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Saginaw Today
By the People, for the People
WSGW Morning Team Celebrates 50-Year Miracles Hit
Radio show highlights 1976 chart-topping song "Love Machine (Part 1)" by The Miracles
Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:41am
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The WSGW Morning Team in Saginaw, Michigan celebrated the 50th anniversary of The Miracles' hit song "Love Machine (Part 1)" reaching number one on the charts in 1976. The show provided background on the song's origins, including how it was initially written for a never-released Motown girl group before being recorded by The Miracles. The segment also highlighted the song's commercial success and unique musical credits.
Why it matters
This nostalgic look back at a classic R&B hit from the 1970s connects with the local Saginaw audience and showcases the radio station's commitment to celebrating musical history and heritage. The story provides insight into Motown's creative process and the evolution of The Miracles' sound after the departure of lead singer Smokey Robinson.
The details
"Love Machine (Part 1)" was written in 1974 for a proposed seven-member Motown girl group that was ultimately dropped before recording the song. The Miracles then recorded the track, with Billy Griffin on lead vocals and contributions from Bobby Rogers and Ronnie White. The song was a major commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and #3 in the UK in 1976.
- In July 1973, The Miracles introduced Billy Griffin as the new lead singer on NBC's The Midnight Special, with Smokey Robinson hosting the episode.
- For one week in 1976, "Love Machine (Part 1)" by The Miracles reached #1 on the Billboard charts.
The players
The Miracles
An American rhythm and blues vocal group that was one of Motown's most successful acts, known for hits like "Shop Around" and "Tears of a Clown". The group underwent a lineup change in 1972 when lead singer Smokey Robinson departed, with Billy Griffin taking over as the new lead vocalist.
Smokey Robinson
An American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former co-vice president of Motown Records. He was the founder and original lead singer of the Motown vocal group The Miracles.
Billy Griffin
The new lead vocalist for The Miracles after Smokey Robinson's departure in 1972.
Bobby Rogers
A member of The Miracles who provided "growling" vocals on "Love Machine (Part 1)".
Ronnie White
A member of The Miracles who contributed "yeah, baby" vocals on "Love Machine (Part 1)".
What they’re saying
“The Miracles introduced Billy Griffin as Smokey's replacement as lead singer to a national television audience on NBC's The Midnight Special in July of 1973.”
— WSGW Morning Team
The takeaway
This story highlights how Motown's creative process often involved rearranging and testing different lineups of artists, leading to unexpected musical collaborations and hit songs. It also showcases the enduring popularity of The Miracles and their ability to adapt after the departure of their iconic lead singer Smokey Robinson.
