Dusty Springfield, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Martha & the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, and the Temptations.
Ready Steady Go! The Sounds of Motown
1995
1980s · 6 titles
A primetime TV concert special celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Theater with Motown legends.
Motown Returns to the Apollo
1985
7.6This 53-minute television special retraces Michael Jackson’s rise from child prodigy with the Jackson 5 to global superstar of the 1980s. Combining rare archive footage, music video excerpts, concert clips, and interviews with collaborators, it showcases the milestones of his career up to the Bad era. Narrated in documentary style, the program highlights Jackson’s artistic evolution, humanitarian work, and cultural impact. Originally broadcast on television in 1988 and later released on VHS, it serves as both a career retrospective and a portrait of his enduring influence on pop music and entertainment.
Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues
1988
8.4We Are the World: The Story Behind the Song is a documentary which examines how the song was written, how producer Quincy Jones and songwriters Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie persuaded some of the most popular performers in America to donate their services to the project, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the marathon recording session that produced the single.
We Are the World: The Story Behind the Song
1985
8.7Television special taped before a live studio audience at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California on March 25, 1983, and broadcast on NBC on May 16. Highlights include Michael Jackson's performance of "Billie Jean", a Temptations/Four Tops "battle of the bands", Marvin Gaye's inspired speech about black music history and his memorable performance of "What's Going On", and a Jackson 5 reunion. This performance is noted for Michael Jackson debuting his signature moonwalk.
Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever
1983
5.2A street Gang that is also a rap group tries to get a record contract.
Knights of the City
1986
NRCompilation of DTV music videos from on The Disney Channel, combining tunes from the 1940s through the 1960s with footage of Disney animation.
DTV: Golden Oldies
1984
Series credits
6.2Kelly Clarkson presents the biggest newsmakers and names in film, television and music; as well as emerging new talent and everyday people who are beacons of hope in their communities.
The Kelly Clarkson Show
2019
5.8The Mike Douglas Show is an American daytime television talk show hosted by Mike Douglas that originally aired only in the Cleveland area during much of its first two years on the air. It then went into syndication in 1963 and remained on television until 1982. It was distributed by Westinghouse Broadcasting and for much of its run, originated from studios of two of the company's TV stations in Cleveland and Philadelphia.
The Mike Douglas Show
1961
6.6The biggest stars, the most iconic performances, the most outrageous outfits – it’s Britain’s number one pop show.
Top of the Pops
1964
7.6On September 14, 1998, a Hollywood Squares revival debuted with Tom Bergeron as its host. In addition to her production duties, Whoopi Goldberg served as the permanent center square, with series head writer Bruce Vilanch, Gilbert Gottfried, Martin Mull, and Caroline Rhea as regular panelists and Brad Garrett, Bobcat Goldthwait, Jeffrey Tambor, George Wallace, Kathy Griffin and various others as semi-regular panelists. Shadoe Stevens returned to announce, although he was not given a square on the panel as he had been when John Davidson was host.
Hollywood Squares
1998
5.3Jimmy Kimmel Live! is an American late-night talk show, created and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and broadcast on ABC.
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
2003
5.6Talented entertainer and newly-minted EGOT Jennifer Hudson takes on the daytime talk show landscape.
The Jennifer Hudson Show
2022
5.9The strongest vocalists from across the United states compete in a blockbusters vocal competition, the winner becomes “The Voice.” The show's innovative format features four stages of competition: the blind auditions, the battle rounds, the knockouts and, finally, the live performance shows.
The Voice
2011
2.6Sherri Shepherd, actress, comic, and Emmy Award-winning longtime co-host of "The View", appears before a live audience with a daily dose of pop culture, comedy, conversations, and daytime talk staples, including celebrity and human interest interviews.
Sherri
2022
7.0Intimate musical performances, recorded live at the desk of All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen.
NPR Tiny Desk Concerts
2008
5.3Jay Leno hosts some of the biggest celebrities in the world.
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
1992
5.6The Ellen DeGeneres Show, often shortened to just Ellen, is an American television talk show hosted by comedian/actress Ellen DeGeneres.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
2003
5.0Each year, hopeful singers from all over the country audition to be part of one of the biggest shows in American television history. Who will become the new American Idol?
American Idol
2002
5.0Each year, hopeful singers from all over the country audition to be part of one of the biggest shows in American television history. Who will become the new American Idol?
American Idol
2002
6.0After ending his Chicago-based show, Steve Harvey heads to Los Angeles to host a new weekday syndicated program aiming to bring a late night atmosphere to the afternoon.
Steve
2017
5.9Later... with Jools Holland is a contemporary British music television show hosted by Jools Holland.
Later... with Jools Holland
1992
7.0Dinah's show premiered 9 September 1974 and continued through to 4 September 1981. She started out the 70's with Dinah's Place which usually featured one guest and was more of a home oriented show about cooking, crafts and occasionally music. This format lasted until May of 1974. When the show came back in October of 1974 the format had changed drastically to a variety talk show which was called Dinah. and went on until 1981. This show was also known as "Dinah and Friends" during the summer of 1976.
Dinah!
1974
7.9A sportscaster becomes a full-time dad when his ex-wife decides to accept a job out of the country and his teenage daughter, Breanna, moves in with him.
One on One
2001
7.7Follow the adventures and misadventures of Penny, a 14-year-old African American girl who's doing her best to navigate through the early years of teen-dom. Penny's every encounter inevitably spirals into bigger than life situations filled with hi-jinks, hilarity and heart. Her quest to balance her home, school and social lives are further complicated by friends like the sassy Dijonay, Penny's nemesis LaCienega Boulevardez, her loving, if not over-protective parents and her hip-to-the-groove-granny, Suga Mama.
The Proud Family
2001
9.5On Air with Ryan Seacrest is an American syndicated television talk show, which ran from January 12, 2004 through September 17, 2004. It was distributed in the United States and Canada by Twentieth Television.
On Air with Ryan Seacrest
2004
3.3The Jay Leno Show is an American comedy show created by and starring Jay Leno, that aired at 10 p.m. from September 14, 2009 to February 9, 2010 on NBC, after Leno's initial retirement from hosting The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. In January 2010, NBC announced that due to affiliate concerns about its effect on their newscasts, The Jay Leno Show would be shortened to 30 minutes and moved from primetime to 11:35 p.m., the timeslot that had been occupied by The Tonight Show for nearly 60 years. The Tonight Show host Conan O'Brien released a public statement saying that he would not participate in moving Tonight to 12:05 a.m., asserting that it would damage the highly respected franchise. Despite much support for O'Brien from both the public and media professionals alike NBC maintained its plan to move Leno to 11:35. On January 21, 2010, NBC reached a $45 million settlement with O'Brien in order to end his contract. Leno resumed his duties as host of Tonight on March 1, 2010. Leno ended on February 9, 2010 after being on the air for only four months, with Entertainment Weekly calling the program television's "Biggest Bomb of All Time."
The Jay Leno Show
2009
7.0Detective Cheng is commissioned by Interpol to destroy the Empire of Chaiba, a worldwide criminal organization based in Southeast Asia. He initiates an undercover operation to infiltrate the organization.
Police Story
1973
The Heaven and Earth Show was a BBC television programme that aired on Sunday mornings from 10am to 11am on BBC One. The show ran for nine years between 1998 and 2007, looking at spiritual and moral issues. Over the years it had numerous presenters, and its final presenter was Gloria Hunniford.
The Heaven and Earth Show
1998
8.2An annual American music awards show. Unlike the Grammys, which are awarded on the basis of votes by members of the Recording Academy, the AMAs are determined by a poll of the public and music buyers.
American Music Awards
1974
7.4The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture.
The Kennedy Center Honors
1978
8.1The Midnight Special is an American late-night musical variety series that aired on NBC during the 1970s and early 1980s, created and produced by Burt Sugarman. It premiered as a special on August 19, 1972, then began its run as a regular series on February 2, 1973; its last episode was on May 1, 1981. The ninety-minute program followed the Friday night edition of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The show typically featured guest hosts, except for a period from July 1975 through March 1976 when singer Helen Reddy served as the regular host. Wolfman Jack served as the announcer and frequent guest host. The series also occasionally aired vintage footage of older acts. As the program neared the end of its run in the early 1980s, it began to frequently use lip-synched performances rather than live. The program also featured occasional comedic performances such as Richard Pryor and Andy Kaufman.
The Midnight Special
1972
8.0Country music stars collaborate with performers from other musical genres and exchange stories about their mutual love for music.
CMT Crossroads
2002
6.9From roots in the Deep South to the slums of New Jersey, "Who Do You Think You Are?" follows the journeys of some of the most well-known names in American popular culture. Watch as celebrities discover unknown details about themselves and their families while researching their ancestry with the help of historians and genealogical experts.
Who Do You Think You Are?
2010
9.0An hour-long anthology series hosted by Jim Henson and generally included two segments. The first, MuppeTelevision, features comedy skits starring the Muppets, as well as frequent guest appearances by popular entertainers. The second often rebroadcasts original productions, primarily The StoryTeller.
The Jim Henson Hour
1989
5.1Game show in which teams of two race against the clock and each other as they attempt to identify the biggest hit songs of all time. In the end, the team with the highest score will outlast the competition and go against Shazam, the world’s most popular song identification app, for the chance to win a cash prize.
Beat Shazam
2017
7.8Explore the art of music recording with a behind-the-scenes look at the birth of brand new sounds. Featuring more than 160 original interviews with some of the most celebrated recording artists of all time, Soundbreaking explores the nexus of cutting-edge technology and human artistry that has created the soundtrack of our lives.
Soundbreaking
2016
7.0“Unfiltered: Paris Jackson and Gabriel Glenn” is a candid documentary series following Paris Jackson and Gabriel Glenn as they form their indie-folk band, The Soundflowers. It explores Paris’s personal and artistic journey as she steps out of her family’s shadow to forge her own identity as a musician.
Unfiltered: Paris Jackson & Gabriel Glenn
2020
No synopsis available yet.
The Billy Crystal Comedy Hour
1982
10.0Celebrity Duets was an American reality television show of the progressive game-show type, which combined celebrities of different backgrounds with professional singers in a weekly elimination competition. The show was a take-off of the Australian series program It Takes Two and its predecessor, the BBC's Just the Two of Us; however, unlike the British and Australian shows, the celebrities sang with different partners each week. Indeed, Celebrity Duets was meant to be transmitted in the UK first, under the title Star Duets, but the BBC bought the format before Simon Cowell got to produce it on ITV, there was even court action which the BBC won; thus, Star Duets never came into production. The show debuted on Fox, with a 2-hour premiere installment on August 29, 2006. It then moved to its normal Thursday timeslot the following week, and stayed there until its season finale on September 29, 2006. Simon Cowell of American Idol and The X Factor fame created the program, and Wayne Brady of Whose Line? fame, who himself is a singer and was the former host of a variety show on ABC, hosted the show. The judges were renowned composer and producer David Foster, rock and roll pioneer Little Richard, and singer Marie Osmond.
Celebrity Duets
2006
8.6An awards show honoring the achievements of the members of the professional music recording industry. The members of the Recording Academy vote on who they think is most deserving of an award in 108 categories as specified by the academy.
The Grammys
1959



