Smokey Robinson

Robinson in 2014, photo by Prphotos

Birth Name: William Robinson, Jr.

Place of Birth: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

Date of Birth: February 19, 1940

Ethnicity: African-American, as well as evidently one eighth French

Smokey Robinson is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive.

Smokey is the son of Flossie (Smith) and William Robinson, Sr. A maternal great-grandmother of his was said to have been of French descent.

A picture of young Smokey with his parents can be seen here.

Smokey’s paternal grandfather was named Albert Robinson. Albert was born in Alabama.

Smokey’s paternal grandmother was named Elizabeth “Lizzie” Lanxter. Elizabeth was born in Alabama.

Smokey’s maternal grandfather was The Rev. Benjamin J. Smith (the son of Quincey Smith and Frances/Fanny Smith). The Rev. Benjamin was born in Tennessee. His family was from Rutherford.

Smokey’s maternal grandmother was Ella Mae Rivers Warr (the daughter of Adam Warr and Sarah Mike). Ella was born in Tennessee. Adam was the son of Harriet Warr.

Sources: Genealogy of Smokey Robinson – https://www.geni.com

Genealogy of Smokey Robinson (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://www.wikitree.com

Obituary of Smokey’s mother – http://www.findagrave.com