POSHOLOGY ONLINE MAGAZINE, Interviews the “First Lady of Motown”
What a complete honor to have had the wonderful privilege of speaking to such an elegant, beautiful and sweet woman who was kind enough to grant us an interview without hesitation. I first spoke with Claudette Robinson back in March of 2010 by phone in regards to her life and some of the projects and events she had going on amongst other things and we have kept in-touch off and on ever since. What a great person with a great personality a big heart and great story to tell, she is the epitome of class, no wonder why she has a song dedicated to her (“My Girl”) co-written by ex-husband of 27 years, Smokey Robinson. Motown founder Berry Gordy gave Claudette Robinson the official title of the “First Lady of Motown”, as noted in his autobiography, because as a member of The Miracles, (Motown’s first group and first recording act) she was the first female artist ever signed to a Motown-affiliated record label (Tamla). Several years ago, Claudette began writing her autobiography, “A Miraculous Life,” a book of her memoirs and of her life with The Miracles. In March of 2009 Claudette and the original members of The Miracles were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I personally only asked Claudette a few brief questions so please take a moment to read our interview.
POSH: Instead of some of the traditional interviews you are probably used to by now, we here at Poshology Online Magazine want to know your beauty secrets Claudette? You are a beautiful woman How do you stay so beautiful and timeless?
Claudette: Thank you so much for your kind words! Unfortunately, I don’t have any true beauty secrets, I have used “Dove” Soap both on my face and body for many years. My skin has been sensitive most of my life and it was difficult to use most of the products on the market regardless of their cost. I have tried most of the products on the market but they usually cause some negative reaction on my skin – mainly breakouts. So, I always go back to “Dove” and now, I only use DOVE. It doesn’t dry out my skin, and it works for me.
POSH: How does it make you feel to this day being coined the “First Lady of Motown?”
Claudette: I feel extremely proud and blessed to have the official title of “First Lady of Motown” from Mr. Berry Gordy. I was given the name because I was the first female artist signed with Mr. Gordy. Our group, the MIRACLES, later to become Smokey Robinson and the Miracles in 1965. The group was signed to the label (Tamla/Motown) and to have the first gold record for the company in February 1961. Mr. Gordy was our manger in 1957. We released our first record — Got A Job — on the End Record Label out of New York as Motown didn’t begin until January 1959. The record, SHOP AROUND, first Gold Record (One million sales) was the first for the company, and thus, Motown and Detroit were now on the map.
POSH: Yourself, along with the Miracles were honored with a “STAR” on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. What was it like to receive such an honor?
Claudette: Wow!! It was an amazing feeling. I could hardly believe it. I felt extremely honored and thankful to God that HE had brought this little girl a long way – from New Orleans, Louisiana, by way of Detroit, to HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA. I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real. What a thrilling and exciting moment. We, the MIRACLES will be embedded in stone for a lifetime long after we are no longer in the physical being. I also was fortunate to take part in the 50th anniversary of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and participate in a photo session with “LEGENDS” from all facets of the industry — Film, Television, Recording, and the Movies. I could hardly believe my eyes seeing the true legends of our time.
POSH: Is there anything special you do beauty or health wise to prepare for a big event or performance?
Claudette: To prepare for an event, my first call is to my Godson, Tre Major. He helps me decide what the look should be and we go from there. Tre Major is a MAJOR factor in keeping my hair and makeup together. He is an amazing stylist and always comes up with fresh and new innovative ideas to keep me looking current. I try to eat as healthy as possible, but coming from the South and enjoying highly spiced foods, it is sometimes difficult. Drinking lots of water and exercise is also important. I am trying to step up my physical exercise routine as I was in a car accident about three years ago that totalled my car and it slowed down my physical activity a great deal. However, I am getting better and plan to do more exercise.
POSH: Do you have any projects you will be working on or are currently working on? when will we see more of Claudette Robinson?
Claudette: I am working on my biography, a photo book of the Miracles with other celebrities branding my name — First Lady of Motown — First Lady Miracles — and attending the White House on March 24, 2011 for a celebration of the “Motown Sound”. I am absolutely thrilled to have received an invitation from the President and Mrs. Obama. My granddaughter, Lyric will be my guest. She is 13, an all A student and a promising singer. I perform on occasion with the traveling MIRACLES and a PBS Special that we took part in will air in June 2011.
POSH: Thank you Claudette, as always I wish you well and thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me, you’re the best and I am glad to know you. We will keep in-touch as your future projects flourish!
Claudette: I want to thank you for including me in your online magazine, and wish you the best of luck in the future. May God continue to bless you with HIS daily “Miracles!”
