Smokey Robinson and his ex-wife Claudette spent many years together. For those who don’t know, Smokey and Claudette began their relationship during the glory years of Motown Records. Smokey worked as an in-house producer and songwriter, while also singing lead alongside Claudette in their 5-member group, The Miracles.
The two were married for 27 years and although they had some great times together, they also went through some very trying times during their marriage. Sadly, they endured seven miscarriages due to Claudette’s grueling tour schedule. But fortunately, despite the tragedies, she was able to give birth to two children. Most of their fans will probably be surprised to see their son though, because for the longest time, many never knew Smokey and Claudette even had a son.
Meet Smokey’s And Claudette’s Son, Berry
Of course, most fans probably know about Smokey and Claudette’s daughter, Tamla, who was named after Tamla Records- the original name of Motown Records- because she was in the public eye a bit more. But, they also have a son they named after the famous Motown pioneer.
Berry William Borope Robinson was named after none other than Smokey’s best friend and Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy. Check out more recent pics of Berry with his Pops; his sis,’ Tamla; and his beautiful mother below…
Throughout the years there were many cool photos of Smokey and Claudette with their kids back in the day. They looked like the picture perfect family at the time. But unfortunately, things weren’t always all good between Smokey, Claudette, and their children…
Smokey Revealed What He Did To Cause The Divorce
So, what could have possibly led to a massive divorce after 27 years of what appeared to be a happy marriage? Well apparently, Smokey admitted in his book that he’d had an affair. However, that’s not all. He’d gotten his mistress pregnant with his second son and after that, Claudette had it up to HERE and was like ‘Peace out Smokey!’ Smokey’s son, Trey Robinson, was born in 1984 shortly before Smokey’s 1985 divorce battle with Claudette.
Although Smokey expressed extreme remorse and made no excuses for his actions, he also did not turn his back on his third child. He took care of his responsibilities and despite the divorce, and Smokey still has a relationship with ALL three of his children to this day. He’s also remarried.
Wow…Smokey’s Ex-Wife Got Millions!
Smokey made headlines after his bombshell secret was made public. ‘Mr. Tears of a Clown’ had betrayed his then-wife and that led to divorce, but Claudette definitely didn’t walk away empty-handed. In fact, Claudette managed to win half the rights to all of the songs Smokey wrote from November 1958 to May 1985. Those rights equaled half of his whopping $275 million estate.
After 27 years of marriage, and records like “Shop Around,” “Ooh Baby Baby,” “Tracks Of My Tears,” solo classics “Cruisin’, “Being With You,” “Sweet Harmony” and the Temptations’ “My Girl” now partially belong to Claudette, due to legal technicalities. Even after 30+ years apart, Smokey was still paying for the divorce.
By 2014, the two once again battled each other in court over the decades-old hits Smokey had written during their marriage, which he’d just regained the music rights for under the 1976 Copyright Act. Thankfully, they were able to reach and out-of-court settlement…presumably Claudette walked away with many more millions. And all’s well, that ends well.
