The baddest mistake made, by Motown’s executives was changing the name to Diana Ross and the Supremes. Even the worse excuses used for changing their name sounds stupid. Which being linked to the eelings, of exeutives they would be able to request more money for two acts, instead of one. Go figure , what fool bought that truth? But, what make the many myth of Motown worth investigating is the facts that they was spinned into many directions.
In term, of the best female group with the most success during the sixties, then that honor belongs solely to the Supremes, featuring Diana Ross, Florence Ballard,and Mary Wilson.All talented singers, in their own right although one was designated primary vocalist of the group. Withthe great production and writing skills, of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Hollands, one of the greatest lyricist of the sixties era. The Supremes became , a house hold name through out America. Really, through out the world. Sure, Ross gets a lot of negative press on certain matters concerning the group.The fact remains her vocals led the trio to the top, of the charts and many top programs.
There’s simply n denying this truth. Because it’s supported by the facts that they racked up hits recording under her lead vocals. And, we must remember this was a group effort too. Ballard and Wilson wasn’t back up acts like people loves to state. They complimented one another on all recording, at the time. The tricks used later to record songs around Diana Ross, without Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard was just another bad decision, of many the company made.
The Supremes sometimes mirror the Four Tops, where many hit songs seems created around that “Lost Love” affect. But, Holland/Dozier was great, at using the group to full affect. For instant, on “Back In My Arms Again” the group deserves credit for using two , of the members name in the song. We saw this played out on many Marvin Gaye’s duets, with his female counter part.
I’ll admit that there was other label mate females better than, the Supremes, but wasn’t pushed more for whatever reason’s the power that be saw fit to do. The Vandellas, was more soulful, ith Martha Reeves leading the charge. And, the Marvelettes used their unit more, in terms of more lead vocalist compared to Diana Ross simple heading the Supremes.
Bank wise, this group bought the money rolling into Motown, a fact that we simply can’t over look because, of people hatred of Roff and Berry Gordy connection. The No-Hit Supremes became the dream of many young African Americans youth and youths in general, with their marketed skills, by the promotion department of Motown. At, one time Berry Gordy was their manager around the mid sixties, of their success.
What’s so amazing is that Florence Ballard had a beautiful voice? Her solo recording proves she was worthy of singing lead vocals. But, we notice the power brokers couldn’t see that fact. Or that tuth. We do know that the power brokers decided to rid themselves of Florence Ballard. Which created the power brokers mindset to rename the group Diana Ross and the Supremes. Which didn’t bring them any more success after losing the trio , of Holland Dozier Holland, the makers and creators of their best known songs.
Without the HDH connection, they worked, with a variety of writers and producers. And accomplished two number ones hits, and a few secondary hits that worthy of being released. But, around this time the power brokers was interested in their primary star going solo. And, we can’t dismiss the executives for trying to follow higher ups push to stand by this claim.
We did witness before Ross departed the group that Mary Wilson could handle lead vocals? And, of course the former Blue Belles member Cindy Birdsong was a good replacement singer. To this day, we hadn’t heard any negatives about her former mates. In fact, it was a blessing losing Diana Ross, as primary singer of the sixties Supremes.
Under Frank Wison handling of the producer chair, and with the group being renamed the Supremes, we saw more harmony play, as a unit when Jean Terrell assume primary vocalist. Simply said, they was pushed more to be a group format.
Still , if it wasn’t for the sixties Supremes, with Ross than you might honestly say the seventies group wouldn’t be known. Diana, Flo, Mary, Cindy earned the recognition given unto them by fans. Honor goes to those worthy of getting it.