When it comes to Motown royalty, the Robinson name carries serious weight. While most people are familiar with legendary singer Smokey Robinson’s musical legacy, fewer are aware of his youngest son, Trey Robinson.
Biography & Career
Trey Robinson’s arrival wasn’t exactly conventional. Born on August 24, 1984, during his father’s marriage to Claudette Rogers Robinson, Trey came into the world as the result of a lengthy affair that would ultimately reshape the Robinson family dynamics.
Smokey Robinson had an on-and-off relationship with Trey’s mother, Kandi, spanning roughly 20 years. When Trey was born in 1984, it marked a turning point that would lead to the end of Smokey’s 27-year marriage to Claudette by 1986.
However, despite the circumstances, Claudette Robinson showed extraordinary grace. Not only did she maintain good relationships with both Trey and his mother, but Kandi also specified in her will that if anything were to happen to her, she wanted Claudette to raise Trey.
As Smokey once told PEOPLE magazine, “Most wives wouldn’t want anything to do with [Kandi], but I’m telling you, Claudette is a rare sort of beautiful person.”
Growing up in Los Angeles, Trey experienced the ripple effects of his parents’ complex relationship. He witnessed his father’s divorce when he was just two years old, then saw Smokey remarry Frances Gladney in May 2002.
Despite these early challenges, Trey carved his own path. He attended New Roads School before enrolling at Loyola Marymount University, where he pursued art studies and graduated in 2005.
Unlike his legendary father, Trey Robinson hasn’t pursued a music career. Instead, he’s found his niche in the entertainment industry through different avenues – as a producer and writer for reality shows, including “Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood, ” worked on “Growing Up Hip Hop and made some appearances on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and “Basketball Wives LA.”
Net Worth
Trey has chosen to keep his financial details and much of his personal life private. His work in television production likely provides a comfortable living, though exact figures aren’t publicly available.
Trey doesn’t maintain public social media profiles and rarely appears in entertainment news.
Personal Life
Very little is known about Trey Robinson’s romantic relationships or whether he has children of his own. This privacy extends to most aspects of his personal life, from his current residence to his day-to-day activities.
Smokey and Trey’s Relationship
Despite the unconventional circumstances surrounding his birth, Smokey Robinson has always embraced Trey as a full member of the family. The legendary singer has spoken about taking responsibility and showing commitment to all his children.
As Trey matured, their relationship evolved beyond the initial complications. Effective communication and mutual understanding have helped maintain their connection, with Trey showing no apparent resentment toward his father.
What we do know is that he maintains good relationships with his family members and appears at significant family events when needed.
Siblings
Despite the rather complicated family circumstances surrounding his birth, Trey shares a surprisingly positive relationship with his half-siblings, Berry and Tamla Robinson. The trio have managed to forge genuine bonds that transcend the unconventional nature of their family history.
Berry Robinson, born in 1968 and named after the legendary Motown founder Berry Gordy, has chosen a markedly different path from his famous father. He’s embraced a quiet life well away from the Hollywood spotlight, focusing instead on his own family.
Berry is a proud father to twins—a boy and a girl—and has maintained close ties with his siblings despite the years and distance that might have driven other families apart.
Tamla Robinson, who arrived in 1971, carries a name that pays homage to Tamla Records, Motown’s original label. Unlike her brother Berry, she’s carved out her own niche in the entertainment world, working as an executive producer. She’s also an entrepreneur, running a clothing shop called “Born Star.” Tamla is particularly close to their father, Smokey, and she’s been notably open about embracing her family connections, including Trey.
In fact, Tamla has publicly acknowledged her relationship with Trey on social media,
Once, for National Siblings Day, she posted a touching tribute with the caption “Happy National Siblings Day to my Brothers, Berry and Trey Robinson.”
