Claudette Rogers Robinson

Claudette Rogers Robinson (born September 1, 1942) is an American singer-songwriter, a member of The Miracles from 1957 to 1972. Her brother Emerson "Sonny" Rogers was an original member of the group, which was originally called "The Matadors" before 1957; Claudette Rogers took her brother's place after he was drafted into the U.S. Army.

In 2012, after years of being ignored, Claudette was finally inducted with the rest of the original Miracles, her cousin Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore, Ronald White, and Marv Tarplin, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, alongside her former husband, Miracles lead singer Smokey Robinson.

Biography

On November 7, 1959, Rogers married Miracles lead singer Smokey Robinson, who became one of the major figures in Detroit's Motown record label. Smokey and Claudette made plans to begin a family, but the rough life of touring caused Claudette to have seven miscarriages.

Smokey Robinson originally co-wrote the number-one Motown single "My Girl" with Miracles member Ronald White in dedication to Claudette, a song performed most notably by The Temptations. The song was originally intended to be recorded by The Miracles. The Robinsons have two children, both named in honor of Motown: Berry William Borope Robinson was named after Motown chief 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.