Smokey Robinson leads tributes as Motown star and The Miracles singer Warren 'Pete' Moore dies aged 78  

Motown star Warren 'Pete' Moore has passed away aged 78. 

The vocal talent, who is best known for singing alongside Smokey Robinson in '50s band The Miracles, died on Sunday, according to Rolling Stone, with Motown Records founder Berry Gordy confirming the news in a statement. 

Tributes have since flooded in for Moore, with Smokey Robinson, 77, insisting he is 'really going to miss' his friend and former bandmate as he public paid tribute to him via Twitter. 

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Warren had passed away on his birthday, November 19 in Las Vegas. His cause of death is still unknown. 

Gordy had confirmed his passing in a statement that read: 'I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Warren 'Pete' Moore. a fine human being and valued member of the Motown family.

'Pete was an original member of my very first group, the Miracles. He was a quiet spirit with a wonderful Bass voice behind Smokey Robinson’s soft, distinctive lead vocals and was co-writer on several of the Miracles hits.'

He concluded: 'A gentleman, loving husband, devoted father and loyal friend, we all loved him and will miss him.' 

Smokey Robinson had been among the first to pay their respects towards Moore, with the star penning on Twitter: 'It’s always tough to loose someone that you love. Pete Moore was my brother since I was 11 years old. I’m really going to miss him.' (sic) 

He was followed by Love Come Down hit-maker Evelyn 'Champagne' King who replied to Robinson: 'So sorry for your loss Smokey, My sincere condolences to you and his family! And all who he has touched in music. R.I.P Warren Pete Moore.' 

Robinson and Moore had been childhood friends growing up in Detroit. They had formed a singing group while in school together known as the Five Chimes and then The Matadors, before becoming known as The Miracles soon after being signed by Motown founder Gordy in the 1950s.  

While Robinson left the band several years later in 1971, Moore stayed with the group until they decided to part ways seven years later in 1978. 

As well as his vocals, Moore had provided music material for the group and co-wrote The Miracles' hit tracks Ooo Baby Baby, My Girl Has Gone and The Tracks Of My Tears. He had been the band's vocal arranger.

Influential across a number of musical genres, including R&B, rock and Hip-Hop, Moore had also penned songs for the likes of Marvin Gaye and The Temptations and had been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside The Miracles back in 2012. 

Moore was inducted with the rest of the original Miracles, Bobby Rogers, Ron White, Claudette Robinson and Marv Tarplin. Smokey Robinson was originally inducted years earlier in 1987. 

The prolific songwriter has had his musical offerings recorded by a slew of stars over the years including Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Tom Jones and The Rolling Stones. 

On hearing news of Moore's death, fans were quick to pay tribute to him via Twitter as they penned: 'Warren 'Pete' Moore. RIP. Another legend lost!; R.I.P. Warren "Pete" Moore :( #Condolences to your family and many loved ones <3.

'RIP.Thank you for being part of my musical education; Warren "Pete" Moore of the Miracles, go with God; Sorry to hear this news. May Warren "Pete" Moore Rest In Peace.

'Another tough loss for the music world: R.I.P. Warren "Pete" Moore, a founding member of The Miracles; Quite a group the Miracles were. They laid the groundwork for many that came afterwards.'

Another fan replied to Robinson's tweet: 'I’m so sorry for your loss and the worlds loss. Heaven is sounding sweeter tonight.'