Motown’s golden era in the late ‘50s wouldn’t have been the same without Smokey Robinson and his incredible partnership with Berry Gordy. These two legends have been friends for over six decades, shaping the music industry as we know it. Smokey, a father of three, even honored his beloved record label and his long-time buddy by naming two of his children after them. Let’s dive deeper into the lives of Smokey’s kids and learn more about their unique stories.
Meet Smokey’s Firstborn: Berry Robinson
Smokey Robinson, known for his unmatched songwriting skills, co-founded the Miracles, the first act to sign with Tamla Records. Berry Gordy believed in Smokey’s talent from the start, encouraging him to craft hits for legendary artists like the Temptations and Marvin Gaye. As Tamla Records evolved into Motown, it paved the way for superstars like Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Smokey has always credited Gordy for his success, so it’s no surprise he honored his friend by naming his firstborn after him.
In 1968, Smokey and his then-wife, Claudette Rogers, welcomed their first child, Berry Robinson. The couple tied the knot in 1959 after performing together in the Miracles. While Berry has largely stayed out of the public eye, he made a rare appearance with his father and younger sister in December 2018. His sister captioned the post, “Daddy stopped by today.” Berry also has a private Instagram account and is a proud father of twins—a boy and a girl. Over the years, he’s shared photos of his kids on Facebook, including a sweet moment with Smokey at a soccer game in May 2013.
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Tamla Robinson: Smokey's Daughter Named After Motown
Tamla Robinson, born in 1971, carries the name of Motown’s original label, Tamla Records. Berry Gordy served as her godfather after her birth. Tamla has maintained a close bond with her father, older brother, and the Gordy family. She frequently shares photos of her famous family on Instagram, proving just how tight-knit they are.
In October 2019, Smokey and Tamla teamed up for a campaign launching Father-Daughter Day, a holiday celebrating the special connection between fathers and their daughters. Tamla opened up about her relationship with her dad in a heartfelt video. “My dad and I, we’re best friends,” she said. “I’m so grateful that I can call him whenever something’s going on in my life. Knowing that someone like my father accepts me for who I am has made me feel more confident.”
