Tamla Robinson, born in 1971, is the second child and only daughter of the renowned Motown singer Smokey Robinson. Her mother is Claudette Robinson, also a singer, who was once Smokey Robinson’s wife. The name ‘Tamla’ originates from the iconic ‘Tamla’ label that was set up before Motown.
Tamla Claudette Robinson shares a strong bond with her family, as evidenced by her posts on social media platforms. She also has a daughter named Lyric Ontiveros. Additionally, the Motown founder Berry Gordy was named her godfather after her birth.
Smokey Robinson, Tamla’s father, is famously referred to as the “King of Motown.” He is best known for forming the famous R&B group, The Miracles in the early ’50s.
Profile Summary
NameTamla Robinson Age52 years oldDate of birth 1971Place of Birth Los Angelesoccupation ProducerGenderFemaleNationality Americanethnicity African-AmericanParentsWilliams “Smokey” Robinson and Claudette Robinson SiblingsTrey Robinson and Berry Robinson
Early Life of Tamla Robinson
Tamla Robinson grew up in Los Angeles and was raised by her mother, Claudette Rogers Robinson, who was also a member of The Miracles, Born on the 27th of January 1971,
Tamla Robinson attended college at the University of Southern California and earned a degree in communications. After graduating, she worked in the entertainment industry as a publicist for several years.
In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Tamla Robinson has been involved in philanthropic efforts. She has served as a board member for several organizations, including the TJ Martell Foundation and the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Tamla Robinson has lived a relatively private life away from the public eye but has made significant contributions to her community through her career and philanthropic work.
Is Tamla Robinson Active in the Music Industry?
No, Unlike her father, Tamla is not active in the Music industry, however, she has been able to make a name for herself outside the influence of her father’s career, leading a life of philanthropy.
Who are Tamla Robinson’s Parents and Siblings?
Tamla Robinson with her father, Smokey Robinson (credit: Instagram)
Tamla Robinson’s parents are Claudette Robinson and William “Smokey” Robinson Jr.
Born on February 19, 1940, Smokey is an esteemed American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. He spearheaded the pioneering Motown vocal group, the Miracles, and played an instrumental role as the group’s top songwriter and producer from its inception in 1955 until 1972.
When he retired to concentrate on his role as Motown Records’ vice president, he resumed his role in the music industry as a solo artist the following year and left Motown in 1999.
Smokey Robinson was born in Detroit, Michigan, to an African-American father and a mother of African-American and French descent. He was nicknamed “Smokey Joe” by his favorite uncle as a child.
Smokey formed a doo-wop group named the Five Chimes in 1955, which, after several alterations, would become the Miracles. The group went on to have several chart-topping hits like “Shop Around,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” and “The Tears of a Clown.”
Claudette Rogers Robinson, on the other hand, was born on June 20, 1942, and joined her would-be husband in the Miracles in late 1957 after her brother Emerson Rogers, who was a member of the group, left to join the Army. The Miracles were originally a male vocal group, and her addition forged a new dynamic, which further helped them reach greater heights. Claudette and Smokey got married in November 1959 after dating for two years.
Both Smokey and Claudette played a pivotal role in the success of the Miracles. However, Claudette retired from touring in 1964 to focus on raising their two children, son Berry and daughter Tamla.
Smokey and Claudette divorced in 1986 but maintained professionalism when it came to their musical endeavors.
Smokey Robinson was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 1987, whereas Claudette and the Miracles were inducted in 2012. Claudette is often referred to as “The First Lady of Motown.”
Siblings
Tamla Robinson has two siblings, Berry Robinson and Trey Robinson, Berry William Borope Robinson, was born in 1968. He was named after the founder of the original Motown label, Berry Gordy, who is also Berry’s godfather. Berry maintains a low public profile and is said to have a close relationship with his family.
Smokey Robinson had an extramarital affair that resulted in the birth of his third child, Trey Robinson, in 1984. The affair led to the end of Robinson’s marriage to Claudette. Trey’s birth was widely publicized, resulting in a lot of controversy at the time. Currently, very little is known about Trey, and he does not publicly share a relationship with his father or siblings.
Though the circumstances surrounding Trey’s birth led to the dissolution of Smokey and Claudette’s marriage, they have since achieved some level of family unity and come together for family functions and occasions.
What is Tamla Robinson Known For?
Tamla Robinson has led a relatively quiet life, and while much of her activities have gone unheard of, Tamla is easily popular for the production of the first lady of Mowtown, a family-friendly documentary that delves into the life and times of Claudette Rogers Robinson and her days with the Mowtown Miracles, her contribution, and statutory rise.
The film features interviews with Claudette Robinson herself, as well as Smokey Robinson and others who knew her well. It offers a glimpse into the Motown era, the music industry, and the personal and professional challenges faced by Claudette Robinson during her career.
This has become one of Tamla’s greatest works. Through it, the author has created a window into a pocket dimension where others can perceive her mother in the same way she does