He was born on February 19, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, to parents named William Robinson and Flossie Robinson. Smokey Robinson and his family had a lot of money issues when he was a kid. Uncle Claude gave Smokey a nickname for William, hence the moniker. Robin Hood attended Northern High.
At a young age, he had an interest in music production, which he nurtured throughout his academic career. Along with Ronald White and Pete Moore, he formed a band called Five Chimes.
When Bobby Rogers, Emerson Rogers, and Claudette Rogers joined the band, they decided to change the name from Five Chimes to Matadors. Their name was changed to “The Miracles” after they began performing everywhere.
Smokey Robinson’s Personal Life
William Robinson began dating Claudette Rogers, another member of the collective. After dating for some time, Smokey Robinson and Claudette finally got married in 1959. Smokey and Claudette tried for many years to start a family but were unsuccessful. According to reports, Claudette had seven miscarriages while performing with The Miracles.
In the latter half of 1968, Claudette and Smokey Robinson became the surrogate parents of a baby boy they called Berry Robinson. Another daughter, Tamla Robinson, was born to the couple in 1971.
Smokey Robinson has a second son, Trey, in 1984. Trey, however, was not Smokey Robinson’s biological son; rather, he was the product of an affair between the singer and another lady. Because of this, Claudette and Smokey’s marriage began to fall apart, and they divorced in 1986. Smokey Robinson wed Frances Gladney in May of 2002, however, the couple had no children together.
READ ABOUT: What Was the Reason Behind Charlby Dean’s Death? In What Circumstance Did She Died?
Smokey Robinson’s Net Worth
Smokey Robinson has been very popular and successful. If you are one of the people looking for Smokey Robinson’s Net Worth, then here is the information. Based on our most recent research, Smokey Robinson’s net worth is estimated to be $160 Million.
The Wife of Smokey Robinson
According to the most recent information we have, Smokey Robinson has been married twice. He was first married to Claudette Rogers, his high school sweetheart. They had two children together, Berry and Tamla. He married Frances Gladney in 2002 after he and his ex-wife had split up.
Career of Smokey Robinson
According to our most recent research, Smokey Robinson started making music in the 1950s with a group called The Miracles. He helped write many of the group’s biggest hits, like “Shop Around” and “The Tears of a Clown.” Robinson had a successful career as a performer, but he was also an important part of the growth of Motown Records.
As Vice President of the label, he helped many of Motown’s biggest stars build their careers.
Robinson has won a lot of awards and praise throughout his career, including multiple Grammys, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He still tours and performs, and people still love and respect him as one of the best musicians of our time.
READ ABOUT: How Much Ike Barinholtz Net Worth 2023? Deeper Look Into His Luxury Lifestyle in 2023!
Smokey Robinson: Some Interesting Facts
Smokey Robinson is totally in love with his own music. Some of his skincare products bear the names of his songs.
Robinson decided to pursue a degree in electrical engineering, so he enrolled in a university. He left school after only two months following the release of the Miracles’ debut album.
Smokey William has his great-greenish-blue grandmother’s eyes. She was a very gorgeous white Frenchwoman.
Award-winning Smokey Robinson
Our most recent research indicates that Smokey Robinson has won a lot of honors and recognition during the course of his career, including:
Grammy Awards: He is a multiple Grammy Award winner who also received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
He received his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 as a solo performer.
He received his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004.
Kennedy Center Honors: He received this distinction in 2006.
National Medal of Arts: President Barack Obama bestowed upon him the National Medal of Arts in 2009.