Tamla Records 1961 – TM-220
notes
The Miracles released their debut studio album, Hi We're The
Miracles,
on the legendary Tamla Records label in 1961. Cataloged as TM-220,
the album introduced listeners to one of Motown's earliest and
most influential vocal groups.
Led by Smokey Robinson, The Miracles played a crucial role in
establishing the signature Motown sound that would later dominate
American popular music. Hi We're The Miracles features a collection
of heartfelt ballads, rhythm-and-blues classics, and early
soul recordings that showcase Robinson's smooth vocals
and exceptional songwriting talent.
The album includes the groundbreaking hit "Shop Around,"
which became Motown's first million-selling single and helped
launch the label into national prominence. With its blend of
emotional storytelling, memorable melodies, and polished
vocal harmonies, the record remains an essential release
in the history of soul and R&B music.
credits:
on the legendary Tamla Records label in 1961. Cataloged as TM-220,
the album introduced listeners to one of Motown's earliest and
most influential vocal groups.
Led by Smokey Robinson, The Miracles played a crucial role in
establishing the signature Motown sound that would later dominate
American popular music. Hi We're The Miracles features a collection
of heartfelt ballads, rhythm-and-blues classics, and early
soul recordings that showcase Robinson's smooth vocals
and exceptional songwriting talent.
The album includes the groundbreaking hit "Shop Around,"
which became Motown's first million-selling single and helped
launch the label into national prominence. With its blend of
emotional storytelling, memorable melodies, and polished
vocal harmonies, the record remains an essential release
in the history of soul and R&B music.
credits:
Smokey Robinson – lead vocals, background vocals
Ronnie White – lead and background vocals
Claudette Robinson – lead and background vocals
Bobby Rogers – background vocals
Pete Moore – background vocals
Marv Tarplin – guitar
Session Musicians
The backing musicians were the early members
of Motown's house band, later known as the
The Funk Brothers. Individual musician credits
were not listed on the original LP, but contemporary
Motown practice and surviving documentation
indicate that Funk Brothers personnel
provided the instrumental backing on most tracks.
Likely participants from the period included:
James Jamerson – bass
Benny Benjamin – drums
Joe Hunter – piano
Eddie Willis – guitar
Robert White – guitar
Producer
Berry Gordy
The album was recorded in Detroit, Michigan, during
the period immediately before Motown moved fully
into its famous headquarters. Most of the material
was cut at Motown's early recording
facilities associated with Hitsville U.S.A.
tracklist:
A1 Who's Lovin' You
Written-By – William "Smokey" Robinson*
A2 Depend On Me
Written-By – Gordy Jr.*, Robinson*
A3 Heart Like Mine
Written-By – White*, Robinson*
A4 Shop Around
Written-By – Gordy Jr.*, Robinson*
A5 Won't You Take Me Back
Written-By – Gordy Jr.*, Robinson*
A6 Cause I Love You
Written-By – White*, Robinson*
B1 Your Love
Written-By – William "Smokey" Robinson*
B2 After All
Written-By – William "Smokey" Robinson*
B3 Way Over There
Written-By – Berry Gordy Jr.*, William "Smokey" Robinson*
B4 Money
Written-By – Berry Gordy Jr.*, Janie Bradford
B5 Don't Leave Me
Written-By – Gordy*, Brianbert, Robinson*
Ronnie White – lead and background vocals
Claudette Robinson – lead and background vocals
Bobby Rogers – background vocals
Pete Moore – background vocals
Marv Tarplin – guitar
Session Musicians
The backing musicians were the early members
of Motown's house band, later known as the
The Funk Brothers. Individual musician credits
were not listed on the original LP, but contemporary
Motown practice and surviving documentation
indicate that Funk Brothers personnel
provided the instrumental backing on most tracks.
Likely participants from the period included:
James Jamerson – bass
Benny Benjamin – drums
Joe Hunter – piano
Eddie Willis – guitar
Robert White – guitar
Producer
Berry Gordy
The album was recorded in Detroit, Michigan, during
the period immediately before Motown moved fully
into its famous headquarters. Most of the material
was cut at Motown's early recording
facilities associated with Hitsville U.S.A.
tracklist:
A1 Who's Lovin' You
Written-By – William "Smokey" Robinson*
A2 Depend On Me
Written-By – Gordy Jr.*, Robinson*
A3 Heart Like Mine
Written-By – White*, Robinson*
A4 Shop Around
Written-By – Gordy Jr.*, Robinson*
A5 Won't You Take Me Back
Written-By – Gordy Jr.*, Robinson*
A6 Cause I Love You
Written-By – White*, Robinson*
B1 Your Love
Written-By – William "Smokey" Robinson*
B2 After All
Written-By – William "Smokey" Robinson*
B3 Way Over There
Written-By – Berry Gordy Jr.*, William "Smokey" Robinson*
B4 Money
Written-By – Berry Gordy Jr.*, Janie Bradford
B5 Don't Leave Me
Written-By – Gordy*, Brianbert, Robinson*
