Smokey Robinson Net Worth (2023)
Lifestyle | Bio | Facts [UPDATED]

Smokey Robinson’s Wife – Frances Gradney

Frances Gradney is known to the industry as the wife of singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson. 

A woman of mystery, some people may say, for not much is known about Frances.

It was reported by Smokey himself that the couple was married sometime in May of 2002. No exact date was mentioned (see what I mean?).

Frances has kept her life private and is quite successful at that. 

Most news and reports about her say that she is a fashion designer and is quite successful in her field. 

Did you know…

She’s the second wife of Smokey being Claudette Annette Rogers as his first wife. 

Smokey and Frances don’t have any children together. Still, it’s reported that she is a loving stepmother to Smokey’s three children – Tamla Claudette Robinson, Berry William Borope Robinson, and Trey Robinson. 

Tamla and Berry were conceived when Smokey and Claudette were still together, while Trey was conceived by another woman when Smokey had an extra-marital affair while married to Claudette.

You may also want to know…

No one knows her actual age. It ranges from ’40s to ’60s. 

Now, that’s one secretive gal!

Smokey Robinson’s Kids

Smokey married Claudette Annette Rogers on November 7, 1959, just two years after joining The Miracles.

In what seemed like a happy couple for years, it was plagued with some tragedy. 

The real story…

Claudette had suffered several miscarriages in the couple’s pursuit to conceive a child. The separation was mainly due to the stress of being in the “soul supergroup.” 

And…

In 1968, their doctor suggested implanting Claudette’s fertilized egg to a surrogate mother, and their firstborn son  Berry William Borope Robinson was born.

And that’s not all. 

After two years, the same doctor suggested a solution for Claudette’s problem: using a cervical brace that gave way to carry a daughter, Tamla Claudette Robinson, born in 1971.

By 1984, Smokey fathered another son, Trey Robinson, through an extra-marital affair. 

Past relationships

Claudette Annette Rogers Robinson 

Claudette was born on June 20, 1942. She married Smokey Robinson on November 7, 1959.

Smokey and Claudette had two children, both of whom have Motown-referenced names.

Berry William Borope Robinson was born in 1968. Berry is named after Motown’s first-label founder Berry Gordy. 

The name William came from his father and his second middle name in honor of fellow Miracles group mates Bobby Rogers, Ronnie White, and Pete Moore.

On the other hand…

Tamla Claudette Robinson

Tamla was born in 1971, was named after the original “Tamla” label set up by Gordy that would eventually become Motown and Claudette after her mother. 

Smokey Robinson and Claudette were divorced in 1986, after 27 years of marriage.

Now…

…to the part you have been waiting for, the cribs, wheels, and of course the music!

But before we go there, let’s check out Smokey’s net worth, personal life, career, income representations, charity, and controversies!