Biography
On November 7, 1959, Rogers married Miracles lead singer Smokey Robinson, who became one of the major figures in Detroit's Motown record label. Smokey and Claudette made plans to begin a family, but the rough life of touring caused Claudette to have seven miscarriages.
Smokey Robinson originally co-wrote the number-one Motown single "My Girl" with Miracles member Ronald White in dedication to Claudette, a song performed most notably by The Temptations. The song was originally intended to be recorded by The Miracles. The Robinsons have two children, both named in honor of Motown: Berry William Borope Robinson was named after Motown chief Berry Gordy with his middle name in honor of fellow Miracles group mates Bobby (Rogers), Ronnie (White)and Pete (Moore), and Tamla Claudette Robinson was named after Motown's original record label, Tamla Records.
Smokey Robinson and Claudette were divorced in 1986, after 27 years of marriage. Motown founder Berry Gordy gave Claudette the official title of the "First Lady of Motown", as noted in his autobiography, because, as a member of the Miracles, (Motown's first group and first recording act), she was the first female artist ever signed to a Motown-affiliated record label (Tamla). Several years ago, Claudette began writing her autobiography, A Miraculous Life, a book of her memoirs, and of her life with the Miracles. Robinson is a board member of the national Rhythm & Blues Foundation and the HAL Awards. Her cousin, original Miracles member Bobby Rogers tours with the current incarnation of the Miracles throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Claudette still performs and makes selected appearances with the Miracles. Claudette can be seen on stage with the Miracles live at the Apollo Theatre in a rare 1962 film clip on the 2006 Motown/Universal DVD release, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles: The Definitive Performances.
Read more about this topic: Claudette Rogers Robinson
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