Smokey Robinson’s Legacy Shines in A Motown Christmas: Meet His Family
As viewers prepare to enjoy NBC’s upcoming special, A Motown Christmas, honoring Smokey Robinson’s incredible contributions to music, there’s a special focus on his family. Robinson, who is set to co-host the show, is a devoted father of three and has an inspiring personal story to share.
Robinson’s journey with love began with his wife, Frances Gladney, an accomplished interior designer he wed in 2002. Their romance blossomed from a long friendship, which Smokey describes as fateful. The two, who share the same birthday, February 19, found that a simple dinner featuring coconut shrimp paved the way for their relationship to evolve. “I tell her all the time, ‘You do realize that I married you because of coconut shrimp,’” Robinson humorously remarked.
Before Frances, Smokey was married to Claudette Rogers Robinson, who was a member of his group, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. Their partnership in both marriage and music laid the groundwork for Motown’s success, as Claudette’s contributions were instrumental during their rise to fame. Although they divorced in 1986, Robinson’s admiration for her role in his life and career remains evident.
Together with Claudette, Smokey welcomed two children: daughter Tamla Claudette and son Berry William Borope. His parenting journey has not come without its challenges; after several miscarriages, they eventually welcomed their first son via a surrogate. Later, with the help of medical assistance, their daughter Tamla was born in 1971. Robinson’s bond with Tamla is so profound that he created a holiday dubbed Father Daughter Day to honor this special relationship.
In addition to Tamla and Berry, Robinson has a son, Trey, from a previous relationship. Smokey’s commitment to family underscores the importance of various family structures in nurturing children’s well-being.
A Motown Christmas will air on Wednesday, December 11, at 9/8c on NBC, with a chance to catch it the next day on Peacock. This special will not only celebrate the rich history of Motown but will also showcase the loving family that has supported one of music’s most beloved figures.
As the holiday season approaches, this program offers an opportunity to reflect on how music, love, and family come together to create cherished memories.