Title 1: The Beginning of a Legendary Era In the 1960s, Motown became a musical powerhouse thanks to Berry Gordy. Smokey Robinson, a musician and songwriter from Detroit, played a key role in inspiring Gordy to create the legendary Motown Records. But did you know that Smokey Robinson’s father also had an amazing story?
Title 2: The Early Years of Smokey Robinson Born in Detroit, Smokey Robinson grew up singing in local groups with his friends. He was deeply influenced by the harmonies and vocal styles of the 1950s, mixing them with the popular jazz of the time. Robinson’s journey began with a group called the Five Chimes, which eventually evolved into the Miracles, marking the beginning of a successful music career.
Title 3: Smokey’s Family History Revealed In 2023, Smokey Robinson shared a surprising and touching story about his father during an interview with DJ Vlad. This story sheds light on a dark chapter in racial history.
Title 4: The Troubles of Smokey’s Father Smokey Robinson’s father, William Robinson Sr., was born in 1896 in Selma, Alabama. At the age of 10, he started working as a newspaper delivery boy, barely making ends meet. The money he earned was constantly taken by a white teenager five years his senior.
Title 5: Racial Injustice and Fear William Robinson Sr. was a black boy living in early 20th century Alabama, where seeking help from the authorities was often futile. Complaining about injustice seemed like a dead end. Fear of the consequences prevented him from involving his older brothers. He knew that if they confronted a white bully, it could lead to violence against his family.
Title 6: Taking Matters into His Own Hands After enduring two years of bullying and theft, William Robinson Sr. decided to take a stand. He bought a scout knife and waited for the 17-year-old bully to strike again. One fateful payday, the older teenager approached him one last time and a confrontation ensued.
Title 7: A Brave Act Robinson’s father, pushed to the ground, refused to hand over his hard-earned money. In a brave act of self-defense, he pulled out his newly acquired knife and plunged it into the bully’s leg. The thug’s screams marked the end of his torment.
Title 8: A Life-Changing Decision Although the immediate threat had ended, William Robinson Sr. now feared possible retaliation from the bully’s friends and family. Believing that staying in Selma would endanger his family, the 12-year-old made a life-changing decision. He went to the railroad tracks and hopped on the train, leaving his hometown behind.
Title 9: Unbearable Grief During the interview, Smokey Robinson expressed his sympathy for his father’s hardships, but also referred to the immense grief his grandmother must have felt. She watched her youngest child run away, never to be seen again.
Father Smokey Robinson’s story is a testament to the hardships and challenges many blacks faced during this period. It is a reminder of the courage and resilience shown by those who navigated a racially divided society.