The Supremes – “Divas With Soul”
November 20, 2008 by admin
Filed under Featured Artists
The Supremes as first known as the Primettes back in Detroit, Michigan were composed of female singing group namely; Dianna Ross, Betty McGlown, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson. They are the counterpart of the group The Primes, of which its members were initially members of the group The Temptations.
They first started as a quartet but later transformed into trio leaving Dianna Ross, Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson as the three members of the group which was then signed as The Supremes under Motown Records. The history of the Supremes can be classified as the result of somewhat like Ross-is-lucky-for-being-Smokey’s-neighbor, aside from their talented singing voice. Their audition to Motown’s executive Berry Gordy with the help of Smokey Robinson was a little less luck since Gordy felt the women were inexperienced. When Berry Gordy signed them to Motown Records, their first few years as a recording artists or group didn’t really make it as hit on instant. Dianna Ross was then officially chosen to be the lead singer of the group by the year 1963.
Their musical inclination had made waves into the UK and US pop charts. Hailed then as the famous singing trio, their first single entitled “Where Did Our Love Go” had made them such a hit. Following on the huge acceptance of the people towards their song was “Baby Love”, “Stop! In the Name of Love”, “Back In My Arms Again”, and “Come See About Me”. Most of which have gathered several awards and recognition including a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording for Best Pop Single.
The Supremes is undoubtedly the most successful group under Motown Records, gracing a lot of transitions from doing movie soundtracks, and few product endorsements. Despite the racial barriers during the late Sixties, The Supremes was able to beat the trend of the white musicians covering most black original pieces, through enhanced R&B style.
The Supremes was all the more to become successful and popular within US and across the world. However, the group’s success was affected and started to disintegrate through series of issues that came up. Berry Gordy and Dianna Ross’ relationship had even complicated things. The name of The Supremes was then renamed as Dianna and the Supremes, likewise with other Motown artists like Smokey Robinson and The Temptations, making Dianna as the focal point of the group, which all the more created friction with the trio. Florence Ballard, relentlessly fail to show up in each recording sessions and sometimes too lost to perform, which then made Gordy decide to replace her. With all the conflicts surrounding the group and Ballard’s attempt to redeem her career, she was officially dismissed leaving her with less money and a struggling solo career. Ballard died early after suffering from coronary thrombosis.
Dianna Ross of the Supremes left the group after deciding to launch a new solo career as a recording artist and a movie star after the group’s final performance at the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas. Ross was replaced by Jean Terrell; who was later replaced by Lynda Laurence; and next was Scherrie Payne and the last one by Susaye Greene.
The Supremes early success from their globe-trotting profile and through their classic beautiful voice, was the most sought after over the decades. Several adaptations had emerged featuring the story of the Supremes-like trio. The musical Dreamgirls was adapted to film and made huge success portraying the history of The Supremes, featuring the trio the Dreams, which was also an all-female singing group.
TJ Grooves
Rare Soul Grooves & Soul Music TV
This site is really good. I had no clue that the Supremes started as the Primettes. After “Where Did Our Love Go”, this group gave other hits like “Stop! In the Name of Love”, “Baby Love”, and others. The rags to riches story of the Supremes is just like a fairy tale.
All the members of the Supremes were superiorly talented. I loved the group in Dreamgirls, their great Broadway musical. Where can in watch it, I mean the film version of the musical. Can anyone suggest a place where I can find a DVD? Their story really feels inspirational and motivates one to do something good.
I always feel that soul music would have lacked real flavor without the Supremes. They were the true dream girls of the 1960s. In her solo career as a singer, Diana won success with hit songs like “Reach Out and Touch” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. “ Ain’t No..” even won her a Grammy nomination.
The greatest girl group ever …elected to the R&R Hall of Fame 88 Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard
I love Diana Ross - she is my karaoke favourite! Everyone loves Where did our love go and River Deep Mountain High , but my top all-time favourite is Aint no mountain high enough - to keep me from you. That is such a fab track. You cant not feel on top of the world when you sing it.
Diana Ross is a beautiful softly spoken diva. She has broken through musical barriers to be universally loved. It’s no wonder Dreamgirls was such a success although you can’t help but wish that the music was the Supremes as every number has a hint of their style.And Diana Ross really raised the standard with the clarity of her voice. Wonderful. Muchisimas gracias!
Their legend has stood the test of time and will continue… At their prime they touched so many lives and excelled in so many ways that their impact seems destined to live forever. Where did our love go? Nowhere. It’s still here baby, baby…
no.1 female group more sophisticated than ever and performing in the best venues not only in America but all over the world
Did you know Diana Ross is performing at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert on December 11th in Oslo, Norway - tickets cost 950 Norwegian Kroner (about 90 quid) and theres a bunch of other artists plus Scarlett Johansson and Michael Caine hosting.
December 11th? Was that the date? Then I must have missed it completely. I hope the audience got to listen to A Brand New Day, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, All Of You, All Time High, Amazing Grace, and other of her songs. What would have the rock era done without her?
If Dreamgirls even gives us half a clue as to what it must have been like, the career of the Supremes has been magical. They pretty much defined a genre - the Motown sound is all about those sweet vocals. They have been a favourite in my record collection for years.
Did anyone else learn to sing with The Supremes? I used to put my dad’s albums on and the headphones and just try to hit those notes. Diana Ross went up in my estimation when I tried to imitate her style - no-one else can sing with that clarity. Listen to those pearly notes!
“Stop in the name of love, before you break my heart.” Jilted lovers everywhere have ached to this song, and the Supremes performed it like a masterpiece, with every sigh squeezed from the lyrics.
The Supremes medley on Soul Music TV this afternoon reminded me how gorgeous they were - vocally, and how adorable Diana Ross was to watch. She has these big cow eyes that she uses to good effect, and this really personal style of singing where she had mastered directing the song to camera. You feel like she is singing just for you.
Holland-Dozier-Holland’s songs were the key to the success of The Supremes. That and the fact that Berry Gordy once said they made you feel good to be around them - so he wondered what they could do to the world at large. They became known as Motown’s sweethearts because their act had such universal appeal that even the British invasion couldn’t stop them dominating the charts.
My mom named my younger sister after Diana Ross, whose music was always blaring in our old house. The Supremes were so popular back then..it was utter hysteria when they’d visit our city.
If the Supremes were still around, I’m sure they’d have put up a good fight against the Spice Girls. Advanced age and whatnot.
The Supremes’ appeal broke doors for all black performers. “Baby Love” and “Stop in the Name of Love” were number 1 hits. They had dazzling costumes and make-up and their choreography was unique.
I had watched Dreamgirls and although I knew that it was inspired by the story of the Supremes, I didn’t realize until I read this biography how close it was. Truth is stranger than fiction. The twists, the complications, are those that I thought I’d find only in a soap opera.
The singing trio were glamor personified. They were the most successful girl group in the 1960’s and they’re black. That says a lot. Unlike other artists, they didn’t have a gospel background. Their sound was different.
Who doesn’t know the Supremes? Or Diana Ross for that matter? Their singles were hits decades ago and yet, I’m sure they continue to be played in every corner of the country…and the world. Wanna bet?
Smokey Robinson had a hand in their career? Woh, I didn’t know that. In a way, that doesn’t surprise me. Who else would help out budding artists if not those who were already at the top. Smokey has a kind heart…God bless his soul.
So sad to hear about what happened to Florence Ballard. To die at 32 broke and bitter… The members who stayed on also had their share of bad times. All I can say is that we all have to experience the good with the bad.
The Supremes have been lambasted for not being black enough. I honestly don’t get that. Who’s the authority on determining these lines? They shook up the scene and they broke through barriers and blurred the distinctions. They should be applauded even more.
The influence of the Supremes wasn’t only felt during the 1960’s. Before Dreamgirls, there was the 1976 film Sparkle. Also, the Dreamgirls musical opened in Broadway in 1981. How do you think Diana Ross feels about this retelling? It doesn’t exactly put her in a good light.
Are there any more reunions planned? I know that there was one in 2000. I had waited for it to come to me but before it did, the tour was canceled.
Which do you like better? “Back in My Arms Again” or “You Keep Me Hanging On”? Both were acclaimed by critics and garnered commercial success as well. The latter received a Grammy.
If you sing the words “Ooo Baby, baby love” you know its the one and only Diana Ross version. She had this way of making the words sound so perfect, as if she was enjoying every one, and wanted to share that with her fans.
I think that once all the major players are dead and gone, we will finally hear the true story of The Supremes and it will be astounding. Florence Ballard’s group in the beginning as an impressionable 15 year old, that became the catapult to fame for Diana Ross, and led to an early death for its creator, possibly silenced to avoid revealing nasty stories about Berry Gordy? Time will tell….
The best Supremes compilation is Diana Ross and the Supremes - The Ultimate Collection. I bought it from Amazon and its got all my favourite tracks on it which you often don’t get all on one album when a band has been as popular and prolific as the Supremes. My absolute all-time fave is I’m Gonna Make you Love Me - it never fails to have me singing!
The Supremes gave us certain soul staples - the sequin dresses, the handclaps, the soaring vocals. They really were Motown goddesses - and it’s tempting to believe the image and the heart of the music, and ignore the behind-the-scenes squabbles and disharmony.