Smokey Robinson, a legendary musician, has revealed a year-long romance with Diana Ross while still married to his first wife, Claudette Rogers. William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Today, join us in wishing Smokey Robinson a very happy 84th birthday!
In an interview with The Guardian, the 83-year-old icon emphasized the beauty of their relationship, stating, “We were working together, and it just happened. But it was beautiful.” The two, who have been friends since childhood, developed a romantic connection during a crucial period.
Robinson reflected on their common childhood, growing up on the same street and in the same neighborhood as another renowned vocalist Aretha Franklin. Despite Robinson having a teenage crush on Franklin, his connection with Ross evolved into something more meaningful. Neither made the first move, with Robinson explaining, “It just happened. I wasn’t going after her, and she wasn’t going after me.”
However, the affair ended when Ross voiced concern about Robinson’s unwavering love for his wife. Robinson reflected on the affair, stating that it deepened his knowledge of love and questioned conventional standards surrounding monogamy.
Addressing a longstanding rumor, Robinson laughed off claims that he and Ross were the biological parents of Michael Jackson, saying, “They say Diana Ross and I had Michael? Oh my God! I never heard that one, man! That’s pretty good. That’s funny!”
