Oprah Winfrey, Diana Ross, Mary Wilson On The Supremes -

The Supremes was an American girl group and a premier act of Motown during the 1960s. Founded as the Primettes in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959, the Supremes were the most commercially successful of Motown's acts and the most successful American vocal band, with 12 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
Diana Ross & The Supremes sold, in only 5 years, around 60 millions records around the World Most of these hits were written and produced by Motown's main songwriting and production team, Holland-Dozier-Holland. It is said that their breakthrough made it possible for future African-American R&B and soul musicians to find mainstream success. Billboard ranked the Supremes as 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 housing project in Detroit. They formed the Primettes as the sister act to the Primes. Barbara Martin replaced McGlown in 1960, and the group signed with Motown the following year as the Supremes. Martin left the act 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 a solo career and was replaced by Jean Terrell, and the group reverted the name to the Supremes again. In the mid-1970s, the lineup changed with L. Laurence, S. Payne and S. Greene, joining until the group, after 18 years from its foundation, disbanded in 1977.
Between 1961 and 1963, 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 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, the single "When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes" peaked at N 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 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 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 N° 1 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" was nominated for the 1965 Grammy Award for Best R&B Song.Problems within the group and within Motown Records' stable of performers led to tension among the members of the Supremes. Berry Gordy was lavishing too much attention upon the group and upon Ross, in particular. In early 1967, 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. "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 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 USA pop charts, becoming not only the Supremes' 12th and final number-one hit, but also the final N° 1 hit of the 1960s. This single was the Supremes' final television appearance together with Ross, performing on The Ed Sullivan Show on DeC. 21,1969

[@gail235]

Diana Ross❤ is so beautiful, sweet and intelligent.

[@baibeej6391]

Yesssss

[@jl3322]

RIP FLORENCE BALLARD

[@litastar2455]

and Mary wilson, amazing women great singers

[@dddddadadad1796]

Who?

[@SWDetboy]

Lady SUPREME Mary Wilson Always gave The BEST concerts where ever she performed or appeared. She spread & exhumed so much Love, Class, Beauty & Talent & always left the audiences leaving with great big smiles & joyous faces.. I experienced several of them in my life.. 25 - million selling Gold Record Hits. over 45 Hit singles in the various National Hot 100 Music Charts.... It's been reported that in the 1960s they sold over 50 million records & in the 1970s another 10 million. Since then, they have reached over 100 million in sales.. The Supremes-1961 to 1977.. They Never Lost A Their SUPREME Touch or Magic,, especially Mary Wilson & Diana Ross.. Thank God The "Former Ladies of The Supremes" from the 1970s that were with Ms. Wilson at the time, are touring the world now & keeping The Music Alive..

[@andrewthornhill7042]

@SWDetboy Exhumed? I'm assuming you meant exuded.

[@curtismichael4703]

Facts check immediately!😂

[@GioHarry]

Oprah Winfrey has certainly always had an attraction (especially) for Diana Ross, undoubtedly.

[@kirbykipling9515]

Maya Angelou & Tina Turner too.

[@AlkalineInsides]

I adore that Diana Ross was singing the background vocals of Florence and Mary. But I’d only assume she’s thinking about Flo the most here, as she is loud and clear on the top note. 20:05

[@carolinaRodriguez-dr7rd]

Siempre está hermosa Diana Ross ❤️🕊️

[@keithmerscheim1924]

For some reason Oprah never wanted to ever interview Mary Wilson. She no doubt favored Diana Ross several times on her talkshow. But like every story there are two sides.

[@Maatization]

Mary's side was filled with anger and resentment and a number of lies.

[@mercedes7811]

​@Maatization Diana was mean, selfish and jealous. Mary and Flo were more attractive although all 3 women were good-looking.

[@TheDarkDresser]

The American public also favored Diana. That's why when she left the group, they left with her, causing her to become even more popular as a solo artist. We all know that Mary never had a successful solo career. She lacked Diana's charisma. and there wasn't anything distinctive about her singing voice. Unlike Diana, Mary was average and not Star material and that's why she never went too far. That is the truth, and the history that we both lived attest to it.

[@litastar2455]

@@mercedes7811 True

[@s.rhockenhull1168]

​@@Maatizationstop lying. Mary's truth included some discomforting facts about Diane that the public was already keen on.

[@ryanralley7128]

The supremes had 15 number one hits. More number one hits than the Beatles and no other girl group have roped the supremes.

[@lyndad5210]

Supremes/DRATS had 12 number 1s. The Beetles had 20…but yeah, DRATS/Supremes were unbeatable as a girl group

[@stuartjenkins6673]

12

[@hardren101]

Spare me, if you go by Oprah, the Supremes were a solo act as she had only ever acknowledged Diana Ross. I was shocked to learn Wislon was excluded from Oprah's "Legends Ball". The definition of the "Legends Ball" was given by Oprah herself "Simply those that have paved the way", ,,Ummm by her own definition, as a found member of one the most successful all female black groups of the 60's, Mary should have been included.

[@lbradlbrad6561]

"@Hardren101 Then why didn't you invite Mary Wilson to the party? Oh, I know! Because it wasn't your celebration. Maybe Oprah did not like Mary Wilson the way she liked Diana Ross, just like you don't like Diana Ross and talk trash about her on your platform. It's just that Oprah's platform is much bigger than yours. You people are jokes and jealous of the success of Oprah Winfrey, Diana Ross, and Barack Obama. Enjoy your pity party Loser!"

[@hardren101]

@@lbradlbrad6561 Pay close, objective attention, i am going to teach you something that your parents failed to teach you or simply went in one ear and out the other (if you were raised in foster care or group home, ya .excused)...2 ppl can look at the exact same pic, listen to the exact same song, and each see/hear something DIFFERENT. Neither OPINION is right or wrong, they are simply 2 different OPINIONS. B/c you do not share someone/anyones OPINION, does not invalidate that opinion or make it wrong. And there is most certainly no need to become unhinged and go on the attack with rude, inappropriate insults. I will not review/reply to any further comments, or replies, as it would be counterproductive....Be well, all the best, GOD bless!!!! 😀

[@Von888]

Oprah know she was wrong. At 1:58 they showed a picture of the Supremes , with the caption: “The Ed Sullivan Show-1964” but we all know that is Cindy Birdsong in the picture and not Florence Ballard… which means this picture can’t possibly be in 1964… Oprah should know better.

[@dawnyoung5075]

I believe Mary should have bin included in the ball Mary. Was a beautiful and loving human being we all love Mary very much she had a love in her heart❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 we love the Supreme not just all of them❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@LRomm]

This video needs corrections. First, Motown was not the first record company owned by an "African-American." Please research Black Swan Records, VJ Records, and SARs. Second, Berry Gordy Jr is American not African. He was born in Detroit, Michigan so he is not "African-American." Last, when the girls changed their name to the Supremes, rumor holds they were a quartet as Barbara Martin was still a member of the group. Just a few errors but noticeable.[]

[@s.rhockenhull1168]

I don't believe in the revisionist response provided by Diane. Diane was well aware that Flo didnt leave to just "start a family". Flo was exhausted of the constant focus on Diane and the verbal abuse she suffered from Gordy regarding her weight. What Flo was naturally, Diane had to work overtime to become. Each Supreme was talented in her own right but the professional direction and focus was not a group focus at all

[@TheReturnOfStephan1]

DianA simply toed the professional line. Would you have preferred that she said, "Flo was fired because she missed shows, rehearsals, interviews and recordings, and when she did show up, she started drunken brawls."? Pick one. Flo was never a lead or star attraction. If she was, she'd have made it on her own. without Diana's work ethic, The Supremes would never have existed, as they never could have made it on FLo's "steam". She never wanted to go to Motown, in the first place.

[@s.rhockenhull1168]

@TheReturnOfStephan1 I would prefer Diane tell the truth decades after Flo's dismissal and later her demise yet rather she maintains the Motown myth frankly a lie of "exhaustion". Flo certainly did have a lead/star quality about her which many have noted that her talents in comedy, rich and clear soprano, and the first Supreme to score a solo deal and a successful sold-out Ford Auditorium show.

[@lewiscarey1593]

D I A N A

[@s.rhockenhull1168]

@@lewiscarey1593 Diane to the Motown family

[@lyndad5210]

@@s.rhockenhull1168 So now you’re “the Motown family”? 😂😂😂😂😂

[@lewiscarey1593]

I'm curious why you have picture of Miss Ross, on Oprah. BUT you take us to actor's studio??????😮😮😮😮

[@francorossville7359]

.... what you mean ?

[@janbriggs7619]

MR.GORDY & MISS ROSS. ARE THE """ GREATEST""". WHEN I THINK OF THEM. I SOAR. AT THE KEYBOARDS. !?

[@valritz3100]

Things is the south have not changed.

[@ernestchacon4928]

Oprah never interviewed Mary because she knew that Mary would've told Oprah that how she and Florence had to babysit Diana..., 👏 !!!

[@francorossville7359]

..Have you ever heard of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.....? Before speaking you need to know what you are saying!!

[@lyndad5210]

Oprah never interviewed Wilson for the simple reason that she didn’t waste her time on backing singers who had nothing to talk about BUT Diana Ross. The only thing that kept Wilson even remotely relevant was her blah blah blah about Diana.

[@Maatization]

No, I think Mary would tell Oprah how Diana was her meal ticket and the shame that the only thing interesting about her is her association with Diana Ross.

[@aintnothingliketheoldskool]

​​@@francorossville7359yes but they didn't mistreat their group mates and didn't treat them like background singers so I wonder why you're getting so angry

[@cecilanderson2930]

Mary was no angel she was jealous and vindictive

[@JAZZLlFE]

Mary rode a self-serving fence that allowed her to fall on either side for convenience. She cosigned when things benefited her then played victim when it became advantageous to do so. Overall, I celebrate them as a group but realize they were individuals that needed to do what they thought was right for their own paths, success and survival in the brutal business of show.

[@Maatization]

Mary Wilson used Florence's tragic life as a career opportunity for herself to further her own visibility and career. Cynical as hell.

[@JAZZLlFE]

@@Maatization You told no lies! Mary was an opportunistic "victim" fixated with Diana Ross until the very end.

[@jakimsingletary164]

@@Maatizationyou got a point, she even admitted in her 2nd book. She said she should be ashamed of herself for using Flo’s memory as personal gain while performing just months after her death.

[@jakimsingletary164]

While playing The Passive Aggressive role while acting all innocent. First she says that it was Flo’s fault she was fired in her first book. Then in her 2nd book she says it was Berry and Flo’s fault she was fired. Then in the 1st and 2nd book (2000 edition) in the late 90’s she gonna say it was Diana and Berry’s fault Flo got fired while sacrificing her. Mary couldn’t always keep her story straight. As much as I love Mary and honor her for keeping The Supremes alive after Diana left but like Diana and Flo, Mary had issues too. That issue is being sneaky, passive aggressive and not assertive in her real feelings.

[@JAZZLlFE]

@@jakimsingletary164 Mary obviously flipped flopped for survival but the only thing she said I found to be true was that The Supremes ceased to be The Supremes after Flo left.

[@joenavarro7910]

I've always only had an interest in Diana Ross and maybe Cindy bird song. Not of the others they were simply background singers.

[@mjb-od6tr]

The Temptations didn't change their name like that. Ms. Ross had a sexual relationship with Barry Gordy. That's why she was the star, in my opinion. It is a shame that Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard were not allowed to sing lead.

[@lyndad5210]

Lots of groups changed their names to lead singer plus backing group. The Temptations had several singers who sang lead, that’s why they couldn’t be changed. The relationship between Diana and Berry (not Barry) began in 1965. The group had been with Motown since 1961, and by 1965 the group had five number ones behind them, and Diana was already the established lead singer. Her relationship with Gordy has nothing to do with her star quality. If you’ve got it, you’ve got it. That’s why she became the main star in the group. Diana had the commercial sound Gordy was looking for. The other three didn’t have that sound. Diana was and still is everything.

[@SteveWeaverIvyfield]

@@lyndad5210 David Ruffin wanted the group name to be changed to David Ruffin & The Temptations. Otis fired him. Smart move to just keep the name as it always was. Especially as there’s now been in excess of 30 members of the quintet.

[@lyndad5210]

@@SteveWeaverIvyfield Absolutely. It couldn’t have worked with a name change for The Temptations. I couldn’t even tell you any names of the later members of the group. 30+ members is pretty hard to keep up with.

[@janbriggs7619]

PSALMS 100. ** MOTOWN SOUND** IS. A JOYFUL 😊😊😊😊 SOUNDS NEVER. HAS. . NEGATIVE SONG CONTENT. DON'T MEAN TO GET RELIGIOUS ( ALTHOUGH I AM DEVOUTLY,). BUT GOD. DEEMED IT SO. ESPECIALLY. & DEFINITELY. ** MOTOWN SOUND WAS. BUILT WITH 💕 LOVE. MASTERMINDED. BY. * THE CHAIRMAN, THE GREATEST 🎵🎵 MUSIC EXECUTIVE THAT THE 🌎 WORLD HAD KNOWN !! ** THE SUPREMES** REMAIN. MY FAVORITE 💞. MUSIC. SUPERSTARS ..3. CINDERELLAS. WHO AS DESTINY PRESENTED THE 🌎 WORLD. 3. MULTI TALENTED. "" AMERICAN 💋 SWEETHEARTS ... THE STRODE WITH DIANA'S POUNDS OF CONFIDENCE & COURAGE &&&. UNIQUE VOICE. SOARED TO THE ATMOSPHERE. STRATOPHERE. AND IONOSPHERE.

[@jl3322]

She never compliments Mary or Flo-what a witch.

[@andrewthornhill7042]

@j3322 Play nicely, children...

[@Maatization]

Yet Mary made a million dollars on a book backstabbing Diana and doing real damage to her career and reputation...but its Diana's job to say nice things about that lying demon?

[@bootwhore]

She never says a bad word about them - not until Mary ruined the reunion tour. Boy that worked out for Mary!!