LEGENDARY BASSIST JAMES JAMERSON DIED ON THIS DAY: AUG 2 1983

On this day: Bassist James Jamerson, who laid the foundation of the Motown sound, dies of pneumonia on this day in 1983.

There was a time in pop history when you could hear a record for the very first time and have a pretty good chance of guessing where it was recorded. Record labels like Stax, Chess, Atlantic and Philadelphia International made the distinctive sounds of Memphis, Chicago, Muscle Shoals and Philadelphia internationally famous in the 1960s and early 1970s. But for every fan of that era’s music who can pick out a record made in those cities, there are probably more who can pick out one that was made in Detroit, home of Motown Records and “The Sound of Young America.”

When you think of Motown in the 1960s, you tend to think of performers like the Temptations and Marvin Gaye or legendary songwriters like Smokey Robinson and Holland/Dozier/Holland.

But unless you’ve seen the 2002 documentary Standing In The Shadows of Motown, you probably don’t think of bassist James Jamerson. Along with men like drummer Benny Benjamin, pianist Earl Van Dyke, guitarist Richard White and percussionist Jack Ashford, Jamerson was a member of the Funk Brothers—a rotating cast of unsung, uncredited and non-royalty earning studio musicians drawn from the cream of Detroit’s jazz scene who laid the foundation of the Motown sound.

It was the Funk Brothers, working in a studio they called the Snake Pit in the basement of Motown’s Hitsville U.S.A. headquarters, who arranged, orchestrated and performed nearly every instrumental track of nearly every classic Motown record.

"The bass playing is an event itself. Noticed it when I was a kid. It was the bass that made the song. It seemed no one else my age (12) caught on to it. They acknowledged everything but the bass-playing. Mesmerizing even today. Hard to describe it but whoever did that had something going on.
Mike Eiland

Essential James Jamerson Tracks

It was James Jamerson’s unconventionally melodic bass lines that made many of those records great. “My Girl” by the Miracles, “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” by the Supremes, “What’s Going On?” by Marvin Gaye, “Dancing In The Street” by Martha and the Vandellas—these are among the dozens of timeless Motown hits to which Jamerson made a critical contribution.

Unlike many of his fellow Funk Brothers, Jamerson moved west with Motown Records when it pulled up stakes and left Detroit for Los Angeles in 1972. His relationship with Motown ended shortly thereafter, however, and 10 years later, when the company celebrated its anniversary with the Motown 25 concert and broadcast, Jamerson was a paying member of the audience sitting in the back rows rather than an honored guest performing onstage.

After a long struggle with alcoholism, James Jamerson died on August 2, 1983, at the age of 42. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 17 years later, in March 2000.

MOTOWN LEGEND LAMONT DOZIER HAS NEW ALL STAR CD!

Motown Songwriting Legend LAMONT DOZIER Reclaims His Most Iconic Hits, Assisted By A Host Of All-Star Guests!

Includes performances by Graham Nash, Todd Rundgren, Sir Cliff Richard, Marc Cohn, Gregory Porter, Lee Ann Womack, and more!

Los Angeles, CA - You may not know his name, but you most certainly know his songs. As one third of Holland/Dozier/Holland, perhaps the greatest songwriting trio of all time, Lamont Dozier is responsible for such timeless classics as “Stop In The Name Of Love,” “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” “Nowhere To Run,” “You Keep Me Hanging On,” just to name a few! These megahits changed the face of music forever, jumpstarting the careers of The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha & The Vandellas, The Isley Brothers and many more figures who defined the Motown Era of pop music.

Now, Lamont Dozier has gifted the world with a brand new project that reimagines these treasured classics using acoustic guitar, resonating piano and sparse arrangements, brought together by producer Fred Mollin to create a moving experience for audiences of every generation. Reimagination packs an enormous emotional wallop as Dozier, now several decades older and more mature as an artist, revisits his masterpieces with both reverence and affection.

These new semi-unplugged arrangements bring out new depths of feeling and tenderness that audiences will immediately identify with and serve as a reminder of Dozier’s unparalleled talent as a songwriter.

Indeed, one need look no further for proof of the universality of Dozier’s genius than the stellar guest artists who have lined up to lend their own unique voices to this project from Grammy-award winning singer Gregory Porter to rock icon Todd Rundgren, and from British pop idol Sir Cliff Richard to country superstar Le Ann Womack.

Reimagination

Producer Mollin summarizes the sentiments of many involved with the project, stating “I will never produce a more historic project, and I know how deep the music will resonate. Lamont and his music were critically important to the rise and continued success of Motown. It is a known fact that Motown changed the world along with the Beatles.”

Classic rock legend Graham Nash, of Crosby, Stills & Nash, offers this about the project, “When Fred Mollin asked me if I was interested in singing harmony on Lamont’s album, I just couldn’t wait. My former band, The Hollies, recorded ‘Stop In The Name Of Love’ in the early ‘80s and it was my absolute pleasure to be able to work with such an incredible writer. Well done, Lamont!”

And finally, Dozier himself is clearly struck by the significance of these recordings and how fans will react, saying “Who knew that after all these years that these songs would be revisited again in this form? We’re just having a ball with it and, we think that the audience and the fans of this music will get a kick out of it as well.”

Watch this exclusive behind-the-scenes video of the recording for Reimagination here: https://youtu.be/GyF6GSu9Os0

Track List:
1. Supremes Medley: Where Did Our Love Go / Stop In The Name Of Love / Come See About Me / Baby Love feat. Graham Nash
2. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) feat. Gregory Porter
3. Reach Out, I'll Be There
4. Baby I Need Your Loving feat. Lee Ann Womack
5. Bernadette
6. This Old Heart Of Mine / My World Is Empty Without You feat. Sir Cliff Richard
7. Heat Wave / Nowhere To Run feat. Jo Harman
8. In My Lonely Room feat. Todd Rundgren
9. Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While) feat. Marc Cohn
10. You Keep Me Hanging On feat. Rumer
11. Reflections feat. Justin Currie
12. I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)
BONUS TRACK
13. Reach Out, I'll Be There (Duet Version with Jo Harman)

MARY WELLS BRINGS MOTOWN IT'S FIRST #1 HIT MAY 16 1964

MARY WELLS THE FIRST LADY OF MOTOWN

ON THIS DAY:  In 1959, Berry Gordy started his first record label, Tamla Records, running it out of a house he purchased at 2648 West Grand Blvd. in Detroit, Michigan—a location better known as Hitsville, USA. Over the next three years, Tamla made its headquarters live up to its name, turning out a string of hit records that included “Money (That’s What I Want)” by Barrett Strong (1959), “Shop Around,” by The Miracles (1960) and “Please Mr. Postman” by The Marvelettes (1961)–which is why a young aspiring songwriter named Mary Wells was so excited to be offered a recording contract by Berry Gordy in 1962.

The catch was that Gordy wanted to make a record with Wells and issue it on a brand new label that had no identity or reputation in the marketplace: Motown Records. Not really in a position to argue, she signed on as the fledgling label’s very first artist, and two years later, Mary Wells gave Motown its first #1 hit when “My Guy” reached the top of the Billboard pop chart on this day in 1964.

Shortly after signing Mary Wells, Berry Gordy transformed her from a songwriter to a performer of other writers’ material. In this capacity, she was one of the first singers in the Motown stable to record a song by the now-legendary Holland/Dozier/Holland songwriting team.

UNITED SOUND CELEBRATION OCTOBER 23!

Detroit’s United Sound Systems is famous around the world for being the original recording studio in Detroit where the recordings of artists such as: John Lee Hooker, Jackie Wilson, Berry Gordy, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, Parliament Funkadelic, MC5,The Dramatics and tons of others.

USS played an instrumental part in the birth of Motown as Berry Gordy recorded there before he formed Motown Records.. and the rise of Detroit Music on the gloval stage.

October 7, 2015 (Detroit, MI) – The recent historic designation of Detroit’s United Sound Systems Recording Studio – the nation’s oldest, still operating, independent recording studio – rings in a revitalized era for music production in the city.

In 2014, the Detroit Sound Conservancy (DSC), a Detroit-based nonprofit whose mission is to increase support of Detroit’s rich musical heritage through advocacy, preservation, and education, joined forces with United Sound Systems Recording Studio.

With DSC’s advocacy, the studio – which was established in the 1930s and whose storied recording history was officially designated a historic structure. This is important during a time of amplified redevelopment in the city, as it provides protection against major exterior changes to the property, and of course, demolition.

“United Sound Systems is one of Detroit’s hidden historic properties that has had a significant impact on Detroit’s music status,” says DSC’s Rebecca Binno Savage. “City of Detroit designation as a historic district brings United Sound Systems the recognition and protection it has earned.”

To commemorate the milestone and burgeoning partnership between the studio and the DSC, there will a fundraiser/celebration: 5-8 p.m. on Friday, October 23 at United Sound Systems (5840 Second St., Detroit, MI 48202; 313-833-1833). Monies raised at this event will help pay for a historical marker.

The evening will include food from Mimi’s Bistro, beer from Motor City Brewing Works, music curated by Pirahnahead, and a rare chance for a private tour of the building.

“I’m excited to finally see things moving forward. This historic designation is confirmation that the hard work and dedication that everyone has provided these past years did not go unnoticed. I just want to thank everyone that contributed to bringing this dream to fruition, especially the Detroit Sound Conservancy,” says United Sound Systems’ owner, Danielle Scott.

★NEW BOOK★ RHYTHM RIDE: A ROAD TRIP THROUGH THE MOTOWN SOUND!

I am getting this book very soon and cannot wait to review it! Right up my alley.. Thanks so much Andrea and Brittany!

“When a group of high school girls had first showed up at Hitsville in 1960 hoping to be discovered, one of them made Berry Gordy stop. And look. And consider. It was her singular beauty that caught his attention. She and her friends had formed a singing group called the Primettes. There were four of them— Florence ‘Flo’ Ballard, Barbara Martin, Mary Wilson, and the gawkiest one of them all, a tenth grader named Diane Ross.”

“When I look back on those days, it makes me proud to be the Groove. ‘Cause you see, the Groove is most alive when souls ache. I was there when mothers cried at the loss of their sons. Through my rhythm, I kept their broken hearts beating. I kept faith’s flame on the front burner when despair tried to take over.”

From critically-acclaimed author Andrea Davis Pinkney comes the story of the music that changed the world.

RHYTHM RIDE

A Road Trip through Motown Sound

by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Rhythm Ride is the story of the music that defined a generation and a movement that changed the world. Andrea Davis Pinkney has faithfully captured the celebration, controversy, and ultimate success that encapsulated this pivotal era in our country’s musical history.

With untold behind-the-scene stories and awe-inspiring photos that have never been published before, RHYTHM RIDE is a treat for the eyes, the ears, and the soul.

Andrea Davis Pinkney is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 books for children, many of them illustrated by her husband Brian Pinkney. She lives with her family in Brooklyn, New York.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FLORENCE BALLARD

Born in Detroit on June 30, 1943, singer Florence Ballard, became famous in the 1960s as a member of The Supremes, a group which she started with childhood friends Mary Wilson and Diana Ross. She sang on 16 different Top 40 hits but left the group in 1967 after a dispute with Motown Records. She died on February 22, 1976 in Detroit, Michigan at only 32 years old. Read more on RK

DETROIT'S MOTOWN YEARS WALKING TOUR APRIL 7

"Detroit's Motown Years"
Experience, Explore and Enjoy a pivotal part of Detroit's history with us!

The Supremes, Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and so many more...Relive this important era in Detroit's History with our guide, Linda Yellin of Feet On The Street Tours. The tour of the Motown Museum features costumes, photos, artifacts, and fascinating history in the space where magic happened.

Next stop is an included soul food lunch at Bert's Jazz Club in their swanky "Motown Room". Our day continues with a tour of Paradise Valley, Black Bottom and other important neighborhoods of the era.

Music, Memories, Food & Fun

Tuesday, April 7

8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

All day tour, lunch, and comfortable transportation to and from Waterford Rec Center included

OPEN TO ALL! Call (248) 674-5441 OR
(248) 674-4881 to register

More Information

MOTOWN 25: YESTERDAY · TODAY · FOREVER NEW PBS RELEASE!

MOTOWN 25:

YESTERDAY · TODAY · FOREVER

LEGENDARY MOTOWN 25 TV SPECIAL 

PUBLIC TV STATIONS NATIONWIDE

ON FEBRUARY 28, 2015

MOTOWN: BIG HITS & MORE

EXCLUSIVE BOXED SET OF MOTOWN HITS 

FEATURING PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED VERSIONS OF CLASSIC SONGS

Motown 25: Yesterday – Today – Forever, an updated version of the legendary Motown 25 TV Special, will premiere on most public television stations on February 28, 2015 at 8pm ET, then will repeat immediately following. TJ Lubinsky, executive producer and co-host of public television’s “My Music,” series has created a 7-CD set of original Motown Hits, classic album tracks and rarities to accompany the airing of this classic special.

Titled Motown: Big Hits & More, the boxed set is a compelling collection of not just “the same old songs,” but many of the radio hits, regional hits and flip side favorites from the Gordy, Soul and Tamla/Motown labels. “I had the chance to grow up from New Jersey to South Florida to Pennsylvania, so I heard Motown on the radio not only in the Garden State, but also in New York and especially in Philadelphia”, says Lubinsky. “This gave me a special taste for different flavors of classic Motown that each region of the country loved to hear on the radio.

"In putting together this unique 7-CD set, I wanted to create a unique package that featured all these great songs, including 25 new stereo mixes of classic songs," Lubinsky elaborates. "We had the extraordinary opportunity to go through the Motown archives and have access to the original tapes and sessions, going back to the original stages and pre-mixed stages of recording sessions done at Hitsville gave us so many amazing surprises. Most often the songs went much longer than the fades we are used to hearing – and sometimes even extra verses were uncovered, like Smokey Robinson and The Miracles ad-libbing the line, 'the tracks of my tears, I’ve been crying for years' which has never been heard before because it was on the original session tapes past the fade-out on the 45."

The entire CD collection will be available to members that pledge to public television stations during the February 28 national broadcast of Motown 25 (8pm ET, 7pm CT - check local listings), and at www.treasurycollection.com. Motown 25 is under license from Berry Gordy’s West Grand Media and jointly distributed by StarVista Entertainment and TJL for public television stations.

Track Lists: Motown: Big Hits & More 7-CD Set
CD #1
1. Money - Barrett Strong
2. Shop Around – The Miracles
3. Please Mr. Postman – The Marvelettes
4. The One Who Really Loves You – Mary Wells
5. Do You Love Me – The Contours
6. Stubborn Kinda Fella - Marvin Gaye
7. You Beat Me To The Punch – Mary Wells
8. Two Lovers - Mary Wells
9. You Really Got A Hold On Me – The Miracles
10.  Come And Get These Memories - Martha & The Vandellas
11.  Beachwood 4-5789 – The Marvelettes
12.  Too Strong To Be Strung Along – The Marvelettes
13.  Hitch Hike - Marvin Gaye
14.  Fingertips, Pt. 2 - Stevie Wonder
15.  A Breath Taking Guy – The Supremes
16.  Mickey's Monkey – The Miracles - EXTENDED MIX
17.  Heatwave - Martha & The Vandellas - EXTENDED MIX
18.  Quicksand - Martha & The Vandellas
19.  I Gotta Dance To Keep From Crying – The Miracles
20.  The Girl's Alright With Me – The Temptations
21.  Contact On Love - Stevie Wonder
22.  Leaving Here - Eddie Holland

CD#2
1. The Way You Do The Things You Do – The Temptations
2. I Want A Love I Can See – The Temptations
3. You're A Wonderful One – Marvin Gaye
4. In My Lonely Room - Martha & The Vandellas
5. Every Little Bit Hurts - Brenda Holloway
6. My Guy Mary Wells
7. Looking For The Right Guy – Kim Weston
8. I Like It Like - That Miracles
9. Dancing In The Street – Martha & The Vandellas
10.  Baby I Need Your Loving - Four Tops
11.  Would I Love You – The Miracles
12.  How Sweet It Is - Marvin Gaye
13.  Girl Why You Wanna Make Me Blue – The Temptations
14.  Needle In A Haystack – The Velvelettes
15.  Where Did Our Love Go – The Supremes
16.  Ask Any Girl – The Supremes
17.  Without The One You Love – Four Tops
18.  Since I Lost My Baby – The Temptations
19.  You Lost The Sweetest Boy - Mary Wells
20.  Sweet Thing – The Spinners
21.  Baby Love – The Supremes
22.  My Girl – The Temptations

CD #3
1. Come See About Me  - The Supremes
2. Shotgun - Jr. Walker & His All Stars - EXTENDED MIX
3. Nowhere To Run - Martha & The Vandellas
4. Don't Look Back – The Temptations
5. I'll Be Doggone - Marvin Gaye
6. Ooh Baby Baby – The Miracles
7. Back In My Arms Again – The Supremes
8. I Can't Help Myself - Four Tops
9. Tracks Of My Tears – The Miracles - EXTENDED MIX
10.  A Fork In The Road  - The Miracles
11.  It's The Same Old Song - Four Tops
12.  Nothing But Heartaches – The Supremes
13.  Ain’t That Peculiar - Marvin Gaye - EXTENDED MIX
14.  Take In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While) - Kim Weston
15.  My Baby – The Temptations
16.  Everything Is Good About You – The Supremes
17.  I Hear A Symphony – The Supremes
18.  Uptight  - Stevie Wonder - EXTENDED MIX
19.  My World Is Empty Without You – The Supremes
20.  Since I Lost My Baby – The Temptations
21.  Put Yourself In My Place – The Elgins
22.  Going To A Go-Go – The Miracles - EXTENDED MIX

CD #4
1. Get Ready  - The Temptations - EXTENDED MIX
2. He Was Really Sayin' Something – The Velvelettes
3. This Old Heart Of Mine – The Isley Brothers - EXTENDED MIX
4. Ain't Too Proud To Beg – The Temptations
5. Truly Yours - Spinners
6. Shake Me, Wake Me - Four Tops
7. Whole Lot Of Shaking In My Heart – The Miracles
8. You Can't Hurry Love – The Supremes
9. I Guess I'll Always Love You – The Isley Brothers
10.  Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever - Four Tops
11.  What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted - Jimmy Ruffin - EXTENDED MIX
12.  Blowing In The Wind - Stevie Wonder - EXTENDED MIX
13.  Reach Out, I'll Be There – Four Tops
14.  You Keep Me Hanging On – The Supremes
15.  Heaven Must Have Sent You Elgins - EXTENDED MIX
16.  Beauty Is Only Skin Deep – The Temptations
17.  All I Need – The Temptations
18.  I'm Ready For Love - Martha & The Vandellas
19.  Standing In The Shadows Of Love - Four Tops
20.  Since You've Been Gone  - Four Tops
21.  (Come Round Here) I'm The One You  Need Miracles
22.  A Place In The Sun - Stevie Wonder - EXTENDED MIX

CD #5
1. Love Is Here And Now You're Gone – The Supremes
2. Love I Saw In You Was Just A Mirage – The Miracles - EXTENDED MIX
3. Jimmy Mack - Martha & The Vandellas - EXTENDED MIX
4. Don't Mess With Bill – The Marvelettes - EXTENDED MIX
5. Bernadette - Four Tops - EXTENDED MIX
6. I Got A Feeling - Four Tops
7. I'm Losing You – The Temptations
8. 7 Rooms Of Gloom - Four Tops - EXTENDED MIX
9. I'll Turn To Stone - Four Tops
10.  I Was Made To Love Her – Stevie Wonder
11.  More Love – Smokey Robinson & Miracles - EXTENDED MIX
12.  You're My Everything – The Temptations
13.  Your Precious Love - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terell
14.  Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terell
15.  I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Gladys Knight & The Pips
16.  I Wish It Would Rain – The Temptations - EXTENDED MIX
17.  I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Marvin Gaye
18.  Too Busy Thinking About My Baby - Marvin Gaye
19.  I Second That Emotion – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - EXTENDED MIX
20.  If You Can Want – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
21.  The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game – The Marvelettes - EXTENDED MIX
22.  Reflections – Diana Ross & The Supremes

CD #6
1. Dance Party  - Martha & The Vandellas
2. Jamie - Eddie Holland
3. Let Me Go The Right Way - Supremes
4. The Only One That I Love – The Miracles
5. Third Finger, Left Hand - Martha & The Vandellas - EXTENDED MIX
6. Forever - Marvin Gaye
7. The Impossible Dream – The Temptations
8. There's No Stopping Us Now – The Supremes
9. More, More, More Of Your Love - Miracles
10.  Come On And See Me Tammi Terrell
11.  I'm Still Loving You - Kim Weston
12.  Keep On Loving Me - Frances Nero
13.  S.O.S. (Stop Her On Site) – Edwin Starr
14.  If My Heart Could Tell A Story - Edwin Starr
15.  Behind A Painted Smile – The Isley Brothers
16.  I've Passed This Way Before – Jimmy Ruffin
17.  You'll Lose A Precious Love - Temptations
18.  Loneliness Has Made Me Realize (It's You That I Need) -  The Temptations
19.  Just A Little Misunderstanding – The Contours
20.  It's Easy To Fall In Love With A  Guy Like You - Martha & The Vandellas
21.  It's A Good Good Feeling – The Miracles - EXTENDED MIX
22.  What's So Good About Goodbye – The Miracles

CD #7  (Motown 1970s)
1. Ball Of Confusion - Temptations
2. What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
3. War - Edwin Starr
4. Stoned Love - The Supremes
5. I Just Want To Celebrate - Rare Earth
6. It's A Shame - Spinners
7. If I Were Your Woman - Gladys Knight & The Pips
8. I'll Be There - Jackson Five
9. Cruisin' - Smokey Robinson
10. Love Machine - Miracles
11. Brick House - Commodores
12. You And I - Rick James

MOTOWN'S SMOKEY ROBINSON & FRIENDS ALL STAR DUETS! PREORDER NOW

 
The upcoming duets album 'Smokey and Friends' is now available for pre-order at Amazon! Includes brand new recordings of 11 all time Motown classics including "The Tracks Of My Tears" "You Really Got A Hold On Me" and "My Girl"

Preorder by clicking the link below

Having been in the business for 50+ years, Smokey Robinson has certainly built up his repertoire of famous friends over the years, and now he's bringing them all together for a duets album of his greatest hits.

SUPREME LOSS: FLORENCE BALLARD'S STORY

Florence Glenda Ballard Chapman June 30, 1943 – Feb 22, 1976

Note to my facebook readers... Please go to this post and see these fantastic videos! They are spine tingling.... KIM

Hi my Retro peeps! I decided for my 550th post! I would feature one of my favorite women in all of Retro Music History Miss Florence Ballard...

Florence Ballard nicknamed "Flo" or "Blondie" (June 30, 1943 – February 22, 1976), was an Detroit singer, and the founder of the Hall of Fame Motown group The Supremes.

During their early years, members of The Supremes (aka The Primettes) enjoyed a democratic distribution of leads on songs. However, by 1966, Ballard and Mary Wilson had begun to feel the pinch as Motown President Berry Gordy, Jr. began spotlighting Diana Ross's individual "career".

This caused extreme abandonment feelings that led Ballard to chronic depression and alcoholism, factors that played right into the hands of Gordy's (and Ross') decision to fire Flo from The Supremes in July 1967.

After an unsuccessful attempt at a solo career in the late 1960s, Ballard spent much of the last five years of her life in relative poverty, attempting to avoid media attention while suing the various parties involved in her dismissal from Motown.

By the mid-1970s, it appeared that Ballard had regained control of her mental and emotional health. She began making public appearances, doing interviews.

Flo's nice home on West Buena Vista

Florence purchased a new home after receiving a sizable settlement from attorneys she said had cheated her. Around this time, Ballard also began receiving treatment for her alcoholism and reconciled with estranged husband Tommy Chapman. Sadly in 1976, Ballard died of a coronary thrombosis (now called myocardial infarction) at the age of thirty-two. Her death has been called "one of rock's greatest tragedies" More on Flo's Death HERE

 

But her family wants to know what happened. Maxine said: "My sister was healthy, she was happy, she loved her children and she had big plans for the future. "I don't believe that she died of natural causes. She was outspoken and talking too much, and I believe that she was killed." Was Flo Ballard Murdered? Read about it HERE Florence was always my favorite Supreme.

She wasn't the skinny one, and didn't sleep with her boss (now a known fact as Ross and Gordy had a daughter that they kept well hidden until she grew up). Ross stopped at nothing to be a STAR but at what price? Mary Wilson wrote a fantastic book which I read called Dream girl My Life as a Supreme. You can see the slideshow for more related items on this post.

The book covers the story of Wilson's life from her childhood, to meeting Florence Ballard and Diana Ross and forming the Primettes (later The Supremes), to the group's later international success and personal conflicts in the 1960s, Ballard's replacement with Cindy Birdsong in 1967, the development of Ross as a solo act, and Ross' split from the group in 1969-1970.

Dreamgirl was dedicated to Wilson's family and "to the memory of Florence 'Blondie' Ballard", whose post-Supremes years are also covered in the book. According to J. Randy Taraborrelli's 2007 biography, Diana Ross, Wilson approached Ross in 1986 to discuss the book; however, Ross reportedly snubbed Wilson upon learning that the book featured her in a very negative light.