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Choral or Vocal Arrangements of

Miracles

American vocal group that helped define the Motown sound of the 1960s; led by one of the most gifted, influential singer-songwriters in 20th-century popular music. In addition to Smokey Robinson, byname of William Robinson (b. Feb. 19, 1940, Detroit, Mich., U.S.), the principal members of the group were Warren Moore (b. Nov. 19, 1939, Detroit), Bobby Rogers (b. Feb. 19, 1940, Detroit), Ronnie White (b. April 5, 1939, Detroit), and Claudette Rogers (b. 1942). Whether writing for fellow artists Mary Wells, the Temptations, or Marvin Gaye or performing with the Miracles, singer-lyricist-arranger-producer Robinson created songs that were supremely balanced between the joy and pain of love. At once playful and passionate, Robinson's graceful lyrics led Bob Dylan to call him "America's greatest living poet."

Coming of age in the doo-wop era and deeply influenced by jazz vocalist Sarah Vaughan, Robinson formed the Five Chimes with school friends in the mid-1950s. After some personnel changes, the group, as the Matadors, auditioned unsuccessfully for Jackie Wilson's manager; however, they greatly impressed Wilson's songwriter Berry Gordy, who soon became their manager and producer. Most importantly, Gordy became Robinson's mentor, harnessing his prodigious 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 shimmering "(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).


The Miracles : Jingle Bells : 1 CD : Lif 160114

The Miracles : Jingle Bells

In our misspent youth, we happened to be lucky enough to live within radio shot of WORJ (AM) in Detroit, home of Berry Gordy's Motown Records, which was the home of The Miracles. A stream of Miracles hits graced our car radio from 1959 to 1966, such as "Shop Around," "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "The Tracks of My Tears" and "Going to a Go Go;" and "The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage," "I Second That Emotion" and "The Tears of a Clown" with Smokey Robinson singing lead. Now, with "Jingle Bells," we are given 10 all-accompanied Christmas hits by one of the most influential and popular soul/pop groups of all time! Wonderfully arranged covers of "We Three Kings," "The Little Drummer Boy," "O Holy Night," "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow," "Feliz Navidad," "My Favorite Time of Year," "Silent Night," "Frosty the Snowman," "Finally Christmas" and the title tune. This is a beautifully-recorded album of fun, funky, soulful and danceable Christmas music that will surprise and delight you this Christmas and for many more!

Songlist: We Three Kings, The Little Drummer Boy, O Holy Night, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Feliz Navidad, My Favorite Time of the Year, Silent Night, Frosty the Snowman, Finally Christmas, Jingle Bells

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2379c | 1 CD | $6.95


Individual Folios

Displaying 1-4 of 4 items.


I Second That Emotion : SAB : Alan Billingsley : Smokey Robinson : The Miracles : 1 CD : 08201327 : 073999557497

Alan Billingsley : I Second That Emotion

Bob Dylan called Smokey Robinson America's greatest living poet and his legacy as one of the giants of Motown is clearly evident in this 1967 hit.Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, Instrumental Pak (includes parts for Trumpet I and II, Tenor Sax, Trombone, Guitar, Bass and Drums) and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:40.

Arranger: Alan Billingsley | Composers: Smokey Robinson and Al Cleveland Performed By: The Miracles

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Voicing: SAB | Sheet Music | $1.50 | With Piano |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08201327
Other Voicings: SATB


Shop Around : 3-Part : Mark Brymer : Smokey Robinson : The Miracles : Sheet Music : 08551260 : 073999622409

Mark Brymer : Shop Around

It was a hit in 1961 with the Miracles and again in 1976 with the Captain and Tennille, and this bluesy Discovery Series edition will be a hit with your choir, too! Available: 2-Part, 3-Part Mixed, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:20.

Arranger: Mark Brymer | Composers: Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy Performed By: The Miracles

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Voicing: 3-Part | Sheet Music | $1.50 | With Piano |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08551260 | Showtrax CD Available


Shop Around : SSA : Alan Billingsley : Smokey Robinson : The Miracles : Sheet Music : 08201331 : 073999760415

Alan Billingsley : Shop Around

This SSA Showcase of the 1961 hit by The Miracles and covered by The Captain and Tenille in 1976 is a sensational blast from the past!Available separately: SSA and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:30.

Arranger: Alan Billingsley | Composers: Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy Performed By: The Miracles

More details
Voicing: SSA | Sheet Music | $2.25 | With Piano |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08201331 | Showtrax CD Available


Shop Around : SATB : Paul Langford : Smokey Robinson : The Miracles : Sheet Music : 35027581 : 884088527273

Paul Langford : Shop Around

Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy joined forces to pen this pop hit which was a chart topper for The Miracles in the '60s and Captain and Tennille in the '70s. Paul Langford gives his arrangement a fresh update with non-stop energy and jazz-infused chords that fill this hot chart. Shop Around will knock your audience out! Available separately: SATB, SSA, Digital Instrument Pack (trumpet 1, 2; a.sax; t.sax; b.sax; trombone 1, 2; bass; drums guitar/rhythm). Duration: ca. 3:05.

Arranger: Paul Langford | Composers: Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy Performed By: The Miracles

More details
Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.50 | With Piano |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 35027581 | Digital Version Available
Other Voicings: SSAA, SSAA


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