Generations of Motown fans were acquainted with Claudette Rogers Robinson as the sole female singer in The Miracles. Few know, however, that Berry Gordy affectionately dubbed her as "The First Lady of Motown," for being the first female artist signed to Motown's first vocal group, The Miracles, who also had the distinction of having the label's first #1 hit, "Shop Around." Moreover, Ms. Robinson is the former wife of Smokey Robinson, who used her as the muse for "My Girl," which became a signature hit for The Temptations in 1964.
On March 20, 2009, five decades after The Miracle's founding, Claudette Rogers Robinson and her fellow Miracles were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Motown Record Corporation, which was formerly known as Tamla Records, Ms. Robinson managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on Berry Gordy, "soul music," and the legacy of Marvin Gaye.
When you look back at your Motown experience, what thoughts immediately come to mind?
Well, I think the thought that immediately comes to mind is: "Wow! What an amazing ride!" I had an opportunity to be a part of such a fantastic part of history! And in all honesty, I thought it was going to last only a year or two, and now here we are 50 years for Motown and, actually, 51 plus for The Miracles. It's mind-blowing and such a wonderful thing that "the sound of young America" became a slogan to represent Motown. Motown forever in my eyes would always be young, regardless of the age of the performer.
Why do you think the Motown brand still stands above all the other labels that came behind it, even after 50 years?
I'm going to say that the name Motown has stood the test of time because of the wonderful fans who continued to enjoy the music as well as purchase the music. Because without them, regardless of how great Motown's song may have been, it never would have happened. So we have to really give thanks to those great people out there that still remember the music of Motown and the many, many artists.
What life events led you to the company?
When we started, Motown had not been incorporated yet. And at that time, I was singing in a sister group to my brother's group called The Matadorettes. My brother's group was The Matadors, and consisted of Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, Ronnie White, Bobby Rogers and my brother, Emerson Rogers. After about a year of nothing really happening for The Matadors, they did a lot of talent shows around town and actually won first place in quite a few of the venues they happen to play. First prize was usually about $25, sometimes maybe $50. We, The Matadorettes, performed in some of those talent shows. Unfortunately, we didn't really fare so well.
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