First Lady of Motown

About the First Lady of Motown

As an original member of The Miracles, the first act to sign with Berry Gordy’s Tamla/Motown Records, Claudette Robinson was also the iconic label’s very first female artist. In 1960, The Miracles’ “Shop Around” became Tamla/Motown’s first million-seller, prompting Mr. Gordy to bestow a special official title on Claudette: “The First Lady of Motown.”

Born Claudette Annette Rogers in New Orleans on June 20 1942, Louisiana, she was bright and adventurous. At a very young age she embraced her grandmother’s Christian values and service to her church when she sang in the choir.

Claudette’s family relocated to Detroit, Michigan where she excelled academically with honors and graduated from Commerce High School at the young age of 15. At age 16, she attended Wayne State University through her sophomore year of college, before joining the United States Marine Corps Reserves, where she was a member of the Rifle Team with accomplished sharpshooter status.

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Claudettes's Miraculous Motown Adventure

MOTOWN'S best children's book

About the book

Little Claudette lives in the magic kingdom of Motown, where all the happy children sing and dance in the streets. One day, an angry witch casts a spell, and the kingdom descends into dark silence. Unhappy and bored, Claudette finds a box of Miracles in her attic. Inside are four little fellows—Smokey, Bobby, Ronnie, and Pete—who sing music so sweet. Claudette and the Miracles begin to sing together, but will it be enough to bring light and laughter back to the kingdom of Motown?

Claudette's Miraculous Reviews

" I love this book because it is a fairy tale with historical information. Children can learn about the beginnings of Motown, the Miracles and the importance of music in their lives. This book belongs in every library and school. I highly recommend this book."
Maxine B
Amazon Review
"Even for those who are not familiar with Motown Records and the vocal group, The Miracles, this book is an enjoyable treat for all young readers. Wonderfully illustrated, young school age children will surely enjoy this story of Claudette's Miraculous Motown Adventure".
Randall R
Amazon Review

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Claudette Robinson serves The Joy Community Outreach to End Homelessness, member of the Beverly Hills West Links Chapter of California for 25 years, and served on the Maple Center Community Counseling Center where she served on the Board of Governors. A devoted mother, and grandmother, Claudette Robinson remains a Christian woman of strength, who is an inspiration to family, friends, and fans. 

In 2017, Claudette shared pieces from her private collection to present the GRAMMY Museum’s yearlong Miracles exhibit in Los Angeles, California. Some of The Miracles’ other prestigious awards and honors include the Vocal Group Hall of Fame; their #32 ranking in Rolling Stone’s definitive music icons list, “The Immortals;” their place in Billboard’s “100 Greatest Artists of All Time;” and Claudette’s personal honor of receiving a “Key to the City” of Detroit. Claudette has enjoyed the wonders of motherhood as a mother of two, (Berry and Tamla), and grandmother of three, (Lyric, Thomas, and Alexis).

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Legends speak on Claudette

"Claudette Robinson is The First Lady of Motown"
- Berry Gordy

In 2009, commemorating The Miracles’ golden anniversary in the entertainment industry, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored the group with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As Motown founder Berry Gordy stood at the dedication ceremony podium, he said, “Without The Miracles, there would be no Motown.”