Honors On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Kim's Kronicles — By Kim Webster on May 7, 2010 at 5:46 pm

MIRACLES are defined as “a sensibly perceptible interruption of the laws of nature, such that can only be explained by divine intervention” that describes the songs of this legendary Motown group. How fitting for Claudette Robinson (the first lady of Motown), Smokey Robinson, Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore, the late Ronnie White (represented by his wife Gloria), and Billy Griffin to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located at 7060 Hollywood Boulevard. Stevie Wonder and Berry Gordy praised the group at the ceremony as fans screamed and clapped.

They began as the Matadors in the late fifties. After changing their name to THE MIRACLES and being accompanied by guitar legend Marv Tarplin , they scored their first number one hit “Shop Around” which sold a million copies in 1961. The legendary Funk Brothers band also played on a string of unforgettable hits. Claudette stopped touring with the group in 1965, but continued to sing on every song until 1972 when Smokey left for a solo career. Billy Griffin joined as lead singer in 1974 and his brother Donald Griffin replaced Marv Tarplin. They immediately scored a number one hit with “Love Machine.”

A collection of the MIRACLES number ones along with other legendary artists are included in “Hitsville U.S.A.” The ten CD set is packaged in a replica of the Hitsville building in Detroit and celebrates 50 Years of Motown. Definitely a collector’s item for all Motown music fans!