The Supremes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Supremes
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The Supremes: Diana Ross (right), Mary Wilson (center), Florence Ballard (left) performing My World Is Empty Without You on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1966.
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | The Primettes; Diana Ross & the Supremes |
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan |
| Genres | R&B, doo-wop, soul, pop, disco |
| Years active | 1959–1977 |
| Labels | Lu Pine (Primettes), Motown (Supremes) |
| Associated acts | The Temptations |
| Past members | Diana Ross; Mary Wilson; Florence Ballard; Betty McGlown; Barbara Martin; Cindy Birdsong; Jean Terrell; Lynda Laurence; Scherrie Payne; Susaye Greene |
The Supremes were a very famous American singing group. They started in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959. At first, they were called The Primettes. The main singers were Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard.
They made their music with Motown records. The Supremes were known for their fun doo-wop, catchy pop, soulful soul, and dance-ready disco songs.
The Supremes became the most successful group from Motown. They are still one of America's most successful vocal groups ever! They had 12 songs that reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Most of their biggest hits were written by a special team at Motown called Holland–Dozier–Holland. In the mid-1960s, The Supremes were almost as popular as the Beatles around the world. Their huge success helped other African American R&B and soul artists become popular too.
How The Supremes Started
The first members were Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, Diana Ross, and Betty McGlown. They all grew up in a public housing area in Detroit. They formed The Primettes as a sister group to The Primes. The Primes later became the Temptations.
In 1960, Barbara Martin joined the group, replacing Betty McGlown. The next year, they signed with Motown records and changed their name to The Supremes. Barbara Martin left in early 1962. After that, Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson continued as a trio.
Rise to Fame and Changes
In the mid-1960s, The Supremes became super famous. Diana Ross was the main singer during this time. In 1967, the head of Motown, Berry Gordy, changed the group's name to Diana Ross & the Supremes. He also replaced Florence Ballard with Cindy Birdsong.
Diana Ross left the group in 1970 to start her own solo career. Jean Terrell took her place. At this point, the group's name went back to the Supremes. After 1972, the group's members changed more often. Lynda Laurence, Scherrie Payne, and Susaye Greene all joined the group in the mid-1970s. The Supremes stopped performing in 1977, after being together for 18 years.
Images for kids
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Frederick Douglass Housing Project in Detroit
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Cindy Birdsong (right)
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Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7060 Hollywood Blvd.
See also
In Spanish: The Supremes para niños
