Musician, Songwriter. Best known for his work as a member of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. Tarplin's career in music began during the late 1950s, initially as a guitarist with the vocal group, The Primettes (which later became The Supremes). During an audition with The Primettes at Motown Records, Tarplin was asked by Smokey Robinson to perform in a few shows with The Miracles. This would lead to his becoming a regular member of the ensemble, which lasted for the duration of Robinson's tenure with the group. Nicknamed by his band mates "The Secret Weapon", he contributed to the penning of such classic songs as "The Tracks of My Tears" (1965) and "Going to a Go-Go" (1965), in addition to his instrumental efforts. During that period, he co-wrote other prominent hits for Motown including: "I'll Be Doggone" (1965) and "Ain't That Peculiar" (1965), recorded by Marvin Gaye. After Robinson's departure during the early 1970, Tarplin remained with him as his writing partner as they yielded the solo hit singles, "Cruisin'" (1979) and "Being with You" (1981). He remained an active performer until the late 2000s. In 2012, Tarplin was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Miracles.
Musician, Songwriter. Best known for his work as a member of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. Tarplin's career in music began during the late 1950s, initially as a guitarist with the vocal group, The Primettes (which later became The Supremes). During an audition with The Primettes at Motown Records, Tarplin was asked by Smokey Robinson to perform in a few shows with The Miracles. This would lead to his becoming a regular member of the ensemble, which lasted for the duration of Robinson's tenure with the group. Nicknamed by his band mates "The Secret Weapon", he contributed to the penning of such classic songs as "The Tracks of My Tears" (1965) and "Going to a Go-Go" (1965), in addition to his instrumental efforts. During that period, he co-wrote other prominent hits for Motown including: "I'll Be Doggone" (1965) and "Ain't That Peculiar" (1965), recorded by Marvin Gaye. After Robinson's departure during the early 1970, Tarplin remained with him as his writing partner as they yielded the solo hit singles, "Cruisin'" (1979) and "Being with You" (1981). He remained an active performer until the late 2000s. In 2012, Tarplin was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Miracles.
Bio by: C.S.
Advertisement
See more Tarplin memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
