A Cherished Friendship Blossoms into Love
Smokey Robinson, the legendary singer and songwriter, recently opened up about his deep connection with his long-time friend, Diana Ross. In a candid interview with The Guardian, Robinson revealed that their bond had transcended friendship for a period of time. Despite being married to his first wife, Claudette Rogers, Robinson admitted to having a romantic relationship with Ross for approximately one year.
The two musicians, known for their incredible talent and charisma, first became friends at the tender age of 10. Their friendship blossomed even further when Ross and her family moved to the same street as Robinson and his family. Interestingly, they were also neighbors to the iconic Aretha Franklin.
Reflecting on their childhood memories, Robinson expressed his joy, saying, “It’s wonderful to know we were kids playing together. And now, these people are some of the most famous people in the world. We had so much fun.”
Serendipity Takes Over
As they grew older, Robinson found himself infatuated with Franklin, but their relationship remained platonic. However, his connection with Diana Ross took an unexpected turn.
According to Robinson, their transition from friends to something more was not a result of any deliberate actions. He shared, “She was young and focused on her career, and I was trying to help her. I even introduced her to Motown. I wasn’t pursuing her, and she wasn’t pursuing me.” Their romantic affiliation seemed to have developed naturally, akin to a serendipitous encounter.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Despite the intensity of their romance, their affair eventually came to an end. Robinson divulged that Ross confessed her inability to continue the relationship due to her familiarity with his wife, Claudette, and her understanding of Robinson’s enduring love for her.
Recalling his time with Ross, Robinson came to a profound realization about love. He acknowledged that the human heart is capable of loving more than one person simultaneously, and that society often stigmatizes it. Robinson emphasized that love cannot be controlled, and if it were, no one would dare to take the risk of getting hurt.
Dispelling the Myths
During the interview, Robinson also addressed the humorous rumors that he and Ross were the biological parents of the late Michael Jackson. He dismissed the notion outright, finding it amusing and far from the truth.
Robinson’s account of his beautiful romance with Diana Ross not only sheds light on their deep connection, but also reminds us of the complexities of love and friendship. Their story serves as a testament to the unpredictability of human emotions and the enduring power of cherished relationships.
