The Miracles, an African-American rhythm & blues (R&B) group from Detroit, Michigan, began in 1955 as The Five Chimes. In 1957 they changed their name to The Matadors. In November 1958 they became The Miracles but from 1965 to 1972 they were billed as Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, in order to capitalize on Robinson's popularity. (However, for a time during this transition, the labels on the singles would read "The Miracles" but the albums from which the single came would read Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. Eventually this discrepancy worked itself out. After 1972, Robinson went solo, and the remaining members returned to using the name The Miracles.

The Miracles were notable as the first successful group act for Berry Gordy Jr.'s1 Motown Records Corporation,2 and as one of Motown's signature acts of the 1960s. During the same period, Smokey Robinson became one of the most successful songwriters and record producers of all time.