Supremes:Where Did Their Love Go? Number One

It was on this date in 1964 that the Supremes recorded their #1 hit: “Where Did Our Love Go?”


It was the first of twelve chart-toppers for the “supergroup” that epitomized Motown Records in the 1960’s.


Originally founded as The Primettes in 1959, the original members were Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, Diana Ross and Betty McGlown. All four were from a housing project in Detroit.


Armed with hit songs from the legendary team of Holland-Dozier-Holland, The Supremes rivaled the Beatles at the height of their popularity. Thrust through Berry Gordy’s in-house “finishing school” and “artist development center”, The Supremes were the first black female group to be marketed in a decidedly more feminine manner. The personalities of each member were advanced, creating individual “fan bases” as well as an overall following for the group as a whole.

Here’s a video of The Supremes , performing their first #1 smash:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izzKUoxL11E

The Supremes were international stars, as popular around the world as here in the U.S.. They were as popular with white audiences as they were with blacks, thus becoming the first true crossover act for mainstream America.

The success of the Supremes—and the attention lavished on them by label owner Berry Gordy-sparked jealousy among some of Motown’s other acts, notable Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. Within the group, tensions arose, as Diana Ross was elevated to such a lead position that the group name was changed to “Diana Ross And The Supremes”. Florence Ballard became depressed and began a decline that ended with her ouster from the group. Drinking heavily and gaining so much weight that she could hardly fit into the group’s onstage outfits, it was clear the writing was on the wall. Ballard was indeed released—and sadly died in poverty at the age of 32.

Diana Ross and the Supremes made their last public appearance on January 14, 1970. Despite personnel changes and a couple of minor hits, the huge act that defined Motown Records was essentially kaput.

We don’t need to think of all the infighting, contract disputes and petty politics. We can simply enjoy The Supremes lasting legacy—some damn good pop music.

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