When it comes to the legendary Smokey Robinson, we usually think about those smooth-as-silk vocals or the hits that literally built Motown. But lately, there's been a lot of chatter about his family life, specifically the question: who is Trey Robinson mother? People get confused because the Robinson family tree isn't exactly a straight line. It's got layers.
Honestly, if you’re looking for the name of the woman who brought Trey into the world, it isn’t Claudette Rogers Robinson—Smokey’s famous first wife. It’s actually a woman named Kandi.
The Story of Kandi and Smokey
For a long time, Kandi was someone the public didn't know much about. She and Smokey had an on-and-off relationship that lasted about 20 years. That’s a massive chunk of time. During that period, in 1984, Trey Robinson was born.
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Now, this wasn't just some casual tabloid drama. The birth of Trey was a turning point. It basically ended Smokey’s 27-year marriage to Claudette. You’ve probably heard of Claudette—she was the "First Lady of Motown" and a member of The Miracles. While they already had two children, Berry and Tamla, the news of a third child from an affair was the final straw for their marriage. They divorced in 1986.
Who Is Trey Robinson Mother? What We Actually Know
It's kinda wild how low-profile Kandi stayed despite being linked to one of the biggest stars on the planet. Here’s the thing: Smokey has been pretty open in his memoir, Smokey: Inside My Life, about the guilt he felt. He hated that his choices might have made his kids suffer.
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But here is where the story gets really unique. Usually, these situations are messy and full of bitterness. Not this one.
- The Will: Kandi actually put in her will that if anything ever happened to her, she wanted Claudette to raise Trey.
- The Relationship: Smokey told PEOPLE that Claudette is a "rare sort of beautiful person" because she stayed on good terms with both Kandi and Trey.
- The Siblings: If you check out Tamla Robinson’s Instagram, she’s posted about "National Siblings Day" and included her brother Trey in the shoutouts. It’s clear that despite the complicated start, the kids are close.
Clearing Up the "Trey Robinson" Confusion
If you search for the name Trey Robinson, you're going to see a bunch of different faces. It’s a popular name! You’ve got the basketball star from Northern Kentucky University, whose parents are actually Jamie and Stephen. Then there's an NFL agent from South Carolina, and even a guy who ran for Congress in Utah.
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But when people ask about the "celebrity" Trey Robinson, they’re almost always talking about Smokey’s son. He’s the one born in the mid-80s who stays mostly out of the spotlight compared to his legendary dad.
Basically, the "who is Trey Robinson mother" mystery isn't as much of a mystery once you look at the actual history of the Motown inner circle. It’s a story about a woman named Kandi, a long-term affair, and a surprisingly graceful ex-wife who helped keep a family together when things could have fallen apart.
What to do next
If you're diving into the history of the Robinson family, the best way to get the full, unfiltered story is to pick up a copy of Smokey's memoir, Smokey: Inside My Life. It gives a lot of context into his relationship with Kandi and how his children navigated that era of their lives. You can also follow Tamla Robinson on social media if you want to see how the siblings interact today—it’s actually a pretty heartwarming look at a modern, blended family that made it through the storm.