Berry Gordy passes the torch from Smokey Robinson to Sydney Justin
Armed with some of the greatest songs written, The Sounds of the Miracles are still after 40 years, attracting enthusiastic audiences around the world. Motown’s first of many famous groups,The Miracles continue to keep the music alive by performing songs, such as: “Shop Around”, “I Second That Emotion”, “Tears Of A Clown”, “Love M
achine”, “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me”, “The Tracks Of My Tears” and many more. in 1995 and the 4th of July celebration at Duke University with over 60,000 fans in attendance, were simply unbelievable. In 1956, Bobby Rogers, Smokey Robinson, Claudette Robinson, Ronnie White and Pete Moore, childhood friends became The Miracles, and embarked on a career that would surpass their wildest dreams. With just a simple question from a stranger, “Hey, who wrote those songs”? With uttering only those five words, The Miracles became the link between Gordy’s years of hustle and the glory days. With “Shop Around” a number one smash on all the charts, establishing The Miracles and giving Motown their first gold seller, this sent the company and the group into the number one spotlight. The Miracles and Motown Records became known throughout the world. Over the course of the years, The Miracles continued to record chart-topping hits, including “Ooo Baby Baby”, “Going To A Go-Go”, “More Love”, “Mickey’s Monkey” and “Tears Of A Clown”. The Miracles established themselves as one of the best groups of all times. In 1971, Smokey Robinson announced his retirement to spend time with his growing family. Billy Griffin replaced him and The Miracles continued to be successful recording hit records, with such renowned producers as Marvin Gaye, Willie Hutch and Freddie Perren. In the fall of 1976 their hits consisted of “Do It Baby” and "Love Machine”, The Miracles were now on top of the pop, R&B and disco charts. The Miracles timeless music gained in popularity through movie soundtracks such as “The Big Chill”, “Platoon” and “Donnie Brasco”. (In 1993, Motown honored the group with a 35th anniversary retrospective greatest hits CD box set). In 1978 upon the departure of Billy Griffin, the group, consisting of Pete Moore, Bobby Rogers and Ronnie White auditioned a young man right out of college (Long Beach State University), by the name of Sydney Justin. He was chosen for The Miracles lead vocals, but had a prior commitment to play professional football with the Los Angeles Rams. Sydney had a short NFL career (four years), due to an injury, but not before he had a chance to earn a SuperBowl ring in SuperBowl XIIII (Rams vs. Steelers). In 1994, as faith would have it, Bobby Rogers again would locate Sydney Justin on a quest to reunite the group. Sydney at the time had completed 5 years as a member songwriter and producer of the pop group Shalamar after his NFL career, and was honored to be apart of the legendary Miracles. Now with Sydney, whose style is reminiscent of a cross between Smokey Robinson & Marvin Gaye, along with Bobby Rogers, Ron White and also new member Dave Finley, The Miracles embarked on a second wave of success. Dave Finley, a life long friend of Bobby’s and former member of 1960’s R&B vocal group the Del Vikings, joined the group a few years prior where the group spent time writing and recording new material. Unfortunately, in 1995 Ron White one of the original members lost a fourteen-month battle with leukemia and was unable to see the groups continued success. Thurman Turner, joined the group after being the band leader and bass player for a number of years. Tee as he is known, is an accomplished musician and vocalist as well as a songwriter and producer. Sydney Justin and the group have made many television appearances such as:
The Today Show, Good Morning America, George & Alana, Donnie Osmond, the Pat Bullard show, and the Home & Family show, just to name a few. They also have two nationwide television commercials running to date (Denny’s & Oil Dispatch). They have performed in Las Vegas, Washington D.C.’s Constitution Hall and in 1998 the Library of Congress, (where they were the first R&B group to be inducted). They have also tour throughout Europe with the United States Air Force Orchestra and many, many concerts, and private corporate functions throughout the United States in the last five years. Sydney Justin and the Miracles recently recorded a Greatest hits CD, a Live CD, and a Christmas Holliday CD with songs that include the following: “ Silent Night, White Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Frosty The Snow Man, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, The Christmas Song" and many others including two new original songs” My Favorite Time Of Year" and "Finally Christmas” written by Sydney Justin. It's not surprising that The Sound of Miracles featuring Sydney Justin are loved throughout the world for their music and positive energy. In February 1997, they received the “Pioneer Award” from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation and a star was placed on the Hollywood Boulevard "Walk of Fame". Recently they were voted Detroit’s first Motown group to be commemorated on it's "Walk of Fame",
Sydney Justin has been seen and admired by millions on the PBS television specials and continue to share the Sound of Miracles around the world.
…AND THE SOUND OF MIRACLES CONTINUE TO HAPPEN.
