Who made up the original Supremes?
Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, Diana Ross, and Betty McGlown, the original group, were all from the Brewster-Douglass public housing project in Detroit. They formed the Primettes as the sister act to the Primes (with Paul Williams and Eddie Kendricks, who went on to form the Temptations).
Who did Diana Ross replace in the Supremes?
Cindy Birdsong
After they achieved success in the mid-1960s with Ross as the lead singer, Motown president Berry Gordy renamed the group Diana Ross & the Supremes in 1967, and replaced Ballard with Cindy Birdsong. Ross left the group for a successful solo career in 1970, and was replaced by Jean Terrell.
Why were the Supremes so popular?
Singing a range of musical styles from doo-wop, pop, and soul, to Broadway show tunes, psychedelic soul, and disco, the Supremes achieved mainstream success during the mid-1960s. A large part of their success was due to Motown’s legendary songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland.
What happened to Supremes?
Ross was replaced by Jean Terrell, and the group went back to their original name, The Supremes, or “The New Supremes” as they were unofficially called. They continued to see success with hits like, Up the Ladder to the Roof” and “Stoned Love.” Wilson remained until the very end when The Supremes disbanded in 1977.
Which Motown group made the most money?
Diana Ross and The Supremes were the most successful group or artist in Motown’s history by at least one measure — their 12 Billboard No. 1 singles.
Does Mary Wilson like Diana Ross?
Despite their humble beginnings and their journey to iconic status, the relationship between Wilson and Diana Ross became strained for decades. Wilson attributes their fallout to Ross’ desire for attention and solo fame.
Why was Florence Ballard kicked out of The Supremes?
Exit from the Supremes and solo career Ballard expressed dissatisfaction with the group’s direction throughout its successful period. She would also claim that their schedule had forced the group members to drift apart. Ballard blamed Motown Records for destroying the group dynamic by making Diana Ross the star.
Why did Florence Ballard leave the group?
Singer Florence Ballard became famous in the 1960s as a member of The Supremes, a group which she started with childhood friends Mary Wilson and Diana Ross. She sang on 16 different Top 40 hits but left the group in 1967 after a dispute with Motown Records.