He was 1/4th of the legendary Motown singing group, “Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.” Now, founding member Bobby Rogers has died.
Originally designed as a group of 4 men and 1 woman, the group trimmed down to just the 4 men, with Rogers an integral part of their popular sound. Hits including “Shop Around,” “Tracks Of My Tears” and “Ooh, Baby Baby,” among others, were all part of Rogers’ original vision with Robinson.
Smokey Robinson, who was born only hours apart from Rogers in the same Detroit hospital on February 19, 1940, saluted his friend with a statement, saying: “Another soldier in my life has fallen.”
“Bobby Rogers was my brother and a really good friend,” Robinson said. “I am really going to miss him. I loved him very much.”
Bobby Rogers was 73.
Hard for me to think of Smokey, or any of the Miracles, being (dare I say) up in age….but it's true.
My introduction to incredible music…certainly in terms of my awareness…took root as early as age 3 thanks to my father who was/and remains a HUGE fan of classic R&B, especially the "Motown Sound" and in particular, the music of David Ruffin & The Temps and Smokey & The Miracles.
In keeping with our family tradition, We (my sibs and I) passed this love on to my nieces and nephew. Listening to them sing the lyrics to "Tracks Of My Tears" in addition to so many other great songs that spans across generations simply blows me away…lol
May Bobby Rogers R.I.P.