Singer Bobby Rogers, a founding member of The Miracles, has died after a long battle with an undisclosed illness.
The singer, a founding member of The Miracles with Smokey Robinson, Claudette Rogers, Pete Moore and Ronnie White in 1956, died in his home in Detroit at the age of 73, reported Rolling Stones magazine.
"He had a sparkling personality that was loved by everyone. People always commented on the tall one with the glasses," said Claudette, Rogers' cousin.
"He was personable, approachable and he loved talking to the women, loved talking to the guys, loved to dance, loved to sing, loved to perform. That was the joy of his life."
Rogers' biggest hits with The Miracles include 'The Tears Of A Clown', 'I Second That Emotion' and 'Tracks Of My Tears'.
He was also a songwriter.
One of Rogers' most prominent vocal contributions with The Miracles is his two-part harmony with Smokey on 'You've Really Got a Hold on Me', which was later covered by The Beatles.
Rogers can also be heard in the background of Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On', saying, "It's just a groovy party, man, I can dig it."
The Miracles broke up in the 70s when Smokey went solo, but were inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, although Rogers was too ill to attend. However, he was present when the group were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009.
