Tag Archives: Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson and his ex-wife Claudette spent many years together. For those who don’t know, Smokey and Claudette began their relationship during the glory years of Motown Records. Smokey worked as an in-house producer and songwriter, while also singing lead alongside Claudette in their 5-member group, The Miracles.

The two were married for 27 years and although they had some great times together, they also went through some very trying times during their marriage. Sadly, they endured seven miscarriages due to Claudette’s grueling tour schedule. But fortunately, despite the tragedies, she was able to give birth to two children. Most of their fans will probably be surprised to see their son though, because for the longest time, many never knew Smokey and Claudette even had a son.

Singer Smokey Robinson and wife Claudette Rogers attending 'Stevie Wonder Lifetime Achievement Awards' on October 6, 1985 at the Century City, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage)
Smokey Robinson and then wife, Claudette Rogers, October 6, 1985  (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage)

Meet Smokey’s And Claudette’s Son, Berry

Of course, most fans probably know about Smokey and Claudette’s daughter, Tamla, who was named after Tamla Records- the original name of Motown Records- because she was in the public eye a bit more. But, they also have a son they named after the famous Motown pioneer.

Smokey Robinson (L) with son, Berry Robinson (L)

Berry William Borope Robinson was named after none other than Smokey’s best friend and Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy. Check out more recent pics of Berry with his Pops; his sis,’ Tamla; and his beautiful mother below…

Smokey Robinson (L) with daughter, Tamla; and son, Berry

Throughout the years there were many cool photos of Smokey and Claudette with their kids back in the day. They looked like the picture perfect family at the time. But unfortunately, things weren’t always all good between Smokey, Claudette, and their children…

Smokey Revealed What He Did To Cause The Divorce

Smokey Robinson and ex-wife/ex-Miracles group member, Claudette Robinson, with their son, Berry

So, what could have possibly led to a massive divorce after 27 years of what appeared to be a happy marriage? Well apparently, Smokey admitted in his book that he’d had an affair. However, that’s not all. He’d gotten his mistress pregnant with his second son and after that, Claudette had it up to HERE and was like ‘Peace out Smokey!’ Smokey’s son, Trey Robinson, was born in 1984 shortly before Smokey’s 1985 divorce battle with Claudette.

Although Smokey expressed extreme remorse and made no excuses for his actions, he also did not turn his back on his third child. He took care of his responsibilities and despite the divorce, and Smokey still has a relationship with ALL three of his children to this day. He’s also remarried.

Wow…Smokey’s Ex-Wife Got Millions!

(L-R): The Miracles: Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, Claudette Robinson and Bobby Rogers attend their Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony; 2009

Smokey made headlines after his bombshell secret was made public. ‘Mr. Tears of a Clown’ had betrayed his then-wife and that led to divorce, but Claudette definitely didn’t walk away empty-handed. In fact, Claudette managed to win half the rights to all of the songs Smokey wrote from November 1958 to May 1985. Those rights equaled half of his whopping $275 million estate.

After 27 years of marriage, and records like “Shop Around,” “Ooh Baby Baby,” “Tracks Of My Tears,” solo classics “Cruisin’, “Being With You,” “Sweet Harmony” and the Temptations’ “My Girl” now partially belong to Claudette, due to legal technicalities. Even after 30+ years apart, Smokey was still paying for the divorce.

By 2014, the two once again battled each other in court over the decades-old hits Smokey had written during their marriage, which he’d just regained the music rights for under the 1976 Copyright Act. Thankfully, they were able to reach and out-of-court settlement…presumably Claudette walked away with many more millions. And all’s well, that ends well.

Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson and his ex-wife Claudette spent many years together. For those who don’t know, Smokey and Claudette began their relationship during the glory years of Motown Records. Smokey worked as an in-house producer and songwriter, while also singing lead alongside Claudette in their 5-member group, The Miracles.

The two were married for 27 years and although they had some great times together, they also went through some very trying times during their marriage. Sadly, they endured seven miscarriages due to Claudette’s grueling tour schedule. But fortunately, despite the tragedies, she was able to give birth to two children. Most of their fans will probably be surprised to see their son though, because for the longest time, many never knew Smokey and Claudette even had a son.

Smokey Robinson with his then-wife and The Miracles group member, Claudette Rogers- Robinson

Meet Smokey’s And Claudette’s Son, Berry

Of course, most fans probably know about Smokey and Claudette’s daughter, Tamla, who was named after Tamla Records- the original name of Motown Records- because she was in the public eye a bit more. But, they also have a son they named after the famous Motown pioneer.

Smokey Robinson (L) with son, Berry Robinson (L)

Berry William Borope Robinson was named after none other than Smokey’s best friend and Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy. Check out more recent pics of Berry with his Pops; his sis,’ Tamla; and his beautiful mother below…

Smokey Robinson (L) with daughter, Tamla; and son, Berry

Throughout the years there were many cool photos of Smokey and Claudette with their kids back in the day. They looked like the picture perfect family at the time. But unfortunately, things weren’t always all good between Smokey, Claudette, and their children…

Smokey Revealed What He Did To Cause The Divorce

Smokey Robinson and ex-wife/ex-Miracles group member, Claudette Robinson, with their son, Berry

So, what could have possibly led to a massive divorce after 27 years of what appeared to be a happy marriage? Well apparently, Smokey admitted in his book that he’d had an affair. However, that’s not all. He’d gotten his mistress pregnant with his second son and after that, Claudette had it up to HERE and was like ‘Peace out Smokey!’ Smokey’s son, Trey Robinson, was born in 1984 shortly before Smokey’s 1985 divorce battle with Claudette.

Although Smokey expressed extreme remorse and made no excuses for his actions, he also did not turn his back on his third child. He took care of his responsibilities and despite the divorce, and Smokey still has a relationship with ALL three of his children to this day. He’s also remarried.

Wow…Smokey’s Ex-Wife Got Millions!

(L-R): The Miracles: Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, Claudette Robinson and Bobby Rogers attend their Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony; 2009

Smokey made headlines after his bombshell secret was made public. ‘Mr. Tears of a Clown’ had betrayed his then-wife and that led to divorce, but Claudette definitely didn’t walk away empty-handed. In fact, Claudette managed to win half the rights to all of the songs Smokey wrote from November 1958 to May 1985. Those rights equaled half of his whopping $275 million estate.

After 27 years of marriage, and records like “Shop Around,” “Ooh Baby Baby,” “Tracks Of My Tears,” solo classics “Cruisin’, “Being With You,” “Sweet Harmony” and the Temptations’ “My Girl” now partially belong to Claudette, due to legal technicalities. Even after 30+ years apart, Smokey was still paying for the divorce.

By 2014, the two once again battled each other in court over the decades-old hits Smokey had written during their marriage, which he’d just regained the music rights for under the 1976 Copyright Act. Thankfully, they were able to reach and out-of-court settlement…presumably Claudette walked away with many more millions. And all’s well, that ends well.

Smokey Robinson had a hidden addiction that didn’t surface until the age of 41. When he fell, he fell hard. Typically we hear of addictions like this starting at a younger age, when peer pressures are more prevalent, but Smokey explained how his hidden addiction started so late…

Smokey Explains His Prior Years-Long Addiction

“I think it happened to me so late because of the fact that I was …” He exhales. “I was always, and I still am, open to somebody in my camp saying, “No, that’s not right, or what do you think you’re doing?’ I have those kind of people around me. Berry Gordy being the main one of them. I appreciate that as a person and I’m very happy that that’s’ there.

But when you divorce yourself from these types of people in your life, then you have a tendency to be able to run amok, when you surround yourself with yes people. And that’s what most people who go amok do – they surround themselves with yes people. Anything you do is fine ’cause you’re you and you’re popular. And that’s dangerous.

He continued:

“I thought that it couldn’t happen to me. That’s the cunning of drugs. I could never become addicted! ‘I love sports, and I run, and I take care of myself. I can overcome this.’ Because when I was younger I used to smoke a whole lot of weed. But weed was always manageable for me. I could have some killer weed and put it away for a year and not touch it! It never had the handle on me. I had the handle on it.

“But when I started dibbling and dabbling on the cocaine, that was a whole other animal. And I never thought I could become an addict. But I did.” He ignored his friends.

Although Smokey was heavily addicted to cocaine, he had a thing against heavy alcohol drinking because when growing up, he said he watched his Dad and his other family members, some of whom were prostitutes and junkies, all become addicted to alcohol and have horrific results in life:

“If I have some sushi, I’ll have Saki. But I never drank. First of all, I never liked the taste of it. And I grew up in my neighborhood, seeing everyone, everything. Alcoholics, junkies, prostitutes, what have you. And many of them were in my family, OK?

And the alcoholics were the most pitiful of them all. They’d be standing there talking to the wall. Cussing the wall out – there was nobody there! Peeing on themselves. They were pitiful.

Then alcohol had an adverse effect on me because [of] my dad … [He] was “Clark Kent” Sunday to Friday – just mild-mannered, sweetie-pie! Friday, he’d get paid, him and his friends – who were buddy-buddy all week long, they were brothers, they loved each other – they’d be drunk, fighting each other. It was just an adverse kind of drug for me, alcohol.

Friends Leon Isaac Kennedy & Berry Gordy To The Rescue

Throwback photo of Smokey Robinson and his best friend, actor/director Leon Isaac Kennedy

Smokey said actor, Leon Isaac Kennedy— (best known for his films Penitentiary and Body and Soul; and for being married to Jayne Kennedy)– did something for him that he’ll always be grateful for:

“I have two best friends, Leon Isaac Kennedy and Berry Gordy. God sent Leon to come get me and say, ‘Hey man, what are you doing to yourself?’ So Leon came and got me and took me to a prayer service.

The night I went I hadn’t done any drugs beforehand because I knew I was going to a prayer service. However, I was still a junkie. [He rubs his hands on his knees anxiously as though he’s still amazed at what transpired that night.]

During the service, the pastor prayed for him:

“And she told me that God had told her I was coming. And she told me all the things that were happening to me, physically and emotionally and mentally – which I shared with no on one earth! No one knew. She told me every one of ’em that night. She said God had showed her what was going on.

And I walked in that church an addict, and I came out free. May of 1986. Never looked back.”

Smokey began speaking at gang meetings and juvenile detention centers, giving them this message:

“When you turn it over to God, you have turned it over…and you don’t have to worry about it anymore after that.”

Source: Jet Magazine; TheTelegraph

Today Smokey has turned over a new leaf and continues to live a healthy lifestyle. He hasn’t eaten red meat since 1972 and he does yoga regularly.

Major props to Smokey for kicking his drug habit cold turkey like that. He’s a great example of if we want to do something bad enough, it’s possible to acquire the will, the drive, and the mindset to conquer any uphill hurdle placed before us, regardless of how late in life we may start that journey. The skill to know how to conquer it, will come through our persistent determination to make it happen.

-ILoveOldSchoolMusic, Old School news with a new point of view

Smokey Robinson had a hidden addiction that didn’t surface until the age of 41. When he fell, he fell hard. Typically we hear of addictions like this starting at a younger age, when peer pressures are more prevalent, but Smokey explained how his hidden addiction started so late…

Smokey Explains His Prior Years-Long Addiction

“I think it happened to me so late because of the fact that I was …” He exhales. “I was always, and I still am, open to somebody in my camp saying, “No, that’s not right, or what do you think you’re doing?’ I have those kind of people around me. Berry Gordy being the main one of them. I appreciate that as a person and I’m very happy that that’s’ there.

But when you divorce yourself from these types of people in your life, then you have a tendency to be able to run amok, when you surround yourself with yes people. And that’s what most people who go amok do – they surround themselves with yes people. Anything you do is fine ’cause you’re you and you’re popular. And that’s dangerous.

He continued:

“I thought that it couldn’t happen to me. That’s the cunning of drugs. I could never become addicted! ‘I love sports, and I run, and I take care of myself. I can overcome this.’ Because when I was younger I used to smoke a whole lot of weed. But weed was always manageable for me. I could have some killer weed and put it away for a year and not touch it! It never had the handle on me. I had the handle on it.

“But when I started dibbling and dabbling on the cocaine, that was a whole other animal. And I never thought I could become an addict. But I did.” He ignored his friends.

Although Smokey was heavily addicted to cocaine, he had a thing against heavy alcohol drinking because when growing up, he said he watched his Dad and his other family members, some of whom were prostitutes and junkies, all become addicted to alcohol and have horrific results in life:

“If I have some sushi, I’ll have Saki. But I never drank. First of all, I never liked the taste of it. And I grew up in my neighborhood, seeing everyone, everything. Alcoholics, junkies, prostitutes, what have you. And many of them were in my family, OK?

And the alcoholics were the most pitiful of them all. They’d be standing there talking to the wall. Cussing the wall out – there was nobody there! Peeing on themselves. They were pitiful.

Then alcohol had an adverse effect on me because [of] my dad … [He] was “Clark Kent” Sunday to Friday – just mild-mannered, sweetie-pie! Friday, he’d get paid, him and his friends – who were buddy-buddy all week long, they were brothers, they loved each other – they’d be drunk, fighting each other. It was just an adverse kind of drug for me, alcohol.

Friends Leon Isaac Kennedy & Berry Gordy To The Rescue

Throwback photo of Smokey Robinson and his best friend, actor/director Leon Isaac Kennedy

Smokey said actor, Leon Isaac Kennedy— (best known for his films Penitentiary and Body and Soul; and for being married to Jayne Kennedy)– did something for him that he’ll always be grateful for:

“I have two best friends, Leon Isaac Kennedy and Berry Gordy. God sent Leon to come get me and say, ‘Hey man, what are you doing to yourself?’ So Leon came and got me and took me to a prayer service.

The night I went I hadn’t done any drugs beforehand because I knew I was going to a prayer service. However, I was still a junkie. [He rubs his hands on his knees anxiously as though he’s still amazed at what transpired that night.]

During the service, the pastor prayed for him:

“And she told me that God had told her I was coming. And she told me all the things that were happening to me, physically and emotionally and mentally – which I shared with no on one earth! No one knew. She told me every one of ’em that night. She said God had showed her what was going on.

And I walked in that church an addict, and I came out free. May of 1986. Never looked back.”

Smokey began speaking at gang meetings and juvenile detention centers, giving them this message:

“When you turn it over to God, you have turned it over…and you don’t have to worry about it anymore after that.”

Source: Jet Magazine; TheTelegraph

Today Smokey has turned over a new leaf and continues to live a healthy lifestyle. He hasn’t eaten red meat since 1972 and he does yoga regularly.

Major props to Smokey for kicking his drug habit cold turkey like that. He’s a great example of if we want to do something bad enough, it’s possible to acquire the will, the drive, and the mindset to conquer any uphill hurdle placed before us, regardless of how late in life we may start that journey. The skill to know how to conquer it, will come through our persistent determination to make it happen.

-ILoveOldSchoolMusic, Old School news with a new point of view

Twin grandchildren of a soul icon [Instagram]
If you know anything about soul music, then you know their Grandpops really well. He’s only sold millions upon millions of records throughout his impressive career and is one of the realest entertainers of the soul music era. He does not bite his tongue for anyone and is an adamant believer in equal rights for all people. And to prove it, he’s been known to publicly speak out about injustices against himself and his fellow minorities across the world from time to time.

Although his grandkids may not necessarily appear to be African American at first glance, their grandfather makes that known about himself every chance he gets…especially in more recent years, where the prim and proper mode that artists were widely expected to have back in the day, has been erased, now allowing them to freely express who they really are however they see fit.

Scroll down to see who these twins call Pop-pop…well, we really don’t know exactly what name they call him, but Pop-pop just sounds cool…in a Grandpops kinda way. Anyways, check out who he is below and see if your guess was on point…

THEIR GRANDFATHER IS A TRUE MOTOWN MUSIC HISTORY ICON!!!

Embed from Getty Images

‘Mr. Tears of A Clown’ a.k.a. Smokey Robinson is the proud grandfather of his twin grandbabies! Now can you see the resemblance?

We do not know the twins names, so we’ll simply dub them the ‘Robinson twins’ for the duration of this article. They are the children of Smokey’s son, whom many never knew he had…

CHECK OUT SMOKEY ROBINSON’S SON HANGING WITH HIS ROBINSON TWIN KIDS

In case you missed our previous article on him, then meet Smokey’s son, Berry William Borope Robinson. Not much is known about Berry other than the fact that he’s the 53-year-old son of Smokey and his soul singer ex-wife, Claudette Robinson (of The Platters). Berry is named after his godfather/Smokey’s best friend, Berry Gordy- the iconic Motown Records music mogul.

Berry shared these pics of himself, his son, and his daughter…no guessing here…

Smokey Robinson’s son, Barry, with his daughter (L) and son (R) [Instagram]

Smokey And Ex-Wife/Soul Singer, Claudette Robinson, With Their Son

Berry’s legendary soul music mother/Smokey’s ex-wife, Claudette is still just as gorgeous as she ever was…

Former The Miracles singer, Claudette Robinson, with Berry Robinson, the son she shares with ex-husband, Smokey Robinson [Instagram]
The Robinson trio having some family time together…

Smokey Robinson, Claudette Robinson, and their son Berry Robinson [Instagram]
And there ya’ have it family- the Robinson family in a nutshell…well, we’re missing two in these pics: Berry’s daughter, Tamla, and his other reported son, Trey.

Watch Smokey Get Real About His Blackness

By the way, in case you’re wondering why we were referring to Smokey as being very one of the realest, it’s because he’s been very vocal about his pride in his African American heritage these days and the plight that comes along with that in America. For your entertainment pleasure, we’ve included a video clip of him expressing himself on Def Poetry Jams. Just a heads up: Smokey drops a few ‘choice words’ within his delivery, so if you’re at work tap that volume (down) button…

Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson and his ex-wife Claudette spent many years together. For those who don’t know, Smokey and Claudette began their relationship during the glory years of Motown Records. Smokey worked as an in-house producer and songwriter, while also singing lead alongside Claudette in their 5-member group, The Miracles.

The two were married for 27 years and although they had some great times together, they also went through some very trying times during their marriage. Sadly, they endured seven miscarriages due to Claudette’s grueling tour schedule. But fortunately, despite the tragedies, she was able to give birth to two children. Most of their fans will probably be surprised to see their son though, because for the longest time, many never knew Smokey and Claudette even had a son.

Singer Smokey Robinson and wife Claudette Rogers attending 'Stevie Wonder Lifetime Achievement Awards' on October 6, 1985 at the Century City, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage)
Smokey Robinson and then wife, Claudette Rogers, October 6, 1985  (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage)

Meet Smokey’s And Claudette’s Son, Berry

Of course, most fans probably know about Smokey and Claudette’s daughter, Tamla, who was named after Tamla Records- the original name of Motown Records- because she was in the public eye a bit more. But, they also have a son they named after the famous Motown pioneer.

Smokey Robinson (L) with son, Berry Robinson (L)

Berry William Borope Robinson was named after none other than Smokey’s best friend and Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy. Check out more recent pics of Berry with his Pops; his sis,’ Tamla; and his beautiful mother below…

Smokey Robinson (L) with daughter, Tamla; and son, Berry

Throughout the years there were many cool photos of Smokey and Claudette with their kids back in the day. They looked like the picture perfect family at the time. But unfortunately, things weren’t always all good between Smokey, Claudette, and their children…

Smokey Revealed What He Did To Cause The Divorce

Smokey Robinson and ex-wife/ex-Miracles group member, Claudette Robinson, with their son, Berry

So, what could have possibly led to a massive divorce after 27 years of what appeared to be a happy marriage? Well apparently, Smokey admitted in his book that he’d had an affair. However, that’s not all. He’d gotten his mistress pregnant with his second son and after that, Claudette had it up to HERE and was like ‘Peace out Smokey!’ Smokey’s son, Trey Robinson, was born in 1984 shortly before Smokey’s 1985 divorce battle with Claudette.

Although Smokey expressed extreme remorse and made no excuses for his actions, he also did not turn his back on his third child. He took care of his responsibilities and despite the divorce, and Smokey still has a relationship with ALL three of his children to this day. He’s also remarried.

Wow…Smokey’s Ex-Wife Got Millions!

(L-R): The Miracles: Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, Claudette Robinson and Bobby Rogers attend their Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony; 2009

Smokey made headlines after his bombshell secret was made public. ‘Mr. Tears of a Clown’ had betrayed his then-wife and that led to divorce, but Claudette definitely didn’t walk away empty-handed. In fact, Claudette managed to win half the rights to all of the songs Smokey wrote from November 1958 to May 1985. Those rights equaled half of his whopping $275 million estate.

After 27 years of marriage, and records like “Shop Around,” “Ooh Baby Baby,” “Tracks Of My Tears,” solo classics “Cruisin’, “Being With You,” “Sweet Harmony” and the Temptations’ “My Girl” now partially belong to Claudette, due to legal technicalities. Even after 30+ years apart, Smokey was still paying for the divorce.

By 2014, the two once again battled each other in court over the decades-old hits Smokey had written during their marriage, which he’d just regained the music rights for under the 1976 Copyright Act. Thankfully, they were able to reach and out-of-court settlement…presumably Claudette walked away with many more millions. And all’s well, that ends well.

Smokey Robinson and ex-wife/former group member, Claudette Robinson

It wasn’t until more recent years that Smokey Robinson finished dealing with a divorce from 30+ years ago. His ex-wife/former group member, Claudette Robinson, feels that he better keep cutting those checks for half of his music royalties, although they divorced in 1986.

In February, 2014, Smokey and Claudette, had been lining up to go to court and battle it out over Smokey’s music royalties and copyrights.

Smokey sued Claudette that same year, claiming that when they divorced in 1986 she was awarded half of all copyrights and royalty rights from songs he wrote between November 1958 to May 1985. Those songs include mega-hits from the group like “Shop Around,” “Ooh Baby Baby,” “Tracks Of My Tears,” solo classics “Cruisin’, “Being With You,” “Sweet Harmony” and even number one hits by other artists, like “My Girl” by the Temptations and “My Guy” from Mary Wells.

But, there was a twist. You see, Smokey claims that per the 1976 Copyright Act, Claudette no longer will have rights to the songs once they are 35 years old.

Smokey Robinson and then wife, Claudette Robinson, with their fellow group members of The Miracles

Smokey was serious about his money! He had begun terminating her name on the copyrights and will continue, as time passes, on the rest. In response, Claudette had her lawyer fire off a letter demanding Smokey cease terminating her rights to the music. He sued his ex and asked the court to terminate her rights to his songs.

Claudette then fired back at this lawsuit, claiming Smokey could reclaim his copyrights per the 1976 Copyright Act, but she was still entitled to her 50% cut from all of his music created between 1958-1985. Claudette admits she had no part of writing any of the songs, but per their divorce settlement, she was awarded the rights. However, she said that per their deal, there is NO termination clause and Smokey can’t cut her out 30 years later.

Smokey Robinson with then wife/singer, Claudette Robinson on cove of Essence Magazine

For those who wonder why would Claudette even think she could get half of the royalties and not just half of his wealth, if you remember, Smokey was lead singer of the group “Miracles” from 1958-1972. Claudette was a member as well and of course his wife.

Her brother, Emerson “Sonny” Rogers, was an original member of the group, which was originally called “The Matadors” before 1957; Claudette took her brother’s place after he was drafted into the Army. After 1967, she stopped touring with the group, but she continued recording with them until Smokey left in 1972.

The Miracles

In 2012, after years of being overlooked, Claudette was finally inducted with the rest of the original Miracles, her cousin Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore, Ronald White, and Marv Tarplin, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, alongside her former husband, Miracles lead singer Smokey Robinson.

The trial was scheduled to begin in February, 2015, but Smokey settled with Claudette a few months prior. As of today, there are no reports of what is in the settlement…but pretty sure he likely paid a pretty penny to get this settled.

Geesh!  Sometimes it’s just “cheaper to keep her!” LOL. As a matter of fact, this reminds us of an Old School classic…take us out Johnnie Taylor…

Singer Smokey Robinson and wife Claudette Rogers attending 'Stevie Wonder Lifetime Achievement Awards' on October 6, 1985 at the Century City, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage)
Smokey Robinson and then wife, Claudette Rogers, October 6, 1985  (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage)

Smokey Robinson and his ex-wife Claudette spent many years together. For those who don’t know, Smokey and Claudette began their relationship during the glory years of Motown Records. Smokey worked as an in-house producer and songwriter, while also singing lead alongside Claudette in their 5-member group, The Miracles.

The two were married for 27 years and although they had some great times together, they also went through some very trying times during their marriage. Sadly, they endured seven miscarriages due to Claudette’s grueling tour schedule. But fortunately, despite the tragedies, she was able to give birth to two children. Most of their fans will probably be surprised to see their son though, because for the longest time, many never knew Smokey and Claudette even had a son.

Meet Smokey’s And Claudette’s Son, Berry

Of course, most fans probably know about Smokey and Claudette’s daughter, Tamla, who was named after Tamla Records- the original name of Motown Records- because she was in the public eye a bit more. But, they also have a son they named after the famous Motown pioneer. Berry William Borope Robinson was named after none other than Smokey’s best friend and Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy. Check out recent pics of Berry with his pops, his sis,’ Tamla, and his beautiful mother below…

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Mom & I

A post shared by Berry Robinson (@borope1) on

Photo: Rachel Worth / WENN2; via ContactMusic
Smokey Robinson with his daughter, Tamla and son, Berry (Photo: Rachel Worth / WENN2; via ContactMusic)

Throughout the years there were many cool photos of Smokey and Claudette with their kids back in the day. They looked like the picture perfect family at the time. But unfortunately, things weren’t always all good between Smokey, Claudette, and their children…

Smokey Revealed What He Did To Cause The Divorce>>>

Embed from Getty Images

Smokey Robinson had a hidden addiction that didn’t surface until the age of 41. When he fell, he fell HARD. Typically, we hear of addictions, such as his, starting at much younger ages, when peer pressures are more prevalent. However, in two prior interviews with Jet Magazine and The Telegraph, Smokey explained how his hidden addiction started so late and which of his iconic celebrity friends saved him from himself.

Smokey Detailed Past Serious Addiction

Smokey on how his addiction started:

“I think it happened to me so late because of the fact that I was …” he exhales. “I was always, and I still am, open to somebody in my camp saying, ‘No, that’s not right, or what do you think you’re doing?’ I have those kind of people around me. Berry Gordy being the main one of them. I appreciate that as a person and I’m very happy that that’s’ there.

“But when you divorce yourself from these types of people in your life, then you have a tendency to be able to run amok, when you surround yourself with yes people. And that’s what most people who go amok do – they surround themselves with yes people. Anything you do is fine ’cause you’re you and you’re popular. And that’s dangerous.”

He continued:

“I thought that it couldn’t happen to me. That’s the cunning of drugs. I could never become addicted! ‘I love sports, and I run, and I take care of myself. I can overcome this.’ Because when I was younger I used to smoke a whole lot of weed. But weed was always manageable for me. I could have some killer weed and put it away for a year and not touch it! It never had the handle on me. I had the handle on it.

But when I started dibbling and dabbling on the cocaine, that was a whole other animal. And I never thought I could become an addict. But I did.”

Although Smokey was heavily addicted to cocaine, he had a thing against heavy alcohol drinking, because when growing up, he said he watched his Dad and his other family members, some of whom were prostitutes and junkies, all become addicted to alcohol and have horrific results in life.

Best Friend, Leon Isaac Kennedy, To The Rescue

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Eventually Smokey’s friend, legendary actor, Leon Isaac Kennedy (best known for his films Penitentiary and Body and Soul and for being married to Jayne Kennedy), did something for him that he’ll always be grateful for:

“I have two best friends, Leon Isaac Kennedy and Berry Gordy. God sent Leon to come get me and say, ‘Hey man, what are you doing to yourself?’ So Leon came and got me and took me to a prayer service. The night I went, I hadn’t done any drugs beforehand because I knew I was going to a prayer service. However, I was still a junkie.”

During the service, the pastor prayed for him:

“And she told me that God had told her I was coming. And she told me all the things that were happening to me, physically and emotionally and mentally – which I shared with no on one earth! … She told me every one of ’em that night. … And I walked in that church an addict, and I came out free. May of 1986. Never looked back.”

The “Tears of A Clown” singer started speaking at gang meetings and juvenile detention centers, giving them this message:

“When you turn it over to God, you have turned it over…and you don’t have to worry about it anymore after that.”

Major props to Smokey for kicking his drug habit cold turkey. He’s a great example of the concept, that if we want to do something bad enough, it’s possible to acquire the will to conquer any uphill hurdle placed before us.

Source: Jet Magazine; TheTelegraph

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The day after our beloved Aretha Franklin was laid to rest, her dear friend, Smokey Robinson, has a stern message for pop singer, Ariana Grande. In case y’all missed the mayhem and backlash Ariana caused worldwide, it was all because of her fashion decision at the funeral. She performed at Aretha’s homegoing, but the attention her skimpy dress caused outweighed her performance and Smokey is one of the many who feel that Ariana should have known better.

Smokey: “Somebody Should Have Told Her She Was Going To A Funeral

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Smokey Robinson and Aretha were friends since he was 8 years old and their outspoken personalities are probably why they meshed so well. Smokey displayed that same straight forwardness when it came to his views about Ariana Grande. On Friday (Aug. 31) evening, Smokey was returning from Aretha’s Detroit, MI funeral, when he was stopped by paparazzi at LAX airport. The Motown legend was asked about his thoughts on Ariana’s black thigh-high, sleeveless dress and he had a few choice words for her and her team.  At first he tried to keep his response generic, by starting off with this:

Smokey Robinson- “Well you know, she’s a young woman…she’s a young woman and she’s doing her thing.”

The he turned into the keep-it-real Smokey that we know him to be:

SR- “Yeah I think it was inappropriate. I do…I love her… I think she’s a great talent. Somebody in her camp should have told her she was at a funeral and not let that happened” Smokey barked.

When asked if he felt that Ariana was intentionally trying to be disrespectful to Aretha and all in attendance, Smokey thinks she just doesn’t know any better, but someone around her should:

SR- “Well, I don’t think she was trying to be disrespectful, it’s just…it was inappropriate and somebody in her camp should’ve TOLD her that, ya know.”

Smokey On Fans Bashing Aretha’s Funeral As “Too Political”

They then switched topics and Smokey was asked what he thought about some conservative fans feeling that Aretha’s funeral was “too political.” There were many political figures and civil rights activists in attendance, including Nation of Islam leader, Minister Louis Farakkhan; Rev. Jesse Jackson; former president Bill Clinton, former presidential runner-up, Hillary Clinton; Rev. Al Sharpton and many more. Here’s Smokey’s reaction to Aretha’s funeral haters though:

SR- “No I don’t, because Aretha was an activist and she was a very strong woman. And They were just giving her props and letting people know that she wasn’t only a singer, she was an activist and she was very powerful in the civil rights movement.”

Smokey & Al Sharpton React To Trump’s Disrespectful Tweet About Aretha

As far as Donald Trump stating that Aretha “worked for” him, Smokey’s response was classic:

SR- “Well…ya know what does he say? He says something stupid everyday so…”

Following Aretha’s passing, Trump tweeted condolences that seemingly made Aretha look like one of his employees as opposed to the Queen/mega-superstar music icon that she is:

Trump- “I want to begin today by expressing my condolences to the family of a person I knew well — she worked for me on numerous occasions.”

At the funeral, Al Sharpton- another good friend of Aretha’s- corrected Trump and it was epic:

Sharpton- “I want to begin today by expressing my condolences to the family of a person I knew well — she worked for me on numerous occasions. When word went out that Ms. Franklin passed, Trump said, ‘She used to work for me. .. No, she used to perform for you. She worked for us. She stood for something, she never shamed us she never disgraced us. … She represented the best in our community, and she fought for our community until the end.”

And BOOM! Rev. Sharpton checked Trump in a way that probably would’ve made Aretha- our beloved Queen of shade- smile, LOL. Rest on Aretha, after a beautiful job well done.