The Miracles Love Machine

Billy Griffin had long replaced Smokey Robinson as lead vocalist by the time “Love Machine” hit the charts for the Miracles in 1975. In fact, Billy Griffin co-wrote the hit with fellow Miracles band member Pete Moore. It became a number one in the US, a multi-million seller and the Miracles best-selling single ever.

From 1965 till 1972, “The Miracles” were known as “Smokey Robinson and the Miracles” named after the lead singer and founding member. Smokey went on to become one of the most successful songwriters and producers of all time.

The original Miracles consisted of Smokey, his wife Claudette, Bobby Rogers, Ronnie White, Warren Moore and Marv Tarplin. Apparently, the group’s name was the result of putting suggestion in a hat!

Sample “Love Machine” on Motown 50 here:

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Wichita Lineman by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

Written by Jimmy Webb in 1968, “Wichita Lineman” was first recorded by glen Cambell. This is a cover version by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and it featured on their 1969 album “Time out for Smokey Robinson & the Miracles”. However, the major hit of the approaching new decade was to be “Tears of A Clown”.

Although Smokey parted company from the Miracles, both acts continued to make plenty of money for Motown throughout the ‘Seventies independently until the Miracles parted company in 1977 when they signed with Columbia.

Sample “Wichita Lineman” on Motown 50 here:

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