Smokey Robinson's Two Wives: The 'First Lady Of Motown' Claudette Rogers And The Interior Designer Frances Glandney—Plus The Recent Legal Drama

The legendary Motown singer and songwriter, Smokey Robinson, has led a storied life both on and off the stage, marked by decades of musical brilliance and two significant marriages. As of December 2025, Robinson remains married to his second wife, Frances Glandney, a successful interior designer with whom he tied the knot in 2002. Their relationship has recently been thrust into the spotlight due to high-profile legal disputes, providing a fresh and unexpected chapter to the icon's personal life.

This article delves into the lives of the two women who have been married to the "King of Motown"—his first wife, the trailblazing Claudette Rogers Robinson, and his current wife, Frances Glandney—exploring their respective backgrounds, their family life with Smokey, and the very latest news surrounding the couple that has made headlines in 2024 and 2025. The full story of Smokey Robinson’s family, from the early days of The Miracles to the present day, is a complex tapestry of love, music, and controversy.

Smokey Robinson's Wives and Children: A Complete Profile

Smokey Robinson, born William Robinson Jr., has been married twice. His first marriage was a foundational relationship in the history of Motown, while his second marriage has provided a quieter, yet recently dramatic, partnership in his later years.

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First Wife: Claudette Rogers Robinson (The 'First Lady of Motown')

• Full Name: Claudette Annette Rogers Robinson (née Rogers)
• Born: June 20, 1938
• Known For: Singer, original member of the legendary Motown group, The Miracles.
• Marriage Date: November 7, 1959
• Divorce Date: 1986 (after a separation)
• Title: Often referred to as the "First Lady of Motown."
• Career Highlights: She was the only female member of The Miracles, co-writing and performing on early hits like "Shop Around" and "You've Really Got a Hold on Me." Post-divorce, she has continued to advocate for the legacy of The Miracles and even authored the children's book Claudette's Miraculous Motown Adventure in 2020.

Current Wife: Frances Glandney Robinson

• Full Name: Frances Glandney (also referred to as Frances Robinson)
• Known For: Successful Interior Designer and Entrepreneur.
• Marriage Date: May 2002
• Career Highlights: Frances has built a career as a successful interior designer, preferring to maintain a lower public profile compared to her famous husband.
• Public Appearances: She is often seen accompanying Smokey Robinson at high-profile events, including red-carpet appearances at the GRAMMY Awards.

Smokey Robinson's Children

Smokey Robinson is a father to three children from two relationships:

• Berry Robinson (Son): Born during his marriage to Claudette Rogers Robinson. Named after Motown founder Berry Gordy.
• Tamla Robinson (Daughter): Born during his marriage to Claudette Rogers Robinson. Named after Tamla Records, the original name for Motown. Tamla is a producer known for her work on documentaries.
• Trey Robinson (Son): Born from an extramarital affair while Smokey was married to Claudette.

The End of a Motown Dynasty: Smokey and Claudette's Divorce

The marriage between Smokey Robinson and Claudette Rogers was a true Motown love story, uniting two members of the label's first and most successful vocal group, The Miracles. Their partnership was central to the group's early success and the very foundation of the Motown sound.

However, the pressures of fame, continuous touring, and infidelity ultimately led to the end of their 27-year marriage. Smokey Robinson has openly discussed his infidelity during that time, which included an affair with Diana Ross and fathering a child (Trey Robinson) outside of the marriage. The revelation of the extramarital child was a major factor in the eventual divorce in 1986.

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Despite the painful separation, the two have maintained an amicable relationship, largely due to their shared history and children. Claudette has been quoted expressing her desire that their children and others "might not have suffered" from the public nature of the breakup, highlighting the enduring connection they share as co-parents.

Frances Glandney and The Recent Legal Drama (2024-2025)

Smokey Robinson and Frances Glandney married in 2002, marking the beginning of a second, more private chapter in the singer's life. Frances, a successful interior designer, has generally kept a low profile, focusing on her career and supporting her husband.

However, the couple's quiet life was shattered by a significant legal dispute that has dominated headlines in 2024 and 2025, bringing an unprecedented level of public scrutiny to Frances Glandney. This is the most current and sensitive information related to the couple.

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Sexual Assault Allegations and Counter-Claims

In a major development, a civil lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles, raising allegations of sexual assault and a hostile work environment against both Smokey Robinson and Frances Glandney by a former employee. The allegations span nearly two decades of employment.

In response to these serious claims, Smokey and Frances Robinson have taken aggressive legal action. They filed a motion in court seeking a temporary restraining order against the accuser.

Theft Claims and Restraining Order

Adding to the complexity of the legal battle, the Robinsons leveled new and specific counter-allegations against the woman. They accused their former employee of theft, specifically alleging that she burglarized their storage unit.

The ongoing legal dispute, which involves claims of sexual assault, theft, and requests for a restraining order, has put Frances Glandney directly in the center of a major public controversy alongside her husband. This intense legal back-and-forth represents the most recent and dramatic news regarding the couple’s life together.

Frances Glandney’s Life Beyond the Spotlight

While the recent legal battles have brought unwelcome attention, Frances Glandney's primary identity is that of a dedicated professional and partner. As an interior designer, she has cultivated a successful career outside of the music industry. Her commitment to a private life is evident in the limited public details available about her professional achievements, though her success is often noted in profiles of the couple.

Her relationship with Smokey Robinson, which began after his long first marriage, has endured for over two decades. They are frequently photographed together at industry events, showcasing a united front, even amidst the current controversies. The couple’s appearance at events like the 65th GRAMMY Awards in 2023 demonstrated their continued public partnership.

Frances Glandney’s role is a stark contrast to Claudette Rogers Robinson's, who was an integral part of Smokey's musical career. Frances represents a grounding force in his life outside of the Motown machine, though their combined personal lives have recently become as much a topic of public discussion as his legendary music. The ongoing legal case is expected to continue to unfold throughout 2025, keeping their private matters in the current news cycle.