Born in Detroit, Michigan, on Feb. 19, 1940, Smokey Robinson is second to only Berry Gordy in the founding of Motown. A prolific songwriter, he is credited with 4,000 songs and 37 Top 40 hits, including Tears of a Clown, Tracks of My Tears and Love Machine. Robinson also served as vice president of Motown records, writing and producing hits for groups such as The Temptations (My Girl) and Mary Wells (My Guy).