Motown Legends: Claudette Rogers Robinson, Janie Bradford & Cornelius Grant

Claudette Rogers Robinson is an original member of The Miracles and former wife of lead singer Smokey Robinson.  The first successful group act for Berry Gordy‘s Motown Record Corporation, their single “Shop Around” was Motown’s first million-selling hit record, and the group went on to become one of the label’s signature acts. “My Girl” was written and produced by The Miracles members Smokey Robinson and Ronald White (most notably performed by The Temptations) in dedication to Claudette. Claudette is currently at work writing her autobiography, a book of her memoirs and life with The Miracles. Robinson is devoted to her work as President/CEO of First Lady Miracle Publishing and working with groups dedicated to helping young people (her “favorite people”). She also is a board member of the national Rhythm & Blues Foundation and the HAL Awards. Her cousin Bobby Rogers (February 19, 1940 – March 3, 2013), original member of The Miracles, toured with the current incarnation of the group throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, until 2010. Claudette still performs and makes selected appearances with The Miracles.

Janie Bradford was born on June 2, 1939 in Charleston, Missouri, the youngest of three children born to Richard Henry, a minister, and Elizabeth Bradford. Although her father prohibited secular music in their home, Bradford was influenced early in life by diverse music styles, including country and gospel. In 1956, Bradford graduated from Lincoln High School in Charleston then migrated to Detroit, Michigan where she attended the Detroit Institute of Technology and lived with her sister Clea Bradford, a jazz singer. There, Bradford met Jackie Wilson, who introduced her to the founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy. Bradford has been honored by BMI with a Certificate of Achievement for her co-authoring “Money” and “Too Busy Thinkin’ About My Baby.” Jack the Rapper presented her with the Vivian Carter Award for her contributions to music, and during L.A. Music Week in 2011 the City of Los Angeles presented her with honors.

Cornelius Grant served as the Temptations musical director for nearly 20 years, traveling all over the world with the best male vocal group in the world. Grant was born April 27, 1943. At age nine, he taught himself the guitar on one picked from a Sears & Roebuck catalog.  He played behind Mary Wells, then Marvin Gaye before settling with the Temptations. Grant used a Gibson Birdland and a Fender Telecaster playing with or without a pick depending on the desired effect. He created that murderous opening guitar riff on “I Know I’m Losing You” using a Goya acoustic guitar. He wrote the blockbuster with Eddie Holland and Norman Whitfield, and “You’re My Everything” with the late Roger Penzabene and Whitfield. Penzabene, a close friend of Grant’s, wrote “I Wish It Would Rain” and “I Could Never Love Another.”  Penzabene went crazy and committed suicide before he received a royalty check. “I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)” tells that story in a nutshell.Grant also wrote “Take Me in Your Arms and Love Me” and “Ain’t No Sun (Since You Been Gone)” (performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips); “You Got to Earn It,” and “I Got to Find a Way to Win You Back” (performed by the Temptations); and “My Weakness Is You” and “I Want My Baby Back” (performed by Edwin Starr); Lula recorded “Take Me in Your Arms ” on her To Sir with Love LP.  Grant also co-wrote “I’m More Than Happy (I’m Satisfied)” for Stevie Wonder, and “Love and Affection” for Marvin Gaye.