Supremes (music)
The Supremes were a groundbreaking Motown singing group formed in the early 1960s in Detroit, Michigan. Originally known as the Primettes, the trio consisted of Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson. They achieved mainstream success with their first number-one hit, "Where Did Our Love Go?" in 1964, leading to a total of twelve singles reaching the top of the Billboard charts. The group's name changed to Diana Ross and the Supremes in 1967 after Ballard left and Cindy Birdsong joined. The Supremes not only enjoyed immense popularity but also played a significant role in transcending racial barriers in music during a tumultuous time in American history, becoming symbols of African American achievement. Over the years, the group underwent several lineup changes, particularly after Ross's departure in 1969, and eventually disbanded in 1977. Their legacy was cemented with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and they received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, honoring their lasting impact on the music industry.
Supremes (music)
A female soul trio. Under the direction of Berry Gordy, Jr., the Supremes became Motown’s flagship act and achieved crossover success and worldwide recognition.
Origins and History
The original members of the Supremes, Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson, met as teenagers in Detroit, Michigan, and began performing as the Primettes. Motown’s Berry Gordy, Jr., signed them in 1961 and suggested that they change their name; Ballard suggested “the Supremes.” After a slow start, the Supremes had their first number-one hit in 1964 with “Where Did Our Love Go?” During the next few years, twelve Supremes singles climbed to number one on the Billboard charts. In 1967, the name of the group was changed to Diana Ross and the Supremes, and Ballard left the group. She was replaced by Cindy Birdsong. Ross left the group in 1969 to pursue a solo career and was replaced by Jean Terrell.
Impact
The Supremes more than realized Gordy’s dream of crossover success. Their appeal transcended racial and generational lines, paving the way for other African American artists. In an era of racial upheaval, they became important symbols of African American success.
Subsequent Events
Ballard died in 1976, and Ross achieved lasting success as a solo artist. The Supremes went through several changes in personnel before disbanding in 1977. In 1988, the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Wilson died in 2021. At the 2023 Grammy Awards ceremony, the Supremes received a Lifetime Achievement Award for their lasting contributions to the music industry. Ross, who received the same award for her solo career in 2012, became the first woman in history to win the award twice.
Additional Information
Alan Betrock’s Girl Groups: The Story of a Sound (1982) contains more information on the Supremes and other female groups.
Bibliography
Amorosi, A. D. "The Supremes Get Grammy Lifetime Achievement Honor as the Late Mary Wilson's Friends and Family Celebrate." Variety, 3 Feb. 2023, variety.com/2023/music/news/supremes-lifetime-achievement-recording-academy-mary-wilson-1235511550/. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.
Rose, Caryn. "Why the Supremes Deserve to Be Held in the Same Regard as the Beatles." Uproxx, 11 Mar. 2022, uproxx.com/music/the-supremes-the-beatles/. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.
"The Supremes." Classic Motown, classic.motown.com/artist/the-supremes/. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.
"The Supremes." Encyclopedia of Detroit, Detroit Historical Society, detroithistorical.org/learn/encyclopedia-of-detroit/supremes. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.
Taylor, Derrick Bryson. "Mary Wilson, an Original Member of the Supremes, Dies at 76." The New York Times, 26 Dec. 2021, www.nytimes.com/2021/02/09/arts/music/mary-wilson-dead.html. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.
SupremesThe Sixties in AmericaCarlSingleton1999Salem Press