Barbara Martin (singer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Barbara Martin
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| Birth name | Barbara Diane Martin |
| Also known as | Barbara Richardson |
| Born | June 16, 1943 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | March 4, 2020 (aged 76) Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1960–1962 |
| Labels | Motown |
| Associated acts | The Supremes, Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson |
Barbara Diane Martin Richardson (born June 16, 1943 – died March 4, 2020) was an American singer. She is best known as one of the first members of the famous Motown group, The Supremes. Barbara was born in Detroit, a big city in Michigan, USA.
Joining The Supremes
In 1960, a singer named Betty McGlown left a group called the Primettes. Betty was leaving to get married. Barbara Martin then joined the group to take her place.
Barbara and her group mates were Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard. On January 15, 1961, they signed a music contract with Berry Gordy. He was the founder of Motown, a very famous record company.
Florence Ballard chose the name "The Supremes" for the group. She picked it from a list given by a Motown songwriter. The group then became a big part of the Motown family of artists.
Early Music and Departure
The Supremes recorded several early songs. However, none of these songs became big hits right away. During this time, Barbara, Mary, Diana, and Florence also worked as backing singers. They sang and added sounds like hand claps for other Motown groups.
In October 1961, Barbara Martin became pregnant. Her husband supported her choice to stay in the group. But she decided to leave in early 1962. After she left, Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard continued as a trio.
Barbara sang on many of the group's first songs. She even shared lead vocals with Diana Ross on a song called "(He's) Seventeen." She also sang on most of the songs for their first album, Meet the Supremes. However, she is not shown on the album's cover.
Life After The Supremes
After leaving The Supremes, Barbara Martin went to college. She earned a degree in psychology. She then worked in the field of mental health.
Barbara chose not to talk much about her time with the group. She did this out of respect for Diana Ross and Mary Wilson. She turned down many interviews over the years. She only gave one interview in 2009. This interview was for the 2010 release of Meet the Supremes: Expanded Edition.
Barbara Martin passed away in March 2020. She was 76 years old.
