The First Lady of Motown

Claudette Robinson was named the First Lady of Motown by Mr. Berry Gordy, legendary founder of the hit-making enterprise. She is an original member of The Miracles, and the FIRST female signed to Motown. After many years touring the world with the band and then-husband Smokey Robinson, Claudette’s story is one of extraordinary experiences, challenges and triumphs. Having received the first gold record for Motown (Shop Around) with a string of hits following (You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me, Tracks of My Tears, I Second That Emotion, and more) – participating in the Civil Rights Movement, and eventually having two miracle babies after facing many years of difficult pregnancies, Claudette will join Lana Reid as her very first guest to share her incredible journey, including her faith in God’s daily miracles.

Episode Segments:

Don't Box Me In: Claudette Robinson Indeed, Claudette’s story is far from over. Coming fresh off the red carpet from the debut of Motown: The Musical on April 14th, she will also share recent developments in her life, including receiving a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, her induction last year into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and concurrent autobiography and family television docu-series currently in development.
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Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Claudette Robinson Claudette Rogers Robinson is an original member of The Miracles and former wife of lead singer Smokey Robinson. The first successful group act for Berry Gordy‘s Motown Record Corporation, their single “Shop Around” was Motown’s first million-selling hit record, and the group went on to become one of the label’s signature acts. “My Girl” was written and produced by The Miracles members Smokey Robinson and Ronald White (most notably performed by The Temptations) in dedication to Claudette. Claudette’s brother Emerson “Sonny” Rogers was an original member of the group, which was originally called The Matadors before 1957. At Smokey’s request, Claudette Rogers took her brother’s place after he was drafted into the U.S. Army. “The name ‘The Matadors’ did not suit a group with a female singer, so several names were placed in a hat and I pulled out ‘The Miracles,’” quotes Claudette. The group was soon thrust into the show business spotlight after Motown founder Berry Gordy discovered them and released Motown’s first million-selling record, “Shop Around.” And as they say, “the rest is history” … “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” “The Tears of a Clown,” “Going to a Go-Go” and “I Second That Emotion” are notable titles in a string of hits from The Miracles. Of all the R&B vocal groups formed in Detroit, Michigan, USA, in the mid-50s, the Miracles proved to be the most successful. The Robinsons have two children, both named in honor of Motown: Berry William Borope Robinson was named after his godfather, 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. Claudette is currently at work writing her autobiography, a book of her memoirs and life with The Miracles. Robinson is devoted to her work as President/CEO of First Lady Miracle Publishing and working with groups dedicated to helping young people (her “favorite people”). She also is a board member of the national Rhythm & Blues Foundation and the HAL Awards. Her cousin Bobby Rogers, original member of The Miracles, tours with the current incarnation of the group throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Claudette still performs and makes selected appearances with The Miracles. Claudette's Website