Beach Ball is a 1965 American beach party movie starring Edd Byrnes and partly financed by Roger Corman .
105-458: It features appearances by The Supremes , The Walker Brothers , and The Righteous Brothers . Tom Lisanti called it "arguably the breeziest and most enjoyable Beach Party clones. It is also the most blatant rip off." Dick Martin manages a rock and roll group, The Wigglers (Bango, Jack and Bob). They are told by music store owner Mr Wolf that the group owes him $ 1,000 for their instruments and have to raise money. Martin tries to convince Susan,
210-577: A coronary thrombosis at the age of 32. Holland–Dozier–Holland left Motown in early 1968 after a dispute with the label over royalties and profit sharing. From "Reflections" in 1967 to "The Weight" in 1969, only six out of the eleven released singles reached the Top 20; 1968's " Love Child " made it to number one. Due to the tension within the group and stringent touring schedules, neither Mary Wilson nor Cindy Birdsong appear on many of these singles; they were replaced on these recordings by session singers such as
315-490: A "generally happy if somewhat mischievous and sassy teenager." Wilson believes that the incident heavily contributed to the self-destructive aspects of Ballard's adult personality, like cynicism, pessimism, and fear and distrust of others, but the rape was never mentioned again. Later in 1960, the Primettes signed a contract with Lu Pine Records, issuing two songs that failed to perform well. During that year, they kept pursuing
420-473: A Detroit singing group known as the Primes . Ballard sang, as did Paul Williams' girlfriend Betty McGlown , so Milton Jenkins, the Primes's manager, decided to create a sister group to be called the Primettes. Ballard recruited her best friend Mary Wilson , and then Paul Williams recruited Diana Ross . Mentored and funded by Jenkins, the Primettes began by performing hit songs of artists such as Ray Charles and
525-565: A Diana Ross & the Supremes single, despite the fact that neither Wilson nor Birdsong sang on the record. "Someday We'll Be Together" hit number one on the American pop charts, becoming not only the Supremes' 12th and final number-one hit, but also the final number-one hit of the 1960s. This single also would mark the Supremes' final television appearance together with Ross, performing on The Ed Sullivan Show on December 21, 1969. Diana Ross &
630-590: A Motown Records chauffeur, in 1967; they married in a private celebration in Hawaii on February 29, 1968, and had three daughters: twins Michelle Denise and Nichole Rene (b. 1968) and Lisa Sabrina (b. 1972). Ballard reportedly had several domestic disputes with her husband and filed for divorce in 1973, but they reconciled in late 1975, prior to her death. Besides her three daughters, Ballard's family included her cousin, rhythm and blues singer and songwriter Hank Ballard , and his grandnephew, NFL player Christian Ballard ; she
735-442: A Motown contract and agreed to do anything that was required, including adding handclaps and vocal backgrounds. By the end of the year, Berry Gordy agreed to have the group record songs in the studio. In early 1961, Gordy agreed to sign them on the condition they change their name. Janie Bradford approached Ballard with a list of names to choose from before Ballard chose "Supremes". The other members were displeased when they heard
840-404: A better opportunity with another company comes along we'll seriously consider it.' Between the 1973 departures of Laurence and Terrell and the first Supremes single with Scherrie Payne, "He's My Man", a disco single on which Payne and Wilson shared lead vocal, Motown was slow in producing contracts for Payne and the returning Birdsong. Before the release of the album in 1975, the Supremes remained
945-462: 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. By 1967, Ballard would not 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 (a member of the Motown backup group The Andantes ). Looking for
1050-513: A cover of Sam Cooke 's " (Ain't That) Good News ". During live shows, Ballard often performed the Barbra Streisand standard, " People ". According to Mary Wilson, Ballard's vocals were so loud she was made to stand 17 feet away from her microphone during recording sessions. Marvin Gaye , for whom Ballard sang backing vocals on occasion, described her as "a hell of a singer, probably the strongest of
1155-547: 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 next LP, The Supremes Produced and Arranged by Jimmy Webb , but the album and its only single "I Guess I'll Miss the Man" failed to make an impact on the Billboard pop chart, with the single peaking at number 85 on November 24, 1972. In early 1973,
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#17330860092451260-650: A few months, guitarist Marvin Tarplin was added to the Primettes' lineup—a move that helped distinguish the group from Detroit's many other aspiring acts by allowing them to sing live instead of lip-synching . After winning the Windsor–Detroit International Freedom Festival on July 4, 1960, the Primettes' sights were set on making a record. In hopes of getting the group signed to the local upstart Motown label, in 1960 Ross asked an old neighbor, Miracles lead singer Smokey Robinson , to help
1365-494: A group known as The Sounds of the Supremes. Ragland asserts her affiliation with the Supremes based on her performances alongside Mary Wilson. However, she was never signed by Motown, her performances with Wilson occurred after the Supremes' disbandment in 1977, and she is not recognized as an official member of the Supremes. In 1996, Mary Wilson sued former group mates Kaaren Ragland, Hollis Paysuer, Scherrie Payne , Lynda Laurence , and their managers for trademark infringement of
1470-675: A mid-April meeting, and Birdsong was brought in to begin rehearsals. Gordy did not fire Ballard outright at that time, asking Ballard instead to quit on her own. Birdsong first appeared with the Supremes in Ballard's place at a benefit concert at the Hollywood Bowl on April 29, 1967. Following the performance, Gordy quickly learned that Birdsong was still contractually committed to the Blue Belles when that group's lawyers filed an injunction against him. In May, Ballard returned for what she believed
1575-572: A middle-school talent show and they became friends while attending Northeastern High. From an early age, Ballard aspired to be a singer and agreed to audition for a spot in the sister group and local Detroit attraction, the Primes, who were managed by Milton Jenkins. After being accepted, Ballard recruited Mary Wilson to join Jenkins' group. Paul Williams of The Primes (who would later evolve into The Temptations ), in turn, enlisted another neighbor, Diana Ross , then going by "Diane". Betty McGlown completed
1680-491: A more permanent replacement, Gordy once again thought of Barbara Randolph, possibly believing that Randolph could be groomed as lead singer for the group once it was decided to take Ross solo. However, Ross did not receive Randolph well. In April 1967, Gordy then contacted Cindy Birdsong , a member of Patti LaBelle & the Blue Belles who superficially resembled Ballard, with plans to bring her in as Ballard's replacement. He made his plans clear to Ballard and her group mates at
1785-465: A mostly black fanbase. By 1969, the label began plans for a Diana Ross solo career. A number of candidates—most notably Syreeta Wright —were considered to replace Ross. After seeing 24-year-old Jean Terrell perform with her brother Ernie in Florida, Berry Gordy decided on Ross' replacement. Terrell was signed to Motown and began recording the first post-Ross Supremes songs with Wilson and Birdsong during
1890-515: A new play about Ballard by Vincent Victoria entitled Dreamgirl Deferred premiered in Houston on the anniversary of her death. In the 2013 Motown: The Musical Broadway stage play that launched on April 14, Ballard was portrayed by Sydney Morton . As a member of The Supremes, Ballard was named as one of eight recipients to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023. Ballard began dating Thomas Chapman,
1995-480: A popular live act, and continued 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 and was replaced by Susaye Greene , another former member of Wonderlove. This final version of the Supremes released two albums, both of which reunited
2100-414: A production company.) According to Filmink "Roger Corman was never a great one for making musicals – he disliked the genre on the whole, and there are few on his CV. However, the profits made in the mid-‘60s by beach party movies were too alluring for him to ignore and he kicked in a few bucks for some of those." Stephanie Rothman worked on the movie as a production assistant, shooting second unit for
2205-482: A result, the Supremes became one of the first black musical acts to achieve complete and sustained crossover success. Black rock and roll musicians of the 1950s had seen many of their original hit tunes covered by white musicians, with these covers usually achieving more fame and sales success than the originals. The Supremes' success, however, counteracted this trend. Featuring three group members who were marketed for their individual personalities (a move unprecedented at
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#17330860092452310-590: A settlement from her former attorney's insurance company. The money helped her buy a house on Shaftsbury Avenue. Inspired by the financial success, Ballard decided to return to singing and reconciled with her husband. Ballard's first concert performance in more than five years took place at the Henry and Edsel Ford Auditorium in Detroit on June 25, 1975. Ballard performed as part of the Joan Little Defense League and
2415-463: A sock hop at Detroit's Graystone Ballroom (she had arrived with her brother, but they lost track of each other). The rape occurred in an empty parking lot off Woodward Avenue . Ballard reacted by secluding herself in her house and refusing to come outside, which worried her groupmates. Weeks later, Ballard told Wilson and Ross what had happened, and they were sympathetic. Both Wilson and Jesse Green, an early boyfriend of Florence's, had described her as
2520-555: 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 continued to change with Lynda Laurence , Scherrie Payne and Susaye Greene joining until the group, 18 years after its formation, disbanded in 1977. In Detroit in 1958, Florence Ballard , a junior high school student living in the Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects , met Paul Williams and Eddie Kendricks , who were two members of
2625-408: A solo career, with Payne and Greene selecting Joyce Vincent to round out the trio as a new third member. Instead, Motown decided that without any original members, the Supremes would be disbanded. Several fictional works have been published and produced that are based in part on the career of the group. The 1976 film Sparkle features the story of a Supremes-like singing trio called "Sister &
2730-513: A solo career. Wilson hired Kaaren Ragland, Karen Jackson, and Debbie Sharpe, to perform as background singers during concert tours in the United Kingdom , Europe , South East Asia , and Australia . They performed with Wilson from 1978 through the mid-1980s, aiding her in fulfilling contractual obligations related to The Supremes and avoiding potential legal action from Motown, as Wilson detailed in her 1990 book. In 1989, Kaaren Ragland founded
2835-617: A stand-in for Ballard. A month later, Ballard returned to the group from what she thought was a temporary leave of absence. In June, Gordy changed the group's name to " Diana Ross and The Supremes ", which was how they were billed on the marquee of Las Vegas ' Flamingo Hotel . On July 1, the day after her 24th birthday, Ballard showed up inebriated during the group's third performance at the Flamingo and her stomach bulged under her suit. Angered, Gordy ordered her to return to Detroit, and Birdsong officially replaced her, abruptly ending her tenure with
2940-481: A winner with the adolescent set. An innocuous plot, lots of bikini scenery, and endless rock 'n’ roll featuring top selling recording personalities, assure boxoffice success. " The Supremes The Supremes were an American girl group formed in Detroit , Michigan in 1959 as the Primettes . A premier act of Motown Records during the 1960s, the Supremes were the most commercially successful of Motown's acts and
3045-415: Is "dedicated to the memory of Florence Ballard". In his short story " You Know They Got a Hell of a Band ", Stephen King , through the late disc jockey Alan Freed , includes Ballard as one of the deceased artists who performs in a town called "Rock and Roll Heaven". Dreamgirls , a 1981 Broadway musical, chronicles a fictional group called "The Dreams", and a number of plot components parallel events in
3150-573: The Dreamgirls film. In her Golden Globe acceptance speech, Hudson dedicated her win to Florence Ballard. The music video for the Diana Ross song " Missing You " pays tribute to Marvin Gaye , Ballard, and Paul Williams , all former Motown artists who had died. In 1988, Ballard was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Supremes alongside Diana Ross and Mary Wilson . In February 2020,
3255-554: The Former Ladies of the Supremes , or FLOS. When Terrell quit in 1992, Sundray Tucker , Laurence's sister, stepped in for a short time, but was replaced by Freddi Poole in 1996. More recently in September 2009, Poole was replaced by Joyce Vincent , formerly of Tony Orlando and Dawn . In 2017, Laurence left and was replaced by Greene. In 1977, last original and founding member Mary Wilson decided to disband The Supremes and forge
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3360-570: The Tony Award -winning musical Dreamgirls opened at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway and ran for 1,522 performances. The musical, loosely based on the history of the Supremes, follows the story of the Dreams, an all-female singing trio from Chicago who become music superstars. Several of the characters in the play are analogues of real-life Supremes/Motown counterparts, with the story focusing upon
3465-440: The "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". The Supremes are notable for the influences they have had on black girl groups who have succeeded them in popular music, such as The Three Degrees , The Emotions , The Pointer Sisters , En Vogue , TLC , Destiny's Child and Cleopatra . " The Beatles were there," said Madonna of her childhood, "but I was more eager about The Supremes. I was really into girl groups." Fan interest made
3570-525: The 16th greatest Hot 100 artist of all time. Florence Ballard , Mary Wilson , Diana Ross , and Betty McGlown , the original members, were all from the Brewster-Douglass public housing project in Detroit. Forming as the Primettes, they were the sister act to the Primes (with Paul Williams and Eddie Kendricks , who went on to form the Temptations ). Barbara Martin replaced McGlown in 1960, and
3675-535: The Andantes . The changes within the group and their decreasing sales were signs of changes within the music industry. The gospel -based soul of female performers such as Aretha Franklin had eclipsed the Supremes' pop-based sound, which had by now evolved to include more middle-of-the-road material. In a cultural climate now influenced more than ever by countercultural movements such as the Black Panther Party ,
3780-410: The Ballard family to move to different Detroit neighborhoods; by the time Florence turned 15 they had settled at Detroit's Brewster-Douglass housing projects , and the next year Jesse Lambert Ballard died of cancer. Named "Blondie" and "Flo" by family and friends, Ballard attended Northeastern High School and was coached vocally by Abraham Silver. Ballard met future singing partner Mary Wilson during
3885-741: The Distants and would soon sign to Motown as the Temptations . Gordy gave Ballard a list of names to choose from that included suggestions such as "the Darleens", "the Sweet Ps", "the Melodees", "the Royaltones" and "the Jewelettes". Ballard chose another suggestion, "the Supremes". In the spring of 1962, Martin left the group to start a family. Thus, the newly named Supremes continued as a trio. Between 1961 and 1963,
3990-561: The Drifters at sock hops , social clubs and talent shows around the Detroit area. Receiving additional guidance from group friend and established songwriter Jesse Greer , the quartet quickly earned a local fan following. The group crafted an age-appropriate style that was inspired by the collegiate dress of popular doo-wop group Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers . For the most part, Ballard, Ross and Wilson performed equal leads on songs. Within
4095-528: The Florence Ballard doppelgänger Effie White. While influenced by the Supremes' and Motown's music, the songs in the play are a broader mix of R&B/soul and Broadway music. Mary Wilson loved the musical, but Diana Ross was reportedly angered by it and refused to see it. The Supremes were twice nominated for a Grammy Award —for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording ("Baby Love", 1965) and Best Contemporary Rock & Roll Group Vocal Performance ("Stop! In
4200-566: The Ladder to the Roof " (US number 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 Top Ten hits, with "Stoned Love" becoming their last No.1 R&B hit in December 1970. Songwriting/production team Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson produced another Top 20 hit for
4305-612: The Name of Love" and "You Can't Hurry Love" are among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. The Ross-Wilson-Ballard lineup was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994, and entered into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2004, Rolling Stone placed the group at number 97 on their list of
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4410-465: The Name of Love", 1966)—but never won an award in competition. Three of their songs were added to the Grammy Hall of Fame : "Where Did Our Love Go" and "You Keep Me Hangin' On" (both 1999) and "Stop! In the Name of Love" (2001). The group (Ross, Wilson and Ballard) was named as one of eight recipients to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023. "Stop! In
4515-450: The Primettes frequented his Hitsville U.S.A. recording studio. Eventually, they convinced Gordy to allow them to contribute hand claps and background vocals for the songs of other Motown artists including Marvin Gaye and Mary Wells . In January 1961, Gordy finally relented and agreed to sign them to his label – but under the condition that they change the name of their group. The Primes had by this time combined with Otis Williams &
4620-407: The Primettes recorded a single for Lu Pine Records , a label created just for them, titled " Tears of Sorrow ", which was backed with " Pretty Baby ". The single failed to find an audience, however. Shortly thereafter, McGlown became engaged and left the group. Barbara Martin was McGlown's prompt replacement. Determined to leave an impression on Gordy and join the stable of rising Motown stars,
4725-633: 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. A remake of Sparkle was in development in the early 2000s with R&B singer Aaliyah as the lead, but the project was shelved when Aaliyah died in 2001. The Sparkle remake was eventually released in August 2012 and starred Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston , in her final film role. On December 21, 1981,
4830-680: The Stevie Wonder-produced " Bad Weather " peaked at number 87 on the US pop charts and number 37 in the UK. Laurence left to start a family, so Cindy Birdsong returned to the group. Dismayed by this poor-performing record and the lack of promotional support from Motown, Jean Terrell left the group and was replaced by Scherrie Payne , the sister of Invictus Records recording artist Freda Payne . The group's strained relationship with Motown continued; Birdsong told journalist Peter McDonald in 1974 that 'we've had problems with Motown... at this point if
4935-477: The Supremes formed as the Primettes, "no one could have predicted they would become the most successful American singing group of all time." 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 felt that Berry Gordy was lavishing too much attention upon the group and upon Ross, in particular. In early 1967,
5040-399: The Supremes found themselves attacked for not being "black enough", and lost ground in the black music market. In mid-1968, Motown initiated a number of high-profile collaborations for the Supremes with their old colleagues, the Temptations. Besides the fact that both groups had come up together, the pairings made financial sense: the Supremes had a mostly white fanbase, while the Temptations
5145-570: The Supremes gave their final performance on January 14, 1970, at the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas. A live recording of the performance was released later that year in a double-LP box set titled Farewell . At the final performance, the replacement for Diana Ross, Jean Terrell, was introduced. According to Mary Wilson, after this performance, Berry Gordy wanted to replace Terrell with Syreeta Wright . Wilson refused, leading to Gordy stating that he
5250-668: The Supremes name. In 1999, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Wilson, stating that Motown owns the name and had allowed Former Ladies of the Supremes and Sounds of the Supremes to use the name. The Supremes (aka the Primettes and Diana Ross & the Supremes) The Primettes The Supremes Diana Ross & the Supremes The Supremes Studio albums Florence Ballard Florence Glenda Chapman ( née Ballard ; June 30, 1943 – February 22, 1976)
5355-513: The Supremes released six singles, starting with " I Want a Guy " and " Buttered Popcorn " on Motown subsidiary label Tamla . However, none of those first six singles charted in the Top 40 positions of the Billboard Hot 100 . Jokingly referred to as the "no-hit Supremes" around Motown's Hitsville U.S.A. offices, the group attempted to compensate for their lack of hits by taking on any work available at
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#17330860092455460-571: The Supremes with Holland-Dozier-Holland: High Energy , which includes Birdsong on all of the tracks, and Mary, Scherrie & Susaye . In 1976, the Supremes released " I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do the Walking ", their final Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. On June 12, 1977, the Supremes performed their farewell concert at the Drury Lane Theater in London as Wilson made her exit for
5565-454: The Supremes' career. The central character of Effie White, like Florence Ballard, is criticized for being overweight, and is fired from the group. The film version of Dreamgirls released in 2006 features more overt references to Ballard's life and the Supremes' story, including gowns and album covers that are direct copies of Supremes originals. Jennifer Hudson won a Golden Globe Award and Academy Award for her portrayal of Effie White in
5670-447: The Supremes, like all of his performers, to be equally appealing to black and white audiences. Publications such as Time and The Detroit News commented on the Supremes' polished presentation. In a May 1965 profile of rock music, Time called the Supremes "the reigning female rock 'n' roll group" and said that Ross "is greatly envied for the torchy, come-hither purr in her voice." Arnold S. Hirsch of The Detroit News said about
5775-554: The Supremes. It had been decided as early as May that Birdsong would replace Ballard once Birdsong's contract with the Bluebelles was bought out. In August 1967, the Detroit Free Press reported that Ballard had taken a temporary leave of absence from the group due to "exhaustion". Ballard married her boyfriend, Thomas Chapman, on February 29, 1968. A week earlier, on February 22, Ballard and Motown negotiated for her release from
5880-497: The Supremes: "they don't scream or wail incoherently. An adult can understand nine out of every 10 words they sing. And, most astounding, melody can be 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 of all persuasions." By 1965, the Supremes were international stars. They toured
5985-451: The Temptations renamed as "David Ruffin & the Temptations", although Gordy maintained that because they would be providing two acts, a lead singer and a group, Motown could demand more money for live bookings. The Supremes' name change fueled already present rumors of a solo career for Ross and contributed to the professional and personal dismantling of the group. In fact, Gordy intended to replace Ross with Barbara Randolph as early as
6090-500: The US pop charts, much to the surprise and delight of the group. It was also their first song to appear on the UK singles chart, where it reached number three. "Where Did Our Love Go" was followed by four consecutive US number-one hits: " Baby Love " (which was also a number-one hit in the UK), " Come See About Me ", " Stop! In the Name of Love " and " Back in My Arms Again ". "Baby Love"
6195-631: The age of 32. Ballard is buried in Detroit Memorial Park Cemetery in Warren, Michigan . On June 30, 2021, a headstone was placed at Florence Ballard's gravesite in honor of her birthday. Although she had a basic gravestone from the time of her burial, it was not until this date that a proper memorial headstone was dedicated to her legacy. Florence Ballard's story has been referenced in a number of works by other artists. The 1980 song " Romeo's Tune ", from Steve Forbert 's album Jackrabbit Slim
6300-424: The attorney who had helped to settle Ballard's departure from Motown. Following news that Baun was facing multiple embezzlement charges, Ballard fired him. She continued to perform as a solo artist. In January 1969, Ballard performed at one of newly elected President Richard Nixon 's inaugural balls. Ballard was dropped by ABC in 1970. In July 1971, Ballard sued Motown for additional royalty payments she believed she
6405-480: The car chase scene with Aaron Kincaid. Gary Kurtz was assistant director. Patton thought Corman hired Weinrib to direct "because he was a comic and it was a comedy. That was Roger's thinking." In November 1964 Tommy Kirk was originally announced as male star along with Noel Edmonds. In December 1964 Chris Noel signed and Kirk was still attached. Kirk eventually dropped out of the film and was replaced by Edd Byrnes. Byrnes called it "a typical mindless beach movie in
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#17330860092456510-441: The credit union manager for a local college, The film was produced by Bart Patton, an actor who did some production work for Roger Corman. Corman gave him $ 100,000 to make a beach party movie, of which $ 22,000 (or $ 25,000, accounts differ) was already earmarked to Edd Byrnes. Patton wanted to direct but Corman did not let him having already hired comic Lennie Weinrib to make his debut as director. (Patton and Weinrib would later form
6615-418: The day, while Wilson and Birdsong toured with Ross at night. At the same time, Ross began to make her first solo recordings. On November 2, 1969, Ross's solo career was first reported by the Detroit Free Press . " Someday We'll Be Together " was recorded with the intent of releasing it as the first solo single for Diana Ross. Desiring a final Supremes number-one record, Gordy instead had the song released as
6720-586: The early spring of 1962 while the Marvelettes were on tour, Ballard briefly replaced its group member Wanda Young while she was on maternity leave. Before the release of their 1962 debut album, Meet the Supremes , Barbara Martin , who had replaced Betty McGlown a year before they signed to Motown, left the group and it became a trio. After the hit success of 1963's "When the Love Light Starts Shining Through His Eyes", Diana Ross became
6825-545: The eighth of thirteen children or ninth of fifteen children. Her siblings were Bertie, Cornell, Jesse, Jr., Gilbert, Geraldine, Barbara, Maxine, Billy, Calvin, Pat, Linda, and Roy. Her mother was a resident of Rosetta, Mississippi . Her father was born Jesse Lambert in Bessemer, Alabama ; after his grandmother was shot and killed, he was adopted by the Ballard family. Jesse Ballard left his adoptive parents at 13 and soon engaged in an affair with Florence's mother Lurlee, who
6930-423: The fall of 1966, but changed his mind and instead kept Ross in the group for several more years. As Ross became the focal point of the Supremes, Ballard suffered from depression and began to drink excessively, gaining weight until she could no longer comfortably wear many of her stage outfits. During this turbulent period, Ballard relied heavily upon the advice of group mate Mary Wilson, with whom she had maintained
7035-709: The 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 on the US Billboard 200 , knocking the Beatles' Revolver out of the top spot. Because the Supremes were popular with white audiences as well as with black ones, Gordy had the group perform at renowned supper clubs such as the Copacabana in New York. Broadway and pop standards were incorporated into their repertoire alongside their own hit songs. As
7140-640: The group land an audition for Motown executive Berry Gordy , who had already proven himself a capable songwriter. Robinson liked "the girls" (as they were then known around Motown) and agreed to help, but he liked their guitarist even more; with the Primettes' permission he hired Tarplin, who became the guitarist for the Miracles. Robinson arranged for the Primettes to audition a cappella for Gordy—but Gordy, feeling they were too young and inexperienced to be recording artists, encouraged them to return when they had graduated from high school. Undaunted, later that year
7245-592: The group returned to the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas as "Diana Ross & the Supremes". The first two days of the Flamingo engagement went by smoothly. On July 1, when reporting for makeup and wardrobe before their first show of the evening, Ballard discovered an extra set of gowns and costumes that had been brought along for Cindy Birdsong. Angered, Ballard performed the first concert of the night inebriated, leading to an embarrassing on-stage incident in which her stomach
7350-475: The group signed with Motown the following year as the Supremes. Martin left the group in early 1962, and Ross, Ballard, and Wilson continued as a trio . During the mid-1960s, the Supremes achieved mainstream success with Ross as lead singer and Holland–Dozier–Holland as its songwriting and production team. In 1967, Motown president Berry Gordy renamed the group Diana Ross & the Supremes , and replaced Ballard with Cindy Birdsong . In 1970, Ross left to pursue
7455-501: The group's final top 10 single in the UK. On both "Floy Joy" and "Sunshine" Terrell shared lead with Mary Wilson. Motown, by then moving from Detroit to Los Angeles to break into motion pictures, put only limited effort into promoting the Supremes' new material, and their popularity and sales began to wane. Cindy Birdsong left the group in April 1972, after recording the Floy Joy album, to start
7560-494: The group's lead singer. In the spring of 1964, the group released " Where Did Our Love Go ", which became their first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, paving the way for ten number-one hits recorded by Ross, Ballard and Wilson between 1964 and 1967. After many rehearsals with Cholly Atkins and Maurice King, the Supremes' live shows improved dramatically. Ballard sang lead on several songs on Supremes's albums, including
7665-514: The group, a Supremes/ Four Tops duet version of Ike & Tina Turner 's " River Deep – Mountain High ". In 1972, the Supremes had their last Top 20 hit single release, " Floy Joy ", written and produced by Smokey Robinson, followed by the final US Top 40 hit for the Jean Terrell-led version of the group, " Automatically Sunshine " (US number 37, UK number 10). "Automatically Sunshine" later became
7770-536: The iconic duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Her cover was eventually included in " The Supreme Florence Ballard Album ", which was released after her passing on April 2, 2001. The original " Walk on By ", made famous by Warwick and also written by Bacharach and David, debuted as a single in April 1964. After an album for the label was shelved, her settlement money was depleted from the Chapmans' management agency, Talent Management, Inc. The agency had been led by Leonard Baun,
7875-410: The idea of a Supremes reunion tour a very profitable one during the 1980s. In 1982, around the time that Motown reunited all of the Temptations, it was rumored that Motown would reunite the Supremes. The 1974 line-up of the Supremes (Wilson, Birdsong and Payne) was considered for this reunion, which was to include new recordings and a tour. Under advisement from Berry Gordy, Wilson declined to reunite, and
7980-563: The idea was scrapped. Ross briefly reunited with Wilson and Birdsong to perform "Someday We'll Be Together" on the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television special, taped on March 25, 1983, and broadcast on NBC on May 16, 1983. In 2000, plans were made for Ross to join Wilson and Birdsong for a planned "Diana Ross & the Supremes: Return to Love" reunion tour. However, Wilson passed on
8085-490: The idea, because while the promoters offered Ross $ 15 million to perform, Wilson was offered $ 4 million and Birdsong less than $ 1 million. Ross herself offered to double the amounts both Wilson and Birdsong had originally been offered, but while Birdsong accepted, Wilson remained adamant, and as a result the deal fell through with both former Supremes. Eventually, the "Return to Love" tour went on as scheduled, but with Payne and Laurence joining Ross, although none of
8190-450: The label. Her attorney in the matter received a one-time payment of $ 139,804.94 in royalties and earnings from Motown. As part of the settlement, Ballard was advised not to promote herself by using her former membership in the Supremes. In March 1968, Ballard signed with ABC Records and released two unsuccessful singles. In 1968, Florence Ballard put her unique spin on the hit "Walk on By", originally sung by Dionne Warwick and crafted by
8295-402: The most successful American vocal band , with 12 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 . Most of these hits were written and produced by Motown's main songwriting and production team, Holland–Dozier–Holland . Their breakthrough is considered to have made it possible for future African-American R&B and soul musicians to find mainstream success. Billboard ranked the Supremes as
8400-480: The name of the act was officially changed briefly to "the Supremes with Diana Ross" before changing again to "Diana Ross & the Supremes" by mid-summer. 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
8505-542: The new name. Diana Ross worried they would be mistaken for a male vocal group, but Gordy agreed to sign them under that name on January 15, 1961. The group struggled in their early years with the label, releasing eight singles that failed to crack the Billboard Hot 100 , giving them the nickname "no-hit Supremes". One track, "Buttered Popcorn", led by Ballard, was a regional hit in the Midwest, but still failed to chart. In
8610-430: The next two years. In the spring of 1964, the Supremes recorded the single " Where Did Our Love Go ". The song was originally intended by Holland-Dozier-Holland for the Marvelettes , who rejected it. Although the Supremes disliked the song, the producers coerced them into recording it. In August 1964, while the Supremes toured as part of Dick Clark 's Caravan of Stars , "Where Did Our Love Go" reached number one on
8715-510: The opening night in Philadelphia and a sellout at Madison Square Garden in New York, it under performed in smaller/medium markets. The tour was canceled after playing only half of the dates on itinerary. With the death of Florence Ballard in 1976 and the death of Mary Wilson on February 8, 2021, there is no longer any possible reunion of the original classic lineup. In 1986, Jean Terrell, Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence began to perform as
8820-479: The original lineup and Jenkins named them "The Primettes". The group performed at talent showcases and at school parties before auditioning for Motown Records in 1960. Berry Gordy , head of Motown, advised the group to graduate from high school before auditioning again. Ballard eventually dropped out of high school though her groupmates graduated. In 1960, Ballard was allegedly raped at knifepoint by local high-school basketball player Reggie Harding after leaving
8925-603: The single " When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes " peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Lovelight" was the first of many Supremes songs written by the Motown songwriting and production team known as Holland–Dozier–Holland . In late 1963, Berry Gordy chose Diane Ross — who began going by "Diana" in 1965—as the official lead singer of the group. Ballard and Wilson were periodically given solos on Supremes albums, and Ballard continued to sing her solo number, "People", in concert for
9030-427: The spirit of Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello" and said he was "continually offered this type of film after I was released from my contract at Warner Brothers. However, the producers of Beach Ball were going to give me so much money, it would have been ridiculous to turn down Paramount’s generous offer." Byrnes enjoyed making the film calling it a "romp" but he refused to make any more beach moves. Noel says Byrnes
9135-404: The star. Struggling to cope with the label's demands and her own depression, Ballard turned to alcohol for comfort, leading to arguments with Ross and Wilson. Ballard's alcoholism led to her missing performances and recording sessions. Gordy sometimes replaced Ballard on stage with the Andantes ' Marlene Barrow. In April 1967, Cindy Birdsong , member of Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles , became
9240-412: The studio, including providing hand claps and singing backup for Motown artists such as Marvin Gaye and the Temptations . During these years, all three members took turns singing lead: Wilson favored soft ballads, Ballard favored soulful, hard-driving songs, and Ross favored mainstream pop songs. Most of their early material was written and produced by Berry Gordy or Smokey Robinson . In December 1963,
9345-400: The three girls." Overall, Ballard contributed vocals to ten number-one pop hits and 16 top forty hit singles between 1963 and 1967. Ballard expressed dissatisfaction with the group's direction throughout its successful times. 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
9450-424: The three had ever been in the group at the same time and neither Payne nor Laurence had sung on any of the original hit recordings that they were now singing live. Susaye Greene was also considered for this tour, but refused to audition for it. The music critics cried foul and many fans were disappointed by both this and the shows' high ticket prices. Though the tour did well in larger markets including near capacity at
9555-505: The time) and Diana Ross's pop-friendly voice, the Supremes broke down racial barriers with rock and roll songs underpinned by R&B stylings. The group became extremely popular both domestically and abroad, becoming one of the first black musical acts to appear regularly on television programs such as Hullabaloo , The Hollywood Palace , The Della Reese Show , and, most notably, The Ed Sullivan Show , on which they made 17 appearances. In 2003, Fred Bronson wrote that in 1959, when
9660-441: The world, becoming almost as popular abroad as they were in the US. Almost immediately after their initial number-one hits, they recorded songs for motion picture soundtracks, appeared in the 1965 film Beach Ball , and endorsed dozens of products, at one point having their own brand of bread. By the end of 1966, their number-one hits included " I Hear a Symphony ", " You Can't Hurry Love " and " You Keep Me Hangin' On ". That year
9765-468: Was "a jerk" during the making of the film although the two of them later became friends. The Supremes were paid $ 2,500 to appear in the film. The Righteous Brothers got $ 500 and the Hondells $ 400. Corman pre-sold the film to Paramount for $ 350,000 and it made $ 1 million at the box office. (Another account says the film was made for $ 137,000 and sold to Paramount for $ 225,000.) Patton claimed " Beach Ball
9870-417: Was a probationary period, although in reality it was a stopgap measure until Gordy was able to buy out Birdsong's contract. During May and June, knowing that she was one step away from being dismissed, Ballard made an attempt to toe the line, slimming down and showing up to commitments on time and sober. Despite this, Birdsong was secretly traveling with the Supremes, studying their routines. On June 29, 1967,
9975-476: Was an American singer and a founding member of the Motown vocal female group the Supremes . She sang on 16 top 40 singles with the group, including ten number-one hits. After being removed from the Supremes in 1967, Ballard tried an unsuccessful solo career with ABC Records before she was dropped from the label at the end of the decade. Ballard struggled with alcoholism, depression, and poverty for three years. She
10080-506: Was backed by female rock group the Deadly Nightshade . Afterwards, she began receiving interview requests; Jet magazine was one of the first to report on Ballard and her recovery. On February 21, 1976, Ballard entered Mt. Carmel Mercy Hospital, complaining of numbness in her extremities . She died at 10:05 ET the next morning from cardiac arrest caused by a coronary thrombosis (a blood clot in one of her coronary arteries), at
10185-856: Was due to receive but she was defeated in court by Motown. Shortly afterwards, Ballard and her husband separated following domestic disputes , and Ballard's home was foreclosed . Facing poverty and depression, Ballard became an alcoholic and shunned the spotlight. In 1972, she moved into her sister Maxine's house. In 1974, Mary Wilson invited Ballard to join the Supremes (with current line up of Cindy Birdsong and Scherrie Payne ) onstage at Magic Mountain . Though Ballard played tambourine, she did not sing and told Wilson she had no ambition to sing any more. Later that year Ballard's plight began to appear in newspapers as word of her welfare application leaked out. Around that time, Ballard entered Henry Ford Hospital for rehab treatment. Following six weeks of treatment, Ballard slowly recovered. In early 1975, Ballard received
10290-446: 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 an cardiac arrest caused by
10395-478: Was making an attempt at a musical comeback when she died of a heart attack in February 1976 at the age of 32. Ballard's death was considered by one critic as "one of rock 's greatest tragedies". Ballard was posthumously inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Supremes in 1988. Florence Glenda Ballard was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 30, 1943 to Lurlee ( née Wilson) and Jesse Ballard, as
10500-426: Was matched by having all three women embellish their femininity instead of imitating the qualities of male groups. Eschewing plain appearances and basic dance routines, the Supremes appeared onstage in detailed make-up and high-fashion gowns and wigs, and performed graceful choreography created by Motown choreographer Cholly Atkins . Powell told the group to "be prepared to perform before kings and queens." Gordy wanted
10605-419: Was nominated for the 1965 Grammy Award for Best R&B Song . The Supremes deliberately embraced a more glamorous image than previous black performers. Much of this was accomplished at the behest of Motown chief Berry Gordy and Maxine Powell , who ran Motown's in-house finishing school and Artist Development department. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Ross sang in a thin, calm voice, and her vocal styling
10710-566: Was only 14, in Rosetta. The Ballards moved to Detroit in 1929 as part of the Great Migration . Jesse worked at General Motors . Her brother, Roy was killed by a drunk driver at the age of three, her mother gave birth to twins that died at five months old and a daughter that died in infancy. Jesse, an amateur musician, helped inspire Florence's interest in singing; he taught songs to her, accompanying her on guitar. Financial difficulties forced
10815-435: Was revealed when she purposely thrust it forward during a dance routine. Enraged, Gordy ordered her back to Detroit and permanently dismissed her from the group. 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 US$ 139,804.94 in royalties and earnings. She attempted a solo career with ABC Records , and
10920-403: Was the last of the struggling attempts to compete with AIP. After that, nobody gave a crap about beach films or ski films or spy spoofs." The quality of the film impressed Lew Wasserman at Universal, who signed Patton to a two-picture deal: Wild Wild Winter and Out of Sight . Variety wrote "A bouillabaisse of all the tried and true surfing ingredients, this loud, lively pic should prove
11025-567: Was washing his hands of the group thereafter. After the Frontier Hotel performance, Ross officially began her career as a solo performer. Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong continued working with Jean Terrell on the first post-Ross Supremes album, Right On . The Terrell-led Supremes—now rebranded as "the Supremes;" known unofficially at first as "the New Supremes", and in later years informally called "The '70s Supremes"—scored hits including " Up
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