The Supremes
The Supremes were an iconic American girl group formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959, initially known as the Primettes. They became the premier act of Motown Records during the 1960s and are celebrated as the most commercially successful American vocal group of their era, with 12 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. The original members, Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, Diana Ross, and Betty McGlown, hailed from the Brewster-Douglass public housing project in Detroit. The group, initially a sister act to the Primes (later the Temptations), signed with Motown in 1961 after Barbara Martin replaced McGlown.
The Supremes achieved mainstream success in the mid-1960s with Diana Ross as the lead singer and the songwriting-production team of Holland–Dozier–Holland. Their polished pop-soul sound and glamorous image helped change the public perception of African Americans during the civil rights era. In 1967, under the leadership of Motown president Berry Gordy, the group was renamed Diana Ross & the Supremes, and Cindy Birdsong replaced Ballard. Ross left the group in 1970 to pursue a solo career, and Jean Terrell took her place as the group reverted to the name the Supremes. The lineup continued to evolve throughout the 1970s with members like Lynda Laurence, Scherrie Payne, and Susaye Greene, until the group disbanded in 1977.
The Supremes' influence extended beyond their music; they played a pivotal role in paving the way for future African-American R&B and soul musicians to achieve mainstream success. Their legacy is marked by their significant impact on music and culture, making them one of the greatest girl groups of all time.
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