The Supremes

The Supremes were the premier act for Motown through the 1960s. Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard, and Betty McGlown formed the Primettes in Detroit in 1959. Barbara Martin replaced McGlown in 1960 and in January 1961 Berry Gordy signed The Primettes to Motown under one condition - they had to change their name. Florence Ballard picked the name The Supremes. Martin left the group in early 1962 to start a family and the group continued as a trio. The Supremes racked up 12 #1 singles with Motown between 1964 and 1969. Florence Ballard left the group in 1967 and was replaced by Cindy Birdsong. Diana Ross left the group in January 1970 and was replaced by Jean Terrell. After several other personnel changes in the 1970s, The Supremes disbanded in 1977. Florence Ballard died suddenly in 1976 from coronary thrombosis at age 32. The Supremes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994.