Smoky Robinson: his three children and their special relationships
8 may 2025 в 02:37
Over his illustrious career, Motown legend Smokey Robinson is responsible for classics such as «The Tears of a Clown», - «You've Really Got a Hold on Me», - and «Shop Around». But his most enduring creations? His three children — Berry, Tamla, and Trey.
Smokey’s three adult children each have their own unique relationships with their famous father, although some are closer than others. After marrying his group mate from The Miracles and «Motown's First Lady» Claudette Rogers Robinson in 1959, Smokey began building his family.
Learn all about Smokey’s three children below.
Named after Motown’s original label founder Berry Gordy, Smokey’s first son with wife Claudette, Berry, was born in 1968. Born almost ten years after Smokey and Claudette’s wedding, Berry was a gift after conception had been a challenge for the couple due to their busy touring schedule. Smokey shared that Claudette had suffered seven miscarriages before they decided to have Berry through a surrogate mother.
Berry is named after Motown’s original label founder Berry Gordy, who is also his and Tamla’s godfather. Tamla recently marked a visit from Smokey with Berry, sharing a sweet photo of the trio on Instagram. Although Berry keeps a low profile in public and has a private Instagram, he remains close to his family.
Smokey’s only daughter, Tamla Claudette Robinson, was born in 1971. Named after the iconic label «Tamla» that preceded Motown, Tamla has always maintained a close relationship with her father, describing them as «best friends» in interviews. In turn, Smokey sweetly shared that Tamla «taught me more about life than I ever knew».
Tamla is much more active on social media than her brother Berry, regularly sharing her life on Instagram. In a post dedicated to her father’s birthday last year, she shared a touching photo of the entire Robinson family when Tamla and Berry were still babies. In a heartfelt post, she wished her father «love, peace, and blessings» on his «special day».
Although her family may have experienced their share of drama, Tamla constantly expresses her love for each of her relatives, especially on special days such as birthdays or anniversaries. She shared a series of cute photos on Berry’s birthday, honoring her «irreplaceable» brother, who has been by her side «through everything and always». She also posted a stunning photo of Claudette, who could truly be her sister, in honor of International Women’s Day.
For a long time, Trey Robinson was a son whose existence many did not know about. During his marriage to Claudette, Smokey began a romance with another woman and became Trey’s father in 1984. When Claudette found out, she left Smokey, and their divorce was officially finalized by 1986. The scandal over his affair made headlines, and ultimately Claudette received nearly 50 percent of his assets in settlements. Very little is publicly known about Trey, and neither Smokey nor his children maintain public relationships with him.
Although Trey’s birth marked the end of Claudette and Smokey’s marriage, they were able to come together again, especially in the name of their family. Recently, Smokey joined Claudette to celebrate a scholarship award ceremony for their granddaughter Lyrik Ontiveros. While the tension over infidelity may have once torn them apart, today it is clear that family still binds them
Smokey’s three adult children each have their own unique relationships with their famous father, although some are closer than others. After marrying his group mate from The Miracles and «Motown's First Lady» Claudette Rogers Robinson in 1959, Smokey began building his family.
Learn all about Smokey’s three children below.
Named after Motown’s original label founder Berry Gordy, Smokey’s first son with wife Claudette, Berry, was born in 1968. Born almost ten years after Smokey and Claudette’s wedding, Berry was a gift after conception had been a challenge for the couple due to their busy touring schedule. Smokey shared that Claudette had suffered seven miscarriages before they decided to have Berry through a surrogate mother.
Berry is named after Motown’s original label founder Berry Gordy, who is also his and Tamla’s godfather. Tamla recently marked a visit from Smokey with Berry, sharing a sweet photo of the trio on Instagram. Although Berry keeps a low profile in public and has a private Instagram, he remains close to his family.
Smokey’s only daughter, Tamla Claudette Robinson, was born in 1971. Named after the iconic label «Tamla» that preceded Motown, Tamla has always maintained a close relationship with her father, describing them as «best friends» in interviews. In turn, Smokey sweetly shared that Tamla «taught me more about life than I ever knew».
Tamla is much more active on social media than her brother Berry, regularly sharing her life on Instagram. In a post dedicated to her father’s birthday last year, she shared a touching photo of the entire Robinson family when Tamla and Berry were still babies. In a heartfelt post, she wished her father «love, peace, and blessings» on his «special day».
Although her family may have experienced their share of drama, Tamla constantly expresses her love for each of her relatives, especially on special days such as birthdays or anniversaries. She shared a series of cute photos on Berry’s birthday, honoring her «irreplaceable» brother, who has been by her side «through everything and always». She also posted a stunning photo of Claudette, who could truly be her sister, in honor of International Women’s Day.
For a long time, Trey Robinson was a son whose existence many did not know about. During his marriage to Claudette, Smokey began a romance with another woman and became Trey’s father in 1984. When Claudette found out, she left Smokey, and their divorce was officially finalized by 1986. The scandal over his affair made headlines, and ultimately Claudette received nearly 50 percent of his assets in settlements. Very little is publicly known about Trey, and neither Smokey nor his children maintain public relationships with him.
Although Trey’s birth marked the end of Claudette and Smokey’s marriage, they were able to come together again, especially in the name of their family. Recently, Smokey joined Claudette to celebrate a scholarship award ceremony for their granddaughter Lyrik Ontiveros. While the tension over infidelity may have once torn them apart, today it is clear that family still binds them
© Kolganov Andrey
