The Supremes

No rating, not touring Personnel problems within the group and within Motown Records’ stable of performers led to tension among the members of The Supremes. Many of the other Motown performers, particularly Martha Reeves of Martha and the Vandellas, felt that Berry Gordy was lavishing too much attention upon the group—and upon Ross, in particular. A romantic relationship between Gordy and Ross further complicated matters, and created a schism between Ross and the other Supremes. As Ross became the focal point of The Supremes, Ballard felt pushed aside in the group. Depression ensued, and Ballard began to drink excessively, gaining weight until she could no longer comfortably wear many of her stage outfits. The friendship, and later the working relationship, between Ross and Ballard became strained. During this turbulent period, Ballard relied heavily upon the advice of group mate Mary Wilson, with whom she had maintained a close friendship. Wilson, while outwardly demure and neutral in hopes of keeping the group stable, privately advised Ballard that Ross and Gordy were eager to oust Ballard. Although The Supremes scored two number-one hits during the first quarter of 1967, “Love Is Here and Now You’re Gone” and “The Happening”, the group as a unit began to disintegrate. Rumors began to circulate in late 1966 that Motown intended to rename the group “Diana Ross & the Supremes”, a change officially announced in early 1967, after a concert where they were billed as “The Supremes with Diana Ross”. The Miracles had become “Smokey Robinson & the Miracles” two years prior. The fall of 1967 saw Martha & the Vandellas become “Martha Reeves & the Vandellas”. Having learned that Ross would receive top billing, David Ruffin lobbied—unsuccessfully—to have the Temptations renamed as “David Ruffin & the Temptations”. Although Gordy maintained that the name changes were done so that Motown could demand more money for live bookings (because they would be providing two acts—a lead singer and a group—instead of just one), The Supremes’ name change sparked rumors of a possible solo career for Ross, and contributed to the professional and personal dismantling of the group. By 1967, Ballard would sometimes fail to show up for recording dates, or would arrive at shows too inebriated to perform. For some early 1967 shows, she was replaced by Marlene Barrow of Motown’s in-house backing group, The Andantes. Gordy contacted Cindy Birdsong in April 1967; she was a member of Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles and superficially resembled Ballard. Gordy began plans to bring her in as Ballard’s replacement. Birdsong appeared at a benefit concert at the Hollywood Bowl on April 29, 1967, but returned to The Bluebelles soon afterward due to prior commitments. In May, Ballard returned for what she believed was a probationary period. Summer 1967 marked the group’s first appearance as Diana Ross & the Supremes at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. After only three days of performances, Ballard was permanently dismissed from The Supremes, and Birdsong officially assumed her place during the second July 1 show. Ballard’s release from Motown was made final on February 22, 1968, when she received a one-time payment of $139,804.94 in royalties and earnings, She attempted a solo career with ABC Records, and was forced to formally reject a solo contract offered by Motown as part of her settlement. Ballard’s two 1968 singles failed to chart and her solo album was shelved. In 1971, Ballard sued Motown for $8.7 million, claiming that Gordy and Diana Ross had conspired to force her out of the group; the judge ruled in favor of Motown. Ballard eventually sank into poverty and died abruptly on February 22, 1976 from coronary thrombosis at the age of 32.A At the time of her death, she had begun to make financial and personal strides and was planning to reinvigorate her solo career. Source and more information: Wikipedia The Supremes (aka The Primettes and Diana Ross & the Supremes) Florence Ballard (1959–1967) Betty McGlown (1959-1960) Mary Wilson (1959–1977) Diana Ross (1959–1970) Barbara Martin (1960-1962) Cindy Birdsong (1967–1972, 1973–1976) Jean Terrell (1970–1973) Lynda Laurence (1972–1973) Scherrie Payne (1973–1977) Susaye Greene (1976–1977)