Smokey Robinson Wife, Kids, Age, Net, Biography, Is He Gay, Dead

May 2024 · 4 minute read

Smokey Robinson is a legendary singer, songwriter, and record producer whose contributions to music led to him being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in 2016.

Robinson made a name for himself in The Miracles before becoming musical director at Motown Records.

Biography (Age)

Smokey was born to William Robinson Jr. in Flossie and William Robinson Sr. on February 19, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan, United States. Her parents are of mixed, black and French ancestry.

Growing up, Smokey witnessed the harshness of life being brought up in a tough neighborhood in Detroit’s North End area. In order to give himself a better life, Smokey worked hard in school and excelled both in his studies and as an athlete. He was also passionate about music, which led him to create the group The Five Chimes in 1958.

The five chimes made up of Smokey Robinson, Ronald White, Pete Moore, Bobby Rodgers and Emerson Rodgers, who were later replaced by Claudette Rodgers. In 1957, the group changed its name to the Matadors. In 1958, they welcome the guitarist, Marv Tarplin. By then, the Matadors had gained some local fame and started touring their town, performing at different clubs and venues where they had the chance to. They later changed their name, this time to The Miracles.

While on tour and looking for a recording contract, The Miracles met record producer Berry Gordy Jr. who was impressed with Smokey’s voice and songwriting ability. Gordy then helped the group prepare their first single titled “Got a Job”.

Robinson was currently at university where he was pursuing studies in electrical engineering. However, he later dropped out after his band signed a contract with Motown Records. The Miracles’ first big hit under their new label was the song “Shop Around,” released in 1960. This hit song became Motown’s first million-selling record, and helped the band develop a cult profile.

From there, Smokey Robinson, who managed the singer, songwriter and producer, hasn’t looked back, as he and his band have released over 20 Top 40 songs. You really have a hold on me”, “I share this emotion”, “Baby don’t cry” and the number one hit, “Tears of a Clown”.

Outside of his band, Robinson has written and produced songs for his other label partners, including The Temptations, Mary Wells and Marvin Gaye. His work directly contributed to the success of Motown Records and helped establish him as the godfather of soul music. He then became vice president of Motown Records before leaving the group in 1972.

He continued to serve as music director, but after spending a year on the sidelines, Smokey made a comeback, releasing over 20 works as a solo artist between 1973 and 2005. In 1988, he won his first Grammy Award for the song “Just to See Her” from the album. “One Heartbeat” which is one of his most successful albums.

Smokey Robinson net worth

Smokey Robinson is said to have an estimated net worth of $100 million which he has amassed over the 50 years he has been in the music business.

wife and children

Smokey Robinson is currently married to fashion designer Frances Glandney. The couple married in 2004 and have lived together ever since, despite having no children.

Smokey himself has three children; son BerryRobinson, born in 1968 and daughter Tamla Robinson, born in 1969 from his first marriage to Claudette Rogers, a former member of the group Miracles. In 1984 he had a son, named Trey, from an extramarital affair that led to the collapse of his marriage to Rogers.

Is he gay?

It’s not clear if Smokey Robinson is actually gay or not. This talented musician has always appeared in public with women and has never hinted that he has loved a man in the past. However, we wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Smokey might have been with a few men in the past.

Is he dead?

Smokey Robinson is still very much alive. The “You Really Have Time To Hold Me Down” singer, however, allegedly falsely claimed to have died in 2017 in what was believed to be a bizarre lawn mower accident involving a rabbit.

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