Behind every great artist is often an equally great mother who helped shape their talent and character. This was certainly true for Smokey Robinson, the legendary Motown singer-songwriter. His mother, Flossie Robinson, played a pivotal role in his upbringing and development. Let’s take a closer look at the life of this remarkable woman.
Flossie Robinson’s Bio
Flossie Smith Robinson was born in 1907 to parents Benjamin Smith and Ella Mae Rivers McCurry. While exact details about her date of birth are unclear, we know she lived a full life, passing away around 1950 when Smokey was about 10 years old.
As an African American woman born in the early 1900s in the southern United States, Flossie no doubt faced many challenges and adversities. But by all accounts, she was a strong, loving mother who worked hard to provide for her family.
In addition to Smokey, Flossie had two daughters – Rose Ella Jones and Geraldine Burston. She raised them largely on her own as a single mother. Despite the struggles of being a black single mom at that time, Flossie instilled important values in her children that would serve them well.
Early Life and Family
Details about Flossie’s early life and upbringing are limited. She was born and raised in the South during a time of intense racial discrimination and Jim Crow laws. Educational and economic opportunities for African Americans, especially women, were severely limited.
What we do know is that family was extremely important to Flossie. She was devoted to her children and did her best to create a warm, supportive home environment for them, even in difficult circumstances.
Though money was often tight, Flossie made sure her kids felt loved and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. Music was an important part of their household, something that clearly rubbed off on Smokey.
Her resilience, strength and unconditional love undoubtedly shaped Smokey and his sisters into the successful, caring adults they became. Flossie’s legacy lives on through the character of her children.
Flossie’s Daughter Smokey Robinson
Of Flossie’s three children, her son Smokey Robinson would go on to achieve the greatest fame. Born William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. in 1940, he was only about 10 when his mother passed away.
Despite this early loss, Smokey credits his mother with instilling in him a love for music and singing from a very young age. He recalls her constantly singing around the house and encouraging his musical talents.
Smokey would go on to become one of the most influential figures in soul and R&B music. As the frontman of The Miracles and then as a solo artist and songwriter/producer, Smokey helped shape the Motown sound. Hit songs like “My Girl,” “Tracks of My Tears,” and “Cruisin'” made him a star.
But Smokey never forgot his mother’s influence and how she encouraged him to sing as a child. In interviews, he has said “I’ve always thought that God made me a singer first” – something Flossie recognized and nurtured early on.
While she didn’t live to see her son’s incredible success, there’s no doubt Flossie would have been immensely proud of Smokey’s accomplishments. He has often spoken about how his mother is his guardian angel watching over him.
Musical Legacy of Smokey Robinson’s Parents
Smokey Robinson, the legendary Motown singer and songwriter, came from a musically gifted family. His parents, William “Five” Robinson Sr. and Flossie Smith Robinson, were both talented musicians in their own right.
William Sr. was a skilled guitarist who played in local bands around Detroit. He had a deep love for blues and jazz music that he passed down to his children. Smokey often spoke about how his father’s guitar playing inspired him from a young age.
Flossie was an accomplished pianist and singer. She sang in the church choir and taught her children the importance of music from an early age. Smokey credits his mother with nurturing his love for singing and helping him develop his unique voice.
Growing up surrounded by music, it’s no surprise that Smokey and his siblings all pursued musical careers. His sisters Rose Ella Jones and Geraldine Burston were both talented singers who performed with Smokey early in his career. The musical legacy of the Robinson family is truly remarkable.
Flossie Robinson’s Influence on Smokey Robinson’s Career
Flossie Robinson played a pivotal role in shaping Smokey’s musical career from childhood. As a pianist and singer herself, she recognized and encouraged her son’s prodigious talent from a young age.
Smokey often tells the story of how his mother bought him his first guitar when he was a young boy. She saved up money from her job as a housekeeper to surprise him with the instrument. This selfless act demonstrated her belief in Smokey’s abilities and her desire to see him succeed.
Throughout his teenage years, Flossie continued to support Smokey’s musical endeavors. She allowed him to practice with his vocal groups at their house and attended all of his early performances. Her encouragement gave Smokey the confidence to pursue his dreams.
Even as Smokey’s career took off with Motown in the 1960s, Flossie remained his biggest fan. She was immensely proud of her son’s success and the joy his music brought to so many. Smokey often said that his mother’s belief in him was the foundation upon which he built his legendary career.
The Death of Flossie Robinson and its Effect on Smokey
Tragically, Flossie Robinson passed away from a heart attack on October 16, 1950, when Smokey was only 10 years old. Her sudden death devastated the close-knit Robinson family.
Losing his mother at such a young age had a profound impact on Smokey. He often spoke about the pain of growing up without her guidance and support. In interviews, he described her as his “first love” and his “reason for being.”
In many ways, Smokey channeled the grief of losing his mother into his music. He wrote songs that expressed deep emotions of love and loss. His 1965 hit “The Tracks of My Tears” was inspired by the pain he felt over his mother’s passing.
Smokey also credited his mother’s memory with giving him strength during difficult times in his life and career. He felt that she watched over him as a guardian angel, guiding him towards success. Although nothing could fill the void she left, Smokey honored Flossie’s legacy by becoming one of the greatest musicians of his generation.
How Was The Flossie Robinson Married Life?
Details about Flossie Robinson’s married life are limited, but records show she was married three times. Her first two marriages, to Alfred Bynum and Henry Ligion, ended in divorce. Little is known about these relationships. Flossie’s third and final marriage was to William “Five” Robinson Sr. in the 1930s. Together they had three children: Rose Ella, Geraldine, and William “Smokey” Jr. By all accounts, Flossie and William Sr. had a loving partnership.
As working class African Americans in the early 20th century, life was not always easy for the Robinson family. William Sr. supported the family through various jobs, including as a truck driver. Flossie worked as a housekeeper.
Despite financial struggles, the Robinsons maintained a warm, music-filled household. Flossie and William Sr. worked hard to provide opportunities for their children to pursue their passions. Their sacrifices enabled Smokey and his sisters to develop their musical talents.
Sadly, Flossie passed away in 1950 when her children were still young. William Sr. remarried, but continued to keep Flossie’s memory alive for their family. The strength of Flossie and William Sr.’s marriage created the foundation for the Robinson children to lead successful, impactful lives.
Conclusion
Flossie Robinson may not be a household name, but her impact and influence is significant. As the mother of Smokey Robinson, she helped give the world one of the greatest musical talents of all time.
More than that, Flossie was a strong, loving mother who overcame major challenges to raise her children with good character and a passion for music. Though details of her life may be scarce, her legacy is one of resilience, devotion and the power of a mother’s love. Flossie Robinson was a truly remarkable woman.
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