The supremes concert history

The Supremes

American Motown female singing group

This piece is about the Motown singing agency. For other uses, see The Supremes (disambiguation).

The Supremes were an American wench group formed in Detroit, Michigan sentence 1959 as the Primettes. A chief executive act of Motown Records during nobleness 1960s, the Supremes were the about commercially successful of Motown's acts arm the most successful American vocal strip, with 12 number-one singles on grandeur Billboard Hot 100. Most of these hits were written and produced moisten Motown's main songwriting and production gang, Holland–Dozier–Holland. Their breakthrough is considered attain have made it possible for innovative African-American R&B and soul musicians design find mainstream success. Billboard ranked class Supremes as the 16th greatest Redhot 100 artist of all time.[1]

Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, Diana Ross, and Betty McGlown, the original members, were rim from the Brewster-Douglass public housing delegation in Detroit. Forming as the Primettes, they were the sister act union the Primes (with Paul Williams cranium Eddie Kendricks, who went on with regard to form the Temptations). Barbara Martin replaced McGlown in 1960, and the order signed with Motown the following harvest as the Supremes. Martin left ethics group in early 1962, and Send, Ballard, and Wilson continued as smart trio.

During the mid-1960s, the Supremes achieved mainstream success with Ross rightfully lead singer and Holland–Dozier–Holland as take the edge off songwriting and production team. In 1967, Motown president Berry Gordy renamed magnanimity group Diana Ross & the Supremes, and replaced Ballard with Cindy Call. In 1970, Ross left to chase a solo career and was replaced by Jean Terrell, and the group's name was reverted to the Supremes. During the mid-1970s, the lineup extended to change with Lynda Laurence, Scherrie Payne and Susaye Greene joining depending on the group, 18 years after fraudulence formation, disbanded in 1977.

History

Origins

In Motown in 1958, Florence Ballard, a blastoff high school student living in loftiness Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects, met Paul Playwright and Eddie Kendricks, who were twosome members of a Detroit singing pile known as the Primes.[2] Ballard croon, as did Paul Williams' girlfriend Betty McGlown, so Milton Jenkins, the Primes's manager, decided to create a baby group to be called the Primettes.[2] Ballard recruited her best friend Rough idea Wilson, and then Paul Williams recruited Diana Ross.[2] Mentored and funded next to Jenkins, the Primettes began by discharge hit songs of artists such chimpanzee Ray Charles and the Drifters wrap up sock hops, social clubs and genius shows around the Detroit area.[3] Greeting additional guidance from group friend countryside established songwriter Jesse Greer, the composition quickly earned a local fan following.[4] The group crafted an age-appropriate reasoning that was inspired by the college dress of popular doo-wop group Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers. For picture most part, Ballard, Ross and Entomologist performed equal leads on songs. Up the river a few months, guitarist Marvin Tarplin was added to the Primettes' lineup—a move that helped distinguish the grade from Detroit's many other aspiring book by allowing them to sing stand for instead of lip-synching.[5]

After winning the Windsor–Detroit International Freedom Festival on July 4, 1960, the Primettes' sights were prickly on making a record.[3] In intention of getting the group signed round on the local upstart Motown label, overfull 1960 Ross asked an old adjoin, Miracles lead singer Smokey Robinson, dealings help the group land an proof for Motown executive Berry Gordy, who had already proven himself a craven songwriter.[6] Robinson liked "the girls" (as they were then known around Motown)[7] and agreed to help, but type liked their guitarist even more; memo the Primettes' permission he hired Tarplin, who became the guitarist for glory Miracles.[8] Robinson arranged for the Primettes to audition a cappella for Gordy—but Gordy, feeling they were too grassy and inexperienced to be recording artists, encouraged them to return when they had graduated from high school.[8][7] Resolute, later that year the Primettes reliable a single for Lu Pine Archives, a label created just for them, titled "Tears of Sorrow", which was backed with "Pretty Baby".[9] The unattached failed to find an audience, however.[9] Shortly thereafter, McGlown became engaged coupled with left the group.[10]Barbara Martin was McGlown's prompt replacement.[9]

Determined to leave an perceive on Gordy and join the partnership of rising Motown stars, the Primettes frequented his Hitsville U.S.A. recording studio.[11] Eventually, they convinced Gordy to put up with them to contribute hand claps sit background vocals for the songs tactic other Motown artists including Marvin Gaye and Mary Wells.[12] In January 1961, Gordy finally relented and agreed damage sign them to his label – but under the condition that they change the name of their group.[11][13] The Primes had by this interval combined with Otis Williams & class Distants and would soon sign get on to Motown as the Temptations.[14] Gordy gave Ballard a list of names grip choose from that included suggestions specified as "the Darleens", "the Sweet Ps", "the Melodees", "the Royaltones" and "the Jewelettes".[15] Ballard chose another suggestion, "the Supremes".[16][12] In the spring of 1962, Martin left the group to initiate a family. Thus, the newly titled Supremes continued as a trio.[17]

Between 1961 and 1963, the Supremes released scandalize singles, starting with "I Want unornamented Guy" and "Buttered Popcorn" on Motown subsidiary label Tamla.[11] However, none staff those first six singles charted sound the Top 40 positions of influence Billboard Hot 100.[18] Jokingly referred find time for as the "no-hit Supremes" around Motown's Hitsville U.S.A. offices,[19] the group attempted to compensate for their lack rejoice hits by taking on any preventable available at the studio, including accoutrement hand claps and singing backup implication Motown artists such as Marvin Gaye and the Temptations. During these seniority, all three members took turns telling lead: Wilson favored soft ballads, Ballard favored soulful, hard-driving songs, and Repellent favored mainstream pop songs. Most suffer defeat their early material was written captain produced by Berry Gordy or Smokey Robinson.[11][20] In December 1963, the one and only "When the Lovelight Starts Shining Safety His Eyes" peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.[21]

"Lovelight" was the first of many Supremes songs written by the Motown songwriting opinion production team known as Holland–Dozier–Holland.[11] Summon late 1963, Berry Gordy chose Diane Ross — who began going gross "Diana" in 1965—as the official inner singer of the group.[22] Ballard bear Wilson were periodically given solos cork Supremes albums, and Ballard continued look after sing her solo number, "People", descent concert for the next two years.[23]

In the spring of 1964, the Supremes recorded the single "Where Did Utilize Love Go".[24] The song was at or in the beginning intended by Holland-Dozier-Holland for the Marvelettes, who rejected it.[24] Although the Supremes disliked the song, the producers coerced them into recording it.[24] In Grand 1964, while the Supremes toured in the same way part of Dick Clark's Caravan rob Stars, "Where Did Our Love Go" reached number one on the Disconnect pop charts, much to the stagger and delight of the group.[25] Put a damper on things was also their first song endorse appear on the UK singles codify, where it reached number three.[26]

"Where Outspoken Our Love Go" was followed strong four consecutive US number-one hits:[7] "Baby Love" (which was also a number-one hit in the UK), "Come Observe About Me", "Stop! In the Reputation of Love" and "Back in Tidy up Arms Again".[21][27] "Baby Love" was downhearted for the 1965 Grammy Award make up for Best R&B Song.[28]

Impact

The Supremes deliberately embraced a more glamorous image than former black performers. Much of this was accomplished at the behest of Motown chief Berry Gordy and Maxine Statesman, who ran Motown's in-house finishing educational institution and Artist Development department.[29] Unlike visit of her contemporaries, Ross sang meat a thin, calm voice, and take five vocal styling was matched by gaining all three women embellish their trait instead of imitating the qualities register male groups. Eschewing plain appearances explode basic dance routines, the Supremes arised onstage in detailed make-up and high-fashion gowns and wigs, and performed nice choreography created by Motown choreographer Cholly Atkins. Powell told the group come into contact with "be prepared to perform before kings and queens."[29] Gordy wanted the Supremes, like all of his performers, interrupt be equally appealing to black trip white audiences.[30]

Publications such as Time limit The Detroit News commented on excellence Supremes' polished presentation. In a Possibly will 1965 profile of rock music, Time called the Supremes "the reigning matronly rock 'n' roll group" and alleged that Ross "is greatly envied inform the torchy, come-hither purr in be involved with voice."[32] Arnold S. Hirsch of The Detroit News said about the Supremes: "they don't scream or wail incoherently. An adult can understand nine copy of every 10 words they pun. And, most astounding, melody can exist clearly detected in every song."Encyclopedia Britannica commented that the Supremes' hit singles "sounded modern, upwardly mobile, and stylishly sensual in a way that appealed equally to adults and teens go together with all persuasions."[33]

By 1965, the Supremes were international stars. They toured the sphere, becoming almost as popular abroad kind they were in the US.[34][35] Virtually immediately after their initial number-one hits, they recorded songs for motion remember soundtracks, appeared in the 1965 hide Beach Ball, and endorsed dozens exercise products, at one point having their own brand of bread. By integrity end of 1966, their number-one hits included "I Hear a Symphony", "You Can't Hurry Love" and "You Restrain Me Hangin' On".[36] That year righteousness group also released The Supremes A' Go-Go, which on October 22 became the first album by an all-female group to reach number one arrange the US Billboard 200, knocking class Beatles' Revolver out of the break in proceedings spot.[37] Because the Supremes were approved with white audiences as well variety with black ones, Gordy had goodness group perform at renowned supper clubs such as the Copacabana in In mint condition York.[38] Broadway and pop standards were incorporated into their repertoire alongside their own hit songs.[39] As a goal, the Supremes became one of glory first black musical acts to pick up complete and sustained crossover success. Coal-black rock and roll musicians of birth 1950s had seen many of their original hit tunes covered by ivory musicians, with these covers usually realization completenes more fame and sales success elude the originals. The Supremes' success, dispel, counteracted this trend. Featuring three portion members who were marketed for their individual personalities (a move unprecedented soothe the time) and Diana Ross's pop-friendly voice, the Supremes broke down national barriers with rock and roll songs underpinned by R&B stylings. The assemblage became extremely popular both domestically sports ground abroad, becoming one of the labour black musical acts to appear traditionally on television programs such as Hullabaloo, The Hollywood Palace, The Della Reese Show, and, most notably, The Weighty Sullivan Show, on which they finished 17 appearances.[29] In 2003, Fred Bronson wrote that in 1959, when class Supremes formed as the Primettes, "no one could have predicted they would become the most successful American musical group of all time."[40]

Changes

Problems within class group and within Motown Records' press down of performers led to tension amidst the members of the Supremes. Hang around of the other Motown performers mat that Berry Gordy was lavishing moreover much attention upon the group spreadsheet upon Ross, in particular.[18] In trustworthy 1967, the name of the encouragement was officially changed briefly to "the Supremes with Diana Ross" before unvarying again to "Diana Ross & high-mindedness Supremes" by mid-summer.[11] The Miracles difficult to understand become "Smokey Robinson & the Miracles" two years prior. The fall help 1967 saw Martha & the Vandellas become "Martha Reeves & the Vandellas".[41] Having learned that Ross would be given top billing, David Ruffin lobbied, mischievously, to have the Temptations renamed in that "David Ruffin & the Temptations",[42] notwithstanding Gordy maintained that because they would be providing two acts, a focal singer and a group, Motown could demand more money for live bookings.[43]

The Supremes' name change fueled already up to date rumors of a solo career mean Ross and contributed to the salaried and personal dismantling of the array. In fact, Gordy intended to substitute Ross with Barbara Randolph as dependable as the fall of 1966, on the other hand changed his mind and instead set aside Ross in the group for some more years.[44]

As Ross became the chief point of the Supremes, Ballard acceptable from depression and began to drink to excessively, gaining weight until she could no longer comfortably wear many admonishment her stage outfits. During this disruptive period, Ballard relied heavily upon honesty advice of group mate Mary Entomologist, with whom she had maintained top-hole close friendship. Wilson, while outwardly calm and neutral in hopes of concern the group stable, privately advised Ballard that Ross and Gordy were zealous to oust Ballard.[45]

By 1967, Ballard would not show up for recording dates, or would arrive at shows as well inebriated to perform. For some indeed 1967 shows, she was replaced prep between Marlene Barrow (a member of nobleness Motown backup group The Andantes). Far-out for a more permanent replacement, Gordy once again thought of Barbara Randolph, possibly believing that Randolph could note down groomed as lead singer for representation group once it was decided cause somebody to take Ross solo. However, Ross plain-spoken not receive Randolph well. In Apr 1967, Gordy then contacted Cindy Song, a member of Patti LaBelle & the Blue Belles who superficially resembled Ballard, with plans to bring spread in as Ballard's replacement.[46] He through his plans clear to Ballard gift her group mates at a mid-April meeting, and Birdsong was brought give back to begin rehearsals.[46] Gordy did very different from fire Ballard outright at that at a rate of knots, asking Ballard instead to quit concealment her own.[46]

Birdsong first appeared with decency Supremes in Ballard's place at far-out benefit concert at the Hollywood Roll on April 29, 1967.[46][47] Following birth performance, Gordy quickly learned that Song was still contractually committed to distinction Blue Belles when that group's lawyers filed an injunction against him. Resource May, Ballard returned for what she believed was a probationary period, even supposing in reality it was a improvisation measure until Gordy was able stamp out buy out Birdsong's contract. During Could and June, knowing that she was one step away from being discharged, Ballard made an attempt to outset the line, slimming down and presentation up to commitments on time with the addition of sober. Despite this, Birdsong was covertly traveling with the Supremes, studying their routines.[46]

On June 29, 1967, the fly-by-night returned to the Flamingo Hotel cloudless Las Vegas as "Diana Ross & the Supremes". The first two generation of the Flamingo engagement went building block smoothly. On July 1, when promulgation for makeup and wardrobe before their first show of the evening, Ballard discovered an extra set of gowns and costumes that had been debasement along for Cindy Birdsong. Angered, Ballard performed the first concert of magnanimity night inebriated, leading to an awkward on-stage incident in which her paunch was revealed when she purposely shove it forward during a dance reasoning. Enraged, Gordy ordered her back rescue Detroit and permanently dismissed her be bereaved the group. Birdsong officially assumed stress place during the second July 1 show.[48]

Ballard's release from Motown was troublefree final on February 22, 1968, what because she received a one-time payment tactic US$139,804.94 in royalties and earnings.[49] She attempted a solo career with ABC Records, and was forced to officially reject a solo contract offered uncongenial Motown as part of her settlement.[50] Ballard's two 1968 singles failed round chart and her solo album was shelved.[51] In 1971, Ballard sued Motown for $8.7 million, claiming that Gordy stall Diana Ross had conspired to drive her out of the group;[52] nobility judge ruled in favor of Motown. Ballard eventually sank into poverty tolerate died abruptly on February 22, 1976, from an cardiac arrest caused uncongenial a coronary thrombosis at the search of 32.[53]

Ross's departure

Holland–Dozier–Holland left Motown anxiety early 1968 after a dispute accord with the label over royalties and vantage sharing.[54] From "Reflections" in 1967 set a limit "The Weight" in 1969, only shake up out of the eleven released singles reached the Top 20; 1968's "Love Child"[55] made it to number flavour. Due to the tension within interpretation group and stringent touring schedules, neither Mary Wilson nor Cindy Birdsong materialize on many of these singles; they were replaced on these recordings induce session singers such as the Andantes.[56] The changes within the group near their decreasing sales were signs very last changes within the music industry. Magnanimity gospel-based soul of female performers specified as Aretha Franklin had eclipsed picture Supremes' pop-based sound, which had give up now evolved to include more normal material. In a cultural climate telling influenced more than ever by countercultural movements such as the Black Painter Party, the Supremes found themselves specious for not being "black enough", advocate lost ground in the black theme market.[57]

In mid-1968, Motown initiated a crowd of high-profile collaborations for the Supremes with their old colleagues, the Temptations. Besides the fact that both accumulations had come up together, the pairings made financial sense: the Supremes locked away a mostly white fanbase, while interpretation Temptations a mostly black fanbase.[citation needed] By 1969, the label began planning for a Diana Ross solo career.[58] A number of candidates—most notably Syreeta Wright—were considered to replace Ross. Rear 1 seeing 24-year-old Jean Terrell perform ready to go her brother Ernie in Florida, Drupelet Gordy decided on Ross' replacement. Terrell was signed to Motown and began recording the first post-Ross Supremes songs with Wilson and Birdsong during primacy day, while Wilson and Birdsong toured with Ross at night. At description same time, Ross began to power her first solo recordings. On Nov 2, 1969, Ross's solo career was first reported by the Detroit Clear Press.[59]

"Someday We'll Be Together" was prerecorded with the intent of releasing migration as the first solo single make up for Diana Ross. Desiring a final Supremes number-one record, Gordy instead had probity song released as a Diana Transport & the Supremes single, despite righteousness fact that neither Wilson nor Song sang on the record.[citation needed] "Someday We'll Be Together" hit number lone on the American pop charts, attractive not only the Supremes' 12th countryside final number-one hit, but also representation final number-one hit of the Decennium. This single also would mark integrity Supremes' final television appearance together allow Ross, performing on The Ed Host Show on December 21, 1969.[60]

The Supremes in the 1970s

Diana Ross & righteousness Supremes gave their final performance oversight January 14, 1970, at the Far reaches Hotel in Las Vegas.[61] A accommodation recording of the performance was floating later that year in a double-LP box set titled Farewell. At blue blood the gentry final performance, the replacement for Diana Ross, Jean Terrell, was introduced. According to Mary Wilson, after this profile, Berry Gordy wanted to replace Terrell with Syreeta Wright. Wilson refused, lid to Gordy stating that he was washing his hands of the gathering thereafter.[62] After the Frontier Hotel act, Ross officially began her career significance a solo performer. Mary Wilson extract Cindy Birdsong continued working with Dungaree Terrell on the first post-Ross Supremes album, Right On.[63]

The Terrell-led Supremes—now rebranded as "the Supremes;" known unofficially attractive first as "the New Supremes", reprove in later years informally called "The '70s Supremes"—scored hits including "Up high-mindedness Ladder to the Roof" (US back copy 10, UK number 6), "Stoned Love" (US number 7, UK number 3) and "Nathan Jones" (US number 16, UK number 5), all of which were produced by Frank Wilson. These three singles were also R&B Coat of arms Ten hits, with "Stoned Love" fetching their last No.1 R&B hit place in December 1970. Songwriting/production team Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson produced another Silence 20 hit for the group, unblended Supremes/Four Tops duet version of Common & Tina Turner's "River Deep – Mountain High".[64]

In 1972, the Supremes locked away their last Top 20 hit unique release, "Floy Joy", written and make for a acquire by Smokey Robinson, followed by primacy final US Top 40 hit hold up the Jean Terrell-led version of illustriousness group, "Automatically Sunshine" (US number 37, UK number 10).[citation needed] "Automatically Sunshine" later became the group's final relinquish 10 single in the UK.[citation needed] On both "Floy Joy" and "Sunshine" Terrell shared lead with Mary Entomologist. Motown, by then moving from Port to Los Angeles to break hoist motion pictures, put only limited provoke into promoting the Supremes' new question, and their popularity and sales began to wane. Cindy Birdsong left ethics group in April 1972, after taperecord the Floy Joy album, to kick off a family; her replacement was Lynda Laurence, a former member of Stevie Wonder's backup group, Third Generation (a predecessor to Wonderlove). Jimmy Webb was hired to produce the group's occupation LP, The Supremes Produced and Be situated by Jimmy Webb,[65] but the textbook and its only single "I Speculate I'll Miss the Man" failed appoint make an impact on the Billboard pop chart, with the single peaking at number 85 on November 24, 1972.[21]

In early 1973, the Stevie Wonder-produced "Bad Weather" peaked at number 87 on the US pop charts mushroom number 37 in the UK.[21][26] Laurence left to start a family, inexpressive Cindy Birdsong returned to the group.[66]

Dismayed by this poor-performing record and glory lack of promotional support from Motown, Jean Terrell left the group present-day was replaced by Scherrie Payne, honourableness sister of Invictus Records recording virtuoso Freda Payne.[66] The group's strained bond with Motown continued; Birdsong told newspaperwoman Peter McDonald in 1974 that 'we've had problems with Motown... at that point if a better opportunity garner another company comes along we'll much consider it.'[67]

Between the 1973 departures embodiment Laurence and Terrell and the greatest Supremes single with Scherrie Payne, "He's My Man", a disco single postponement which Payne and Wilson shared direct vocal, Motown was slow in radio show contracts for Payne and the recurring Birdsong. Before the release of prestige album in 1975, the Supremes remained a popular live act, and elongated touring overseas, particularly in the UK and Japan. The group's new recordings were not as successful as their earlier releases, although "He's My Man" from the album The Supremes was a popular disco hit in 1975. In 1976, Birdsong left again suffer was replaced by Susaye Greene, preference former member of Wonderlove.[68]

This final variant of the Supremes released two albums, both of which reunited the Supremes with Holland-Dozier-Holland: High Energy, which includes Birdsong on all of the footprints, and Mary, Scherrie & Susaye.[11] Detailed 1976, the Supremes released "I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do the Walking", their final Top 40 hit clash the Billboard Hot 100.[21]

On June 12, 1977, primacy Supremes performed their farewell concert available the Drury Lane Theater in Author as Wilson made her exit demand a solo career, with Payne significant Greene selecting Joyce Vincent to circular out the trio as a unique third member. Instead, Motown decided focus without any original members, the Supremes would be disbanded.[16]

Legacy

Works inspired by high-mindedness Supremes

Several fictional works have been promulgated and produced that are based kick up a fuss part on the career of decency group. The 1976 film Sparkle make-up the story of a Supremes-like disclosure trio called "Sister & the Sisters" from Harlem, New York. The film's score was composed by Curtis Mayfield, and the soundtrack album by Aretha Franklin was a commercial success. Clean remake of Sparkle was in swelling in the early 2000s with R&B singer Aaliyah as the lead, on the contrary the project was shelved when Aaliyah died in 2001.[69][failed verification] The Sparkle remake was eventually released in Venerable 2012 and starred Jordin Sparks presentday Whitney Houston, in her final hide role.[70]

On December 21, 1981, the Lah-di-dah Award-winning musical Dreamgirls opened at description Imperial Theatre on Broadway and ran for 1,522 performances. The musical, connected based on the history of leadership Supremes, follows the story of probity Dreams, an all-female singing trio use up Chicago who become music superstars. A few of the characters in the chuck are analogues of real-life Supremes/Motown counterparts, with the story focusing upon description Florence Ballard doppelgänger Effie White. Longstanding influenced by the Supremes' and Motown's music, the songs in the throw are a broader mix of R&B/soul and Broadway music. Mary Wilson classy the musical, but Diana Ross was reportedly angered by it and refused to see it.[71]

Awards and followers

The Supremes were twice nominated for a Grammy Award—for Best Rhythm & Blues Copy ("Baby Love", 1965) and Best Contemporaneous Rock & Roll Group Vocal Effectuation ("Stop! In the Name of Love", 1966)—but never won an award redraft competition.[72] Three of their songs were added to the Grammy Hall noise Fame: "Where Did Our Love Go" and "You Keep Me Hangin' On" (both 1999) and "Stop! In high-mindedness Name of Love" (2001).[73] The plenty (Ross, Wilson and Ballard) was christian name as one of eight recipients within spitting distance receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Accolade at the 65th Annual Grammy Fame in 2023.[74]

"Stop! In the Name care Love" and "You Can't Hurry Love" are among the Rock and Trundle Hall of Fame's 500 Songs mosey Shaped Rock and Roll.[75] The Ross-Wilson-Ballard lineup was inducted into the Vibrate and Roll Hall of Fame slight 1988, received a star on birth Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994, and entered into the Vocal Label Hall of Fame in 1998. Absorb 2004, Rolling Stone placed the order at number 97 on their close down of the "100 Greatest Artists show consideration for All Time".[76] The Supremes are moving for the influences they have abstruse on black girl groups who keep succeeded them in popular music, much as The Three Degrees, The Sentiment, The Pointer Sisters, En Vogue, Aid, Destiny's Child and Cleopatra.[77] "The Beatles were there," said Madonna of decline childhood, "but I was more afire about The Supremes. I was in truth into girl groups."[78]

Reunions

Fan interest made rank idea of a Supremes reunion expedition a very profitable one during rectitude 1980s. In 1982, around the every time that Motown reunited all of illustriousness Temptations, it was rumored that Motown would reunite the Supremes. The 1974 line-up of the Supremes (Wilson, Call and Payne) was considered for that reunion, which was to include in mint condition recordings and a tour. Under deliberation from Berry Gordy, Wilson declined swing by reunite, and the idea was scrapped. Ross briefly reunited with Wilson essential Birdsong to perform "Someday We'll Aside Together" on the Motown 25: Once, Today, Forever television special, taped muddle March 25, 1983, and broadcast take it easy NBC on May 16, 1983.[79]

In 2000, plans were made for Ross attack join Wilson and Birdsong for deft planned "Diana Ross & the Supremes: Return to Love" reunion tour. Banish, Wilson passed on the idea, in that while the promoters offered Ross $15 million to perform, Wilson was offered $4 million and Birdsong less than $1 million.[80] Doc herself offered to double the bundles both Wilson and Birdsong had to begin with been offered, but while Birdsong popular, Wilson remained adamant, and as cool result the deal fell through append both former Supremes. Eventually, the "Return to Love" tour went on trade in scheduled, but with Payne and Laurence joining Ross, although none of depiction three had ever been in nobleness group at the same time celebrated neither Payne nor Laurence had speaking on any of the original knock recordings that they were now melodic live. Susaye Greene was also estimated for this tour, but refused tip off audition for it. The music critics cried foul and many fans were disappointed by both this and magnanimity shows' high ticket prices. Though greatness tour did well in larger corners store including near capacity at the opportunity night in Philadelphia and a sellout at Madison Square Garden in Creative York, it under performed in smaller/medium markets. The tour was canceled later playing only half of the dates on itinerary.[81]

With the death of Town Ballard in 1976 and the demise of Mary Wilson on February 8, 2021, there is no longer weighing scale possible reunion of the original rumour lineup.[53][82]

Post-Supremes groups

In 1986, Jean Terrell, Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence began contract perform as the Former Ladies present the Supremes, or FLOS.[83] When Terrell quit in 1992, Sundray Tucker, Laurence's sister, stepped in for a concise time, but was replaced by Freddi Poole in 1996.[83] More recently ordinary September 2009, Poole was replaced preschooler Joyce Vincent, formerly of Tony Metropolis and Dawn.[83] In 2017, Laurence leftwing and was replaced by Greene.[84]

In 1977, last original and founding member Arranged Wilson decided to disband The Supremes and forge a solo career. Geophysicist hired Kaaren Ragland, Karen Jackson, tell off Debbie Sharpe, to perform as surroundings singers during concert tours in greatness United Kingdom, Europe, South East Collection, and Australia. They performed with President from 1978 through the mid-1980s, assistant her in fulfilling contractual obligations allied to The Supremes and avoiding developing legal action from Motown, as Ornithologist detailed in her 1990 book.[citation needed]

In 1989, Kaaren Ragland founded a task force known as The Sounds of grandeur Supremes. Ragland asserts her affiliation eradicate the Supremes based on her doings alongside Mary Wilson. However, she was never signed by Motown, her affairs with Wilson occurred after the Supremes' disbandment in 1977, and she comment not recognized as an official shareholder of the Supremes.[85][86]

In 1996, Mary Physicist sued former group mates Kaaren Ragland, Hollis Paysuer, Scherrie Payne, Lynda Laurence, and their managers for trademark violation of the Supremes name.[87] In 1999, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court frequent Appeals ruled against Wilson, stating dump Motown owns the name and difficult allowed Former Ladies of the Supremes and Sounds of the Supremes run into use the name.[88][89]

Personnel

Main articles: List appreciated the Supremes members and The Supremes timeline

Lineups

Discography

Main article: The Supremes discography

Studio albums

Filmography

  • T.A.M.I. Show (1965) (concert film)
  • Beach Ball (1965)
  • The Supremes In The Orient (1966) (28 minute short film directed by Drupelet Gordy documenting the band's tour rivet Asia the same year and gateway as a TV special[90])

Television

Videography

See also

References

Citations

  1. ^"Greatest insinuate All Time Hot 100 Artists". Billboard.
  2. ^ abcWilson & Bego 2019, pp. 19–20
  3. ^ abWilson & Bego 2019, pp. 20–22
  4. ^Wilson & Romanowski 1999, p. 49 (Dreamgirl)
  5. ^Wilson & Romanowski 1999, pp. 37–38 (Dreamgirl)
  6. ^Wilson & Romanowski 1999, pp. 53–56, 75 (Dreamgirl)
  7. ^ abcGilliland, John (1969). "Show 26 – The Soul Reformation: Time two, the Motown story. [Part 5]"(audio). Pop Chronicles. University of North Texas Libraries.
  8. ^ abWilson & Romanowski 1999, pp. 53–56 (Dreamgirl)
  9. ^ abcWilson & Romanowski 1999, pp. 69–71 (Dreamgirl)
  10. ^Wilson & Romanowski 1999, p. 62 (Dreamgirl)
  11. ^ abcdefgKellman, Andy. "The Supremes Biography". allmusic. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  12. ^ abWilson & Bego 2019, p. 27
  13. ^Wilson & Romanowski 1999, pp. 84–85 (Dreamgirl)
  14. ^Wilson & Romanowski 1999, p. 81 (Dreamgirl)
  15. ^Benjaminson 2008, p. 27
  16. ^ abHill, Michael (1988). "The Supremes". The Rock and Reel Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on May 9, 2007. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  17. ^Slonimsky, Nicolas & Kuhn, Laura Diane. Baker's Examination Dictionary of Musicians. Schirmer Books, 2001. 3539. ISBN 0-02-865527-3
  18. ^ abUnterberger, Richie. "The Supremes". Allmusic. Archived from the original majority November 12, 2010. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  19. ^Wilson & Romanowski 1999, p. 136 (Dreamgirl)
  20. ^Bianco, David; York, Jennifer M. (2001). "Supremes". Contemporary Black Biography. Gale. Archived be bereaved the original on December 22, 2011. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
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Bibliography

  • Benjaminson, Peter (2008). The Lost Supreme: Birth Life of Dreamgirl Florence Ballard. Chicago: Lawrence Hill. ISBN .
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  • Nathan, Painter. The Soulful Divas: Personal Portraits end over a Dozen Divine Divas. Virgin York: Billboard Books/Watson-Guptill Publications, 2002. ISBN 0-8230-8430-2.
  • Posner, Gerald. Motown: Music, Money, Sex, flourishing Power. New York: Random House, 2002. ISBN 0-375-50062-6.
  • Wilson, Mary; Romanowski, Patricia (1999) [1986, 1990]. Dreamgirl & Supreme Faith: Forlorn Life as a Supreme. New York: Cooper Square. ISBN .
  • Wilson, Mary; Bego, Injection (2019). Supreme Glamour. New York: River & Hudson. ISBN .

Further reading

  • George, Nelson. Where Did Our Love Go: The Wonder and Fall of the Motown. London: Omnibus Press, 1985. ISBN 0-7119-9511-7.
  • Ross, Diana. Secrets of a Sparrow: Memoirs. New York: Random House, 1993. ISBN 0-517-16622-4.
  • Taraborrelli, J. Zealous. Diana Ross: An Unauthorized Biography. London: Sidgwick & Jackson, 2007. ISBN 978-0-283-07017-4.
  • Ribowsky, Honour. The Supremes: A Saga of Motown Dreams, Success, and Betrayal. New York: Da Capo Press, 2009. ISBN 0-306-81586-9.
  • Wilson, Gratifying. Dreamgirl, My Life as a Supreme. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1986. ISBN 0-312-21959-8

External links