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Throughout his legendary career, Motown icon Smokey Robinson has produced timeless classics such as “The Tears of a Clown,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” and “Shop Around.” However, perhaps his most significant contributions are not just in music but in his personal life—his three beloved children: Berry, Tamla, and Trey. These three individuals represent a vital part of Smokey’s legacy, intertwining his musical genius with family values and personal narratives.

Smokey’s three adult children each maintain their unique bonds with their famous father, demonstrating varying degrees of closeness. After marrying the talented fellow Miracles band member and affectionately dubbed “First Lady of Motown,” Claudette Rogers Robinson, in 1959, Smokey began his journey of fatherhood. Their family life reflects the challenges and joys that come with balancing a high-profile music career and personal relationships, showcasing the importance of familial connections amidst fame.

Discover the fascinating lives of Smokey’s three children below, where each story offers insights into their individual personalities and their unique relationship with their iconic father.

Meet Berry William Borope Robinson: The Firstborn Son of Smokey Robinson

Named after the original founder of the Motown label, Berry Gordy, Smokey’s first son with Claudette, Berry, was born in 1968. His arrival nearly ten years post-wedding was a significant milestone for the couple, especially after facing numerous challenges in conceiving due to their demanding touring schedules. Smokey revealed that Claudette endured seven miscarriages prior to their decision to have Berry via surrogate, making his birth a moment of profound joy and relief for the family.

Berry is honored to share a name with the legendary Berry Gordy, who is not only his namesake but also serves as a godfather to both Berry and his sister Tamla. Recently, Tamla shared a delightful photo on Instagram featuring Smokey, Berry, and herself during a family visit. Despite Berry maintaining a private life with limited public exposure and a closely guarded Instagram account, he continues to nurture strong familial ties.

Discover Tamla Claudette Robinson: Smokey’s Beloved Daughter

Tamla Claudette Robinson, the only daughter of Smokey, was born in 1971. Her name pays homage to the iconic “Tamla” label that preceded Motown. Tamla has enjoyed an exceptionally close relationship with her father, often describing them as “best friends” in various interviews. Smokey, in return, has expressed how much Tamla has impacted his life, stating that she “taught me more about life than I ever knew,” highlighting their deep emotional bond.

Unlike her brother Berry, Tamla is quite active on social media, frequently sharing glimpses of her life and special moments on Instagram. She celebrated her father’s birthday with a heartfelt post that included a nostalgic photograph of the entire Robinson family when both Tamla and Berry were just babies. In this touching tribute, she wished her father “love, peace, and blessings” on his “special day,” showcasing their strong family connections.

Despite facing some challenges within the family, Tamla consistently expresses her love and appreciation for her relatives, especially during significant events like birthdays and anniversaries. She honored her brother Berry on his birthday by sharing a touching series of photos, emphasizing their bond and describing him as a “one of a kind” brother who has supported her “through thick and thin.” Additionally, she shared a stunning photograph of their mother, Claudette, during International Women’s Day, celebrating the strength of the women in her life.

Explore the Life of Trey Robinson: The Less-Known Son of Smokey

For many years, Trey Robinson was largely unknown to the public as Smokey’s son. While still married to Claudette, Smokey had an affair that resulted in Trey’s birth in 1984. Upon discovering the affair, Claudette made the difficult decision to leave Smokey, and their divorce was finalized by 1986. This scandal attracted considerable media attention, and Claudette ended up securing nearly 50 percent of Smokey’s estate during the divorce settlement. Consequently, not much is publicly known about Trey, and neither Smokey nor his children have publicly acknowledged a relationship with him.

Although Trey’s birth marked a significant turning point in Smokey and Claudette’s marriage, they have since managed to reunite for the sake of their family. Recently, Smokey and Claudette came together to celebrate a scholarship award ceremony for their granddaughter, Lyric Ontiveros. While the past infidelity created a rift between them, it is evident that family remains a crucial bond that connects them, demonstrating the enduring nature of familial love and support.