Smokey Robinson Ethnicity: African-American, French and Mixed Heritage Explained

Quick answer: Smokey Robinson is African-American with a complex mixed ancestry that includes Nigerian, French, Scandinavian, Portuguese, and Cherokee elements. His famous green eyes are attributed to a French great-grandmother. He was born in Detroit in 1940 and raised in the North End.

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What Is Smokey Robinson's Ethnicity?

Smokey Robinson is African-American, but his ancestry reflects the complex heritage common among Black Americans whose families trace roots to the American South and the legacy of slavery and post-Reconstruction migration. Biographical sources note Nigerian, French, Scandinavian, Portuguese, and Cherokee elements in his heritage, consistent with the diverse ancestry of many African-American families with deep Southern roots.

Most visibly, Smokey Robinson's distinctive golden-green eyes have long been a subject of public fascination. He has attributed them to a French great-grandmother, whose European ancestry introduced lighter eye colouring into his maternal line.

His mother, Flossie, died when Smokey was a young child, leaving him largely in the dark about his family history — a gap he explored publicly on the TLC series Who Do You Think You Are? in 2017.

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Father's Side: African-American Roots

Smokey's father, William Robinson Sr., was African-American and raised his son in Detroit's North End neighbourhood. Specific details about Smokey's paternal grandparents are not publicly documented. His father's family was part of the Great Migration of African-Americans from the South to Northern industrial cities in the early-to-mid 20th century.

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Mother's Side: Tennessee Roots and French Ancestry

Smokey's mother, Flossie Robinson, was of African-American descent with documented French ancestry. She died when Smokey was young, cutting off his knowledge of her family line.

His maternal grandfather was Rev. Benjamin J. Smith, born in Tennessee, who was a popular Baptist preacher who established a church that still exists today. His maternal grandmother was Ella Mae Rivers Warr, also born in Tennessee.

Research on Who Do You Think You Are? traced the Warr family name to a white plantation owner named James Warr, strongly suggesting that Smokey's maternal great-grandfather, Adam Warr, had been enslaved by or associated with the Warr family. Adam Warr was discovered to have given testimony in historical records — allowing Smokey to read his great-grandfather's own words for the first time.

The French great-grandmother — to whom Robinson attributes his green eyes — has not been specifically named in public records.

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Grandparents: A Complete Picture

Paternal Grandfather: Unknown — African-American, Detroit/Southern US

Paternal Grandmother: Unknown — African-American, Detroit/Southern US

Maternal Grandfather: Rev. Benjamin J. Smith — African-American, born Tennessee (Baptist preacher)

Maternal Grandmother: Ella Mae Rivers Warr — African-American, born Tennessee

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Spouse & Children's Heritage

Smokey Robinson's first wife was Claudette Rogers (married 1959, divorced 1986), a fellow member of The Miracles and African-American. They have two children: Berry Robinson (born 1968, named after Motown founder Berry Gordy) and Tamla Robinson (born 1971, named after the Tamla label). Robinson also has a son, Trey Robinson (born 1984), with another partner.

In May 2002, Robinson married Frances Glandney (also spelled Gladney), an interior designer. They have not had children together. Frances's ethnic background has not been publicly detailed.

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Smokey Robinson in His Own Words

"I grew up not knowing my history, and to be able to find it through this show was incredible — I was completely overcome with joy." — Smokey Robinson, Who Do You Think You Are? (TLC, "Overcome with Joy," 2017)

Robinson described the experience of discovering his great-grandfather's voice through historical records as one of the most profound moments of his personal journey. The episode also touched on the legacy of slavery and the church traditions that shaped his maternal family's identity in Tennessee.

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Is Smokey Robinson Alive?

Yes, Smokey Robinson is alive. Born on February 19, 1940, he is currently 85 years old. He remains active in music and public life.

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Visual Family Tree

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Sources

Interviews & Ancestry Discovery

• Smokey Robinson — Who Do You Think You Are? — DNA Explained, 2017
• Smokey Robinson's Incredible Family History Journey — Findmypast.com

Genealogy & Ethnicity Research

• Smokey Robinson — BlackPast.org

Family Background