THE 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSICIANS OF ALL TIME

7 The 100 Most Influential Musicians of All Time 7

but unformed composing talents, and Robinson, assisted by
the Miracles, became Gordy’s inspiration for the creation
of Motown Records.
With the arrival of Claudette Rogers, the group
changed its name to the Miracles and released “Got a Job”
on End Records in 1958. The Miracles struggled onstage
in their first performance at the Apollo Theatre that year,
but good fortune came their way in the form of Marv
Tarplin, guitarist for the Primettes, who were led by
Robinson’s friend Diana Ross. Tarplin became an honorary
(but essential) Miracle, while Robinson introduced Gordy
to the Primettes, who soon became the Supremes. In 1959
Robinson and Claudette Rogers were married, and “Bad
Girl,” licensed to Chess Records, peaked nationally at
number 93. The fiery “Way Over There” and the shimmer-
ing “(You Can) Depend on Me” were followed in 1960 by
“Shop Around,” the second version of which became an
enormous hit, reaching number one on the rhythm-and-
blues charts and number two on the pop charts.
While Robinson was writing such vital songs as “My
Guy” for Mary Wells, “I’ll Be Doggone” for Marvin Gaye,
and “My Girl” for the Temptations, he and the Miracles
proceeded to record stunning compositions, including
“You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” (1962), “I’ll Try
Something New” (1962), “Ooo Baby Baby” (1965), “Choosey
Beggar” (1965), “The Tracks of My Tears” (1965), and
“More Love” (1967, written following the premature birth
and death of Robinson’s twin daughters). The Miracles
complemented their songs of aching romance and mature
love with buoyant numbers such as “Mickey’s Monkey”
(1963), “Going to a Go-Go” (1965), “I Second That
Emotion” (1967), and “The Tears of a Clown” (1970).
In 1972 Robinson left the Miracles to pursue a solo
career. Without him, the Miracles enjoyed moderate