Diana was told by the company, Motown to say this and notice how Mary doesn't say anything. But we now in 2021 we know the truth thank you ms. Mary for keeping the supreme legacy alive RIP the sexy one.
This for Ted Pope, The Supremes along with the other Motown acts went through an extensive, should I say "charm school" conducted by Miss Maxine Powell in teaching etiquette. Hats off to Miss Powell!! Job well done! Happy Birthday Mary Wilson! Love you always Florence Ballard!!
Sure …. Diane - the leader of the group…. Sure …. Barry Gordy didn’t need to spend money on promoting Diane Ross. Diane promoted herself at every opportunity.
@@Jasper7182009 Berry Gordy didn't like Mary Wilson as a singer. He told her bluntly as the CEO. Mary said it herself. And Holland-Dozier-Holland told Flo to stop singing and back from the mic, she was ruining their hit songs.
@@dtrn254 Berry liked Mary as a background singer and not as lead, and he was not the only one, as the Motown Execs thought her voice did not have the mainstream appeal and they were right, although she has a nice voice.
@@dtrn254 You are correct in that Flo was ruining the song because Flo could not out sing or over sing Diana as Diana's voice is very distinctive. Her voice may be light, but she muscles her sound. Mary actually had a soft voice and Flo would mess up their blend of the background as you would not here Mary's warmth that made their sound.
@@mayjackson-u8i yes, the truth is Diana had a more versatile voice than both Flo and Mary. Diana actually sang notes (meaning you could hear her variations in the bars). Flo and Mary were similar in that they both sang flatter. Some confuse Flo's "volume" with good singing, it's not the same at all. Flo (and especially Mary during the latter Supreme years) often sounded off key singing with Diana.
SUPREMES fan for life, however I could do without the diva antics of Miss Ross. Much love for... Mary Wilson ❤ Florence Ballard ❤ Cindy Birdsong ❤ Jean Terrell ❤ Lynda Lawrence ❤ Scherrie Payne ❤ Susaye Green ❤
I believe at the end of the day not only was she the lead singer. She understood the business better and earlier than Mary & Flo. Some people realize that relationships aren’t forever. I think that’s the case with her and she was to bet in herself. Of course she had help in more ways than one.
@@dddddadadad1796 why don't you go away you're a complete stranger to mary you never met her personally see that's what you diana ross stans do y'all think y'all have the rights and initiative to attack Mary and Florence with your horrible negative energy Because you can't handle some of the truth about diana it's y'all that is spreading hate y'all are trolls.
She lied.. Mary and Florence both told the same story and other at Motown like road mangers.. Don't assume just because she is the Diana Ross that she is perfect and could not lie if told to. That's THE only reason as to why you can question the lie is because she is a star and your a fan and that's fine but don't be a fool tho
Leader of the group- Diane. Interviewer: “did you form the Supremes?” Diane: “we formed each other.” Oh brother!!! Florence just sailed down the memory hole!! 😢
It’s a great response! You say Flo formed the group and then you get irrelevant questions that don’t exactly matter. They were drawn to each other for a reason, so in a sense, they did form each other. Mary said they were like one woman.
Diana's kids must listen to these old interviews out of curiosity. Listening to how she speaks fibs about Florence...I wonder what they think about their mother and her narratives. Now they can hear all of her early b.s. and it must really challenge their thoughts of what she claims versus truth.
Hi edagdwg thanks for sharing this story of what happens when you see these women singing about life enjoy her Life why did she have to talk for everyone sad see there drifent now Linda j.☮️☮️☮️☮️🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
Oh she handled that interview so well????????? PLEASE WITH HER!!! She wouldn’t be were she is if Florence didn’t ask her to be in the group! I’m so tired of people saying Florence did it to herself! I’d be pissed off if I started a group and named the group than got kicked out! If this happened today flo could have laughed all the way to the bank!
Keep being tired, because she did do it to herself , you people want to blame DIANA for every that happened to Flo, Diana was the best thing that ever happened to Flo. Without Diana that group wouldn't have went NOWHERE, sure Flo had a big voice but that was all it was, TALKING LOUD AND SAYING NOTHING.
JSOMERSET994 JSOMERSET994 I think this was around the time Florence was away on probation but before she came back. Because she came back and got fired for good after a few shows.
Diana swears until this day that she really thought that Flo would somehow return. How ever she was dating Berry and I'm sure that he set all of this up. I think the other girls were outsiders and really didn't know the real deal. There are too many things that berry, and Diane were doing that made no since. Like Diane's first child that whole story is stupid and made up. She knew from the start that berry was that girl's dad. She just up and marries or Anybody right after getting preg.
Please notice that, despite the name change to "Diana Ross and The Supremes," the interviewer and everyone else continued to call them THE SUPREMES. I have the hardest time getting that point across to the younger "Ross as a solo act" fans....................that the name change was merely on the records and that the pubic still called them THE SUPREMES as they still do to this day.
@@SassyBratt1 girl you need to stop lying you made me laugh... That was so funny you broke out 😂😜 with a cold sore 😆 in the same spot! I love the drama..... You go girl...
Diana may have appeared to lie about Florence leaving but all said and done they where part of a business. you don't dish dirt if you want to be successful!
DetroitLives313 Dirt? How about her Best friend Mary writing a Tell all book about the group Flo found and made a Million Plus dollars and did not Share one cent with FLo children and grandchildren children Yet Florence own daughters said Diana sent them checks and had a trust fund and offered to pay Florence mortgage so she didn't lose her house when was released but her husband Tommy Chapman wanted the check made out in his name. Dirt? a lot came from Flo two most trusted people her husband and Double crossing back stabbing Mary who sided with Diane and Berry to let Flo go because she jeopardized the group who still had the biggest seller of their careers without Flo or Mary or Cindy.And. That was Love Child with Diana being the Only Supreme on record. Last no.1 only featured Diana not Mary nor Cindy but still hit No.1. 5 more solo no Supremes Today still racks in millions from Touring. Mary pushes old gowns and can't talk about her career without mentioning she knew Diane since she was 13. ok. Lucky for her.
I was very lucky to have obtained a ticket to the first and last concerts of the six shows, over three nights at the EXPO Theatre in Montreal, Canada in August, 1967, performed by the recently renamed "Diana Ross & The Supremes." A pal of mine at the time, operated The Supremes Fan Club of Canada headquartered in Montreal, with permission of Motown Records. I got in to the press conference held at the Hotel Bonaventure, as a "teen reporter" and noticed right away that only Diana Ross and some record label staff were there. Mary Wilson was not in attendance, and there was no mention of Cindy Birdsong having replaced Florence Ballard. During the concerts I attended, Cindy blended in visually, but it wasn't; until the local newspapers mentioned the fact of the substation that fans became aware of Florence's departure. I suspect the "corporate presence" during the press conference was Berry Gordy's attempt to protect the "brand," rather than any coverup on the part of Diana Ross.
Thank u so much for letting us know of this. In September 1967 my sister and some friends of mine saw the group and enjoyed the show but so glad I wasn’t there for I was a Supremes monster fan and was broken hearted Flo was gone. Cindy blended in well so I was told and pretty but Flo would’ve had them laughing the way she did earlier that yer when a classmate of mine saw them and enjoyed the show. He said Florence had him and others laughing. Berry Gordy made it clear to Mary Diana is the star so she went along with it all to keep her job. I don’t blame her but the ugliness of what BG instructed destroyed three friends who became the Supremes.
Diane and Berry were partners in "crime." Don't think that Berry had to force Diane to do his bidding...........she was ready, willing, and able!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@dddddadadad1796 …. At least Florence and Mary could sleep at night with clear consciences. So yes, in that respect, it turned out very well for them and for us, their forever fans. Love you always Flo!! 🥰
She was already solo; Mary, Flo and Cindy were window dressing. Listen to the Copa album, that was the 1st DR solo show...she should have left in '65 as originally planned if she was so "great"...
Well she really didn't know if she would be going solo . Because Diana at first didn't want to go solo , it was Berry who pushed Diana out into a solo career , Diana originally wanted to stay with the group .
If you notice, Diane was still shoveling the sh** way back then. Florence left for a rest? Ha! That's a hot one! There can be no understudy for her? Give me a break! Who was Jean Terrell? To all of you "Ross as a solo act" fans: Do you see what we Supremes fans had to go through during the "let's get Diane ready to be a star" period? It wasn't pretty and it wasn't easy on the fans. NO one wanted to have Diane stuffed down our throats............she is still being stuffed down our throats to this day!
Kurtsupremes: Diana Ross was not stuffed down our throats. It is obvious that millions of people all over the world lovingly and willingly ate up Miss Ross talents, digested and never spat her out.
Jean Terrell could have continued to have successfully led the new Supremes to bigger hits and personal appearances despite Motown's full support. Jean simply didn't have the 'stay with it until the end ' attitude that the true backbone of the Supremes Mary Wilson also had. That is also why Mary Wilson is still relevant and still actively performing today. Jean Terrell allowed herself to become a footnote.
i wonder if she's still telling that lie about Florence even though it has been well documented that Flo was thrown out of the group. i love me some Miss Ross along with Mary and the other six Supremes, but Diana should start telling the truth or don't say anything at all.
YES FLO WAS THROWN OUT BUT DIANA WILL NEVER TELL THE TRUTH --- HAVE YOU READ HER BIOGRAPHY ???? --- SUCH BS!!!! --- BUT WHEN SHE'S ON STAGE ALL IS FORGIVEN FOR FIBBIN 'SO MUCH --- HAVE LOVED HER F OR OVER 50 YEARS !!!
I loved Diana Ross my whole life, back in the day when we didn't have social media like today, but the more I see what really went on, it's like the Supremes were always right, she was more than over bearing, in the projects there's a certain word for that.!
@@cravendubose8179…. The difference is that Mary Wilson kept a journal and she referred to it when she was writing her books. DR is a total airhead and up to now with all her experience, she’s learned nothing. She’s not modest, she’s not gracious, and she still has to dominate and not let Mary or Cindy speak. And everyone wonders why Florence had problems with DR and with Gordo!
Diana handled this interview supremely well. Of course Miss Ross was smart enough to follow guidelines to keep her responses free from controversy. It was all about good lessons learned from Mrs. Powell and just plain good public relations common sense in handling interviews. Some posters to this video sound as if they wanted Diana to come out with the warts about Flo. Some would have been satisfied if Diana had said that she and Mary had held Florence down on the floor while Berry Gordy poured the liquor down her throat!
@@cravendubose8179 She was positioned by Berry to be the star and screw the others. She was already competeitve and cuthroat and Berry loved her for it. The formation of the group wasn't an " accident" as Diana said. Flo formed the group and Diana came into it later. There wouldnt have been a group at all if it wasnt for Flo. Believe all the fairy tales you like. The music was magic, but Motown as a business was as dirty as it gets. And people got thrown under the bus. That's the truth.
This is the reason why one of the Supremes left. Miss Ross things it was all about her. Mary and Florence made it easy for Miss Ross to be look at. Please lady give yourself a break.
Notice Diana says “they were good friends at first”.. which means they turned into nothing but business partners after a while, because they were NOTHING BUT A BRAND a part of BIG BUSINESS. It’s unfortunate, but they did love each other. Diana went to a few 70’s Supremes concerts. She attended Mary’s solo show in the 70’s. Diana and Mary went shopping in La together in the 70’s. Florence called Diana months before her death. They were like family at the end of the day. - and in this interview… you can say say Diana lied… but all I heard was someone trying to stay positive and professional. People on here criticizing her as if they never gave a politically correct response before.
This is sad. Mary and Cindy were not allowed to even talk during an interview .Thank GOD Mary had the smarts to continue on with the group after Ross left and had a Respected career without Motown or Ross. RIP Ms Wilson and Ms Ballard
YOU HEARD IT FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH.... DIANA BASICALLY SAID CINDY WAS A UNDER STUDY FOR FLORENCE BALLARD. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THEY HAVE ANOTHER UNDER STUDY WHICH WOULD BE FOR MARY WILSON IF NEED BE... BUT SHE DOESN'T HAVE ONE.... GIRL BYE
Ultimately, Florence did make the decision to leave the group. If Diana was to say that Florence left because she was a drunk who could not fulfill her responsibilities of the group due to emotional and personal issues of rape, missing her family and being upset because she was not the lead, nor could the group she helped form move creatively in the way she thought. Thus, Florence acted out badly, which sabotaged the group so Berry had Cindy waiting in the wings just in case, which came into fruition when Berry and Flo had it out. However, Florence left and went on to marry a no good black man (their former chauffeur), who would take her money and abuse her. Then you would be pissed. Yet, that is the truth.
It's important to remember this was a different place and time. Throughout the 1950s and well into the 1960s, rape, domestic abuse and alcoholism were all swept under the rug. Flo dealt with it as best she knew how and Miss Ross (through the Motown PR machine) handled it well.
I was around in the 60s and people did not even talk about it! I never even heard of child sexual abuse until the 1990s! All of these things were around in the 60s we just did not know about them.
Diana Ross had a Strict PROTOCOL handed down to her at the time, by the head honchos at MOTOWN as to what she Should & should NOT say concerning Flo's role and Departure from the group. Gordy wanted to keep the young corporation Void of salacious gossip & Scandal, so this decision was upon HIS orders; Therefore Ross had little CHOICE but to comply. It's called "COMPANY SPIN", and ALL record companies practice such policies. So infact Diana Ross during this interview, was simply Doing her Job. As a by now Trained Spokesperson for the Supremes, as Well as Motown. Indeed the Public knowing the Private Details of Flo's departure was neither in Motown's, Flo's, NOR the Group's best interest at the time. So all you Jealous Ross Haters need to calm down & Have a Damn Seat. *Ms.Ross, (unLike Mary) doesn't Have to, neither does she Want to Feed the sick Gossip mills with Negative stories about the Supremes personal Infighting. It's Tacky. And Quite frankly BENEATH the Beautiful Legacy of THE SUPREMES.*💋PLus it's NOBODY'S BUSINESS but FLo's, Mary's & Diana's. So if u Love the Supremes then u should Cherish the Music & the Memories and stop Destroying their Legacy with constant Attacks and Nosy inquiries into their personal shortcomings, Disputes & failures. Instead try to Accentuate the Many POSITIVES that All THREE girls (Florence, Mary AND Diana) brought to this Magical, LEGENDARY piece of Americana known to the Kingdoms of the World as... THE SUPREMES.***🥰❤️🙏*
We keep hearing about an "understudy" for Mary also - but did Mary ever miss a performance and did an "understudy" ever have to take her place? I don't remember ever reading that.
The issues with Florence became bigger because she wasn’t hungry for stardom the way Diana was. She also was the one to get sicker more than Mary and Diana and that of course wasn’t supposed to happen in Berry Gordy’s mind. There’s money to be made so he worked those three young woman like road horses. Flo had a stand in one of the Andantes. Mary never had one I don’t think but he wanted to let Mary know she was no exception. He and Diana dating made matters worst in so many ways. Florence said how things changed so much in the group and how BG would make sure their hotel rooms were separated and on different floors. She said the only time she’d see Diana was on stage for she no longer recorded with them and this started in 1966 and it got worst as Flo started drinking so everything just went down hill.
@@Vincent50 …. Thank you for putting that down so well. I don’t think I’ll ever get over Florence’s departure from the Supremes. Never, never. And I was thinking about that too. That Berry Gordy work them to death. But Florence took it hard.
I remember Diane Ross mentioning something about how the two Supremes, Mary and Cindy, had replacements. I think she said it on a Johnny Carson show. So I knew early on that Diane Ross can only think about Diane Ross.
Diana Ross is not telling the truth about Florence Ballard. Florence did not leave the Supremes on her own to go into "business, to relax and to travel" as Diana Ross falsely states. Florence never said she wanted to be off for a while to relax as Diana states. According to Mary Wilson and other documented sources Florence was told by Berry Gordy himself, that if she went onstage for the second show at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas that he would have security escort her off the stage. Berry then told Florence to go back to Detroit and that he wanted her out of the group and out of his life for good. Florence refused to leave and she and Berry argued all morning the following day. She was basically "put out" of the Supremes by Berry Gordy himself with Diana Ross's blessings. Also one can see how things have changed since Florence was put out of the group. As you can hear, Diana Ross was the only Supreme participating in this interview. Before Florence was put out Diana Ross was never interviewed by herself as all three were interviewed and asked their opinion on things. Also notice how Diana Ross makes a point of stating that although there are understudies for Mary and Cindy there cannot be an understudy for her. Diana is irreplaceable lol!
I read a newspaper article where an interviewer was interviewing Florence so- call return to the Supremes, there was a quote by Florence stating that she wanted to leave the Supremes to explore other business opportunities such as a decorator which she said she has always enjoyed and had decorated Diana's and Mary's home. She said she changed her mind and decided to come back to the Supremes. Now that could have been the story they decided to use instead of stating what she was really battling, being the that is was you know Flo and Motown was not putting her business out like that. A lot of us would like to continue to believe b/c she asked the other girls to form a group with her, that the group belong to her, The Primettes belong to the manager of the Primes and once they signed that CONTRACT (as The Supremes)with Motown they belonged to Motown!! That name belonged to Motown, Not any one particular girl. That's why later Mary fought so hard for ownership of the name once other girls came along. I don't know how true it is but Mary claimed back in the 70's she invited Florence to rejoin the Supremes and she declined. Considering the facts that Florence was missing shows, rehearsals, slapping and throwing drinks in Berry Gordy's face I can somewhat understand Motown letting her go. What would your employer do?FIRE YOU, today maybe press charges!! And I think it was a good idea that's the Story they are using instead of dragging her name through the mud. As her fans that love her that should be sufficient. It's hard for us to accept what happened but it happened!! Everyone feel hurt when they get Fired, but we have to ask ourselves what did we do to get Fired!!! PEACE to you Jack!! The Supremes 4ever!!
I LOVE DIANA ROSS,.....but the flipped, almost unheard passive-aggressive wording of her speaking on the other girls in the group: "yes, we do have stand-ins for Florence and Mary, but not for me, I just have to suffer... and the show must go on" Now take that and juxtapose it, but also include - this is 1967. Black Americans are at a true crescendo in terms of unity and reciprocity in a national fight against the tyranny that is white male driven coward-ass racism...and if you are a Supreme, you have to walk behind Diana; not speak directly to reporters; Differ to Diana, so on and so forth! That would wear on anyone..... THE SUPREMES FOREVER! DIANA ROSS AND THE SUPREMES FOREVER! GOD IS GREAT! RIP FLORENCE BALLARD! RIP MARY WILSON!!!
Wallace--- agreed---- Diana did not think of the future?? and how this would all sound like today... I know even Diana is embarrassed about this as well..
Diana did very well for herself in this. She might have given Florence credit for getting them together, not say we formed each other. It was accidental. The Supreme who left is mentioned, but they might have said her name. Maybe Diana did not see the near future here, but for we who have seen their future, saying Florence's clothes fit Cindy Birdsong was not a good thing to tell. In an interview later on, Florence Ballard said she wore a size 12. She had pictures. She only looked fat when compared to Diana who was a size zero. Florence said she could tell by the reactions of men in the audience that they thought she looked OK. I cannot tell for sure who is in these two pictures with this video. Is that Florence? They all look cute, but that navy suit with the white ric rack and the white boots looks stunning. From listening, I think this video interview is only with Diana, not the Supremes. Anyway, I enjoyed it. I think I have watched enough Supremes to have drawn this conclusion. Diana Ross was Show Business and Performing. The others were back up. At least when they were all together. As the Dutchess of Winsor said, a woman can't be too thin or have too many diamonds. One more thing. I have listened to much from these girl singing groups. Their grammar and enunciation is really good. They must have heard good grammar and had good school teachers growing up.
Size 12 is huge. You can't be a success in Hollywood today if you are above a size 4. The problem was she was drinking and acting out on stage sticking her stomach out etc. She had to go.
@@mic6434 Berry Gordy and Diana harrassed her out of the group. The only thing she could do was rebel. They cut Mary and Flo's songs from the live set so Diana would be in the spotlight all the time. Read Peter Benjaminson's book Lost Supreme. Berry was a sexist pig and a pervert. The mythology around Motown is bs. It was a plantation Berry set up to serve him. Look at how many artists had to sue to get their $. Berry was a crook. Flo rebelled and got booted out by the fascist.
@@mic6434 That incident was Flo’s last performance because the pressure of what was going on pushed her over the he edge. Berry Gordy had to work on getting Cindy released from her group Patti Labelle and the Bluebells and from her record company. So he had Flo come back for he had actually fired her when they had that meeting at his mansion Spring of 1967. Upon having Flo do TV appearances and shows Cindy was brought along because she was no longer with her group. Cindy was flaunted in Flo’s face and placed in the audience to watch her perform. Berry was timing everything and Flo saw the writing on the wall and said she asked God what is going on. Flo knew the name change of the group was going to happen while they were there in Vegas. All of this came crumbling down as she had a few drinks and went on stage and yes did the unthinkable by perturbing her stomach during the part where she would say THIN MAYBE IN BUT FAT IS WHERE ITS AT! She was fired a pond sent back to Detroit while Cindy slid in her place who by the way was the same size as Florence. Flo was seeing her to be hubby at the time and her cries to him and her family probably told her not to leave but pressure, unhappiness, fear, and a clouded mind from drinks could make anyone make the worst decision ever. Berry and Diana wanted the same thing and worked hard to get it and anyone in the way was going to get run over.
Just dont' answer the question. Tell the interviewer to go and ask Florence herself why she left. Better than lying or speaking for Florence herself. That's how I would handle the question if I was Diana.
That's not how things were done back then, and that's not how things are done when you don't want anyone to know the real deal about what was going on. There were already rumors in the street that Florence left because of behind the scenes shenanigans. There was a decision made by Motown to spin Florence's exit a certain way because to tell the truth would have made Motown look back. From Flo's perspective telling the truth would not only have outed her alcoholism (which carried a stigma that it doesn't today) but would have cast a bad light on Diana and to a lesser extent Mary, and Florence cared too much to do that. This was 1967-68. Celebrities- especially Black ones- didn't put all their dirty business in the street. Diana did exactly what she was supposed to do.
Jack Anthony- Did you know that Berry Gordy was absent at Flo's funeral in 1976! Diana Ross attended and told the sombering audience that Berry sends his regards! Wow
why did Diana Ross lied about that Florence Ballard that she wanted to leave the group when Florence Ballard was kicked out of the supremes something at right
Flo asked for it...you can't try to sabotage the group and fight with the man who cuts the checks and not get fired...nobody was going to baby sit her ego. The public chose Diana...Mary dealt with it and Flo didn't the rest is history.
Flo was pushed out end of story!!! Flo did not get treated very well!!! Also Flo had to endure being rape by s creep Mary herself said Flo was never the same!!! Like the old saying goes walk a mile n someone shoes before you pass on your judgement and declare end of story!!!
WELL THERE'S NO REASON TO GET THE FANS IN A FRENZY...NOBODY KNEW ABOUT POOR FLORENCE BALLARD..THIS IS 1967....HAVE TO BE PROFESSIONAL AND SHE SAYS CINDY IS A SUPREME AT HEART.. KEEP IT GOING.. THAT'S SHOW BUSINESS 🤣💓💕
…. OK, we’ll will take your comment. But please, Diane could have at least given Florence the credit for forming the group. But Diane did not. I can’t understand how any Diane Ross fan could listen to this interview and not cringe in embarrassment!! Diane Ross fans: this is your diva … and you can have her.
don’t compare Quality to quantity Beatles can’t ever be like the talented elegant chic top songs THE Supremes , Diana too vain claiming she ain’t got no under study ! You stole Flo place ! How dare you !
Stoled Flo's place..? Damn you people create your own reality. Diana didn't owe Flo shit and Flo certainly didn't feel she owed Diana anything or she wouldn't have tried to destroy the group along with Berry's vision for the future. Fire her ass.
I don't have an under study as well. I think my job is out to kill me, literally. Lol. Maybe that's a good thing, if Diana Ross worked around the clock.
I think Diana Ross did not have an "under study" because she was smart. If she had broken a leg or caught a cold or something Mary or Florence could have just moved right in.
Ted Pope Absolutely, she was smart especially when it came to the business of things. That's why she's been able to have longevity in her career. She did spiral out of control either. She knew who she was and where she was going.
The Beatles was a white British group. Gosh! You can’t compare them to the Motown era. The Troubled black suffered, season, there soul. mr. Harry hippie!
This is why The Supremes get very little respect in the music world by critics, etc... This interview just portrays them as singing puppets, and Berry Gordy just makes every decision for them. They don't write any of their own songs, they don't even choose their own material. The extent of their control in their career is their dresses and their nail polish.
Well isn’t that a nasty comment about the Supremes. I have never heard anyone put down an insulting or nasty comment about the Supremes as a group. Let’s just say that your circle of critics in their music world is dominated by men, white men. That says it all. And since you cannot name any of these so-called music critics but the rest of us still know the Supremes and each of their names and all the songs, there goes the lasting impact of your music critics. Geez, Judy Garland never wrote a note or word of music, and she is the greatest entertainer of all time. What song did Bing Crosby right? Oh that’s right, no song. What a stupid comment you made. You should delete it.
Patty isn't all that, she Holla to dam much for me.Cindy wanted be in a group where #1records were being made, she couldn't get that with Patty. SO SHE SAID BYE,BYE PATTY, as you know the rest is history.
@@cravendubose8179 Patti said in her autobiography that she was more upset about the way Cindy left than about the fact that Cindy left. Cindy kept everything to herself until she officially joined The Supremes, but could she have done otherwise? Cindy knew Patti and the other ladies in the group better than us, and she probably knew better than to tell them anything. The Bluebells were not anywhere near the extraordinary level of fame of the supremes, and I honestly don't think they would have understood that they literally couldn't say anything to anyone about what was going on in The Supremes. I don't think Cindy was wrong in being concerned that her former groupmates would sabotage her chance at being a Supreme.
Otha:Get Effie over it. Flo lost ambition. Listening her solo compilation album she did not have the commercial voice. You don’t become successful worrying about the fact that you want to be successful. Frankly, all the hoopla about Flo being the best singer is a personal assessment. I am and have always be a Diana Ross. This gets so boring. John Lennon was criticized for his relationship with Yoko Ono. The belated Linda Eastman-McCartney could never be a considered a singer. Let it go child and get on with life.
I tend to agree. Florence, Mary, and Diana all were good singers, but Diana had the commercial voice. Motown already had big female R&B groups. Mary as lead would have taken the group in a Marvelettes direction. Florence as lead would have taken the group closer to the Vandellas. Gordy wanted a pop female group in a different lane. Diana's voice and singing style accomplished that. If you compare Diana to other white female singers in the early to mid 60s -- Lesley Gore, Shelley Fabares, Petula Clark, and others -- Diana could have easily song their hits, and audiences wouldn't have even been sure it was a black woman singing. I really like some of Florence's solo material, but her voice wasn't so distinctive. Even so, I thought It Doesn't Matter How You Say It and Love Ain't Love both had hit potential. Of course, neither song reached its potential because of Florence being blackballed.
Diana was told by the company, Motown to say this and notice how Mary doesn't say anything. But we now in 2021 we know the truth thank you ms. Mary for keeping the supreme legacy alive RIP the sexy one.
Shut UP. Mary said nothing bc nobody cared what she had to say
Mary wasn’t there. Listen to the end.
R.I.P Florence Ballard, Betty McGlown, Barbara Martin and Mary Wilson. 💔 ❤ 🤍 💙 🧡 🖤 😥 😔 😟
i love her young voice, it's so nice to hear her
Yes, even her speaking voice was always quite euphonous
She even has a distinct speaking voice
Who is « she »?
@@judethaddeus9856 Duh...
This for Ted Pope, The Supremes along with the other Motown acts went through an extensive, should I say "charm school" conducted by Miss Maxine Powell in teaching etiquette. Hats off to Miss Powell!! Job well done! Happy Birthday Mary Wilson! Love you always Florence Ballard!!
I love Diana Ross. My absolute favorite. She handled the press beautifully. Diana was on her way to solo superstardom. Such a pro.
Sure …. Diane - the leader of the group…. Sure ….
Barry Gordy didn’t need to spend money on promoting Diane Ross. Diane promoted herself at every opportunity.
@@Jasper7182009 Berry Gordy didn't like Mary Wilson as a singer. He told her bluntly as the CEO. Mary said it herself. And Holland-Dozier-Holland told Flo to stop singing and back from the mic, she was ruining their hit songs.
@@dtrn254 Berry liked Mary as a background singer and not as lead, and he was not the only one, as the Motown Execs thought her voice did not have the mainstream appeal and they were right, although she has a nice voice.
@@dtrn254 You are correct in that Flo was ruining the song because Flo could not out sing or over sing Diana as Diana's voice is very distinctive. Her voice may be light, but she muscles her sound. Mary actually had a soft voice and Flo would mess up their blend of the background as you would not here Mary's warmth that made their sound.
@@mayjackson-u8i yes, the truth is Diana had a more versatile voice than both Flo and Mary. Diana actually sang notes (meaning you could hear her variations in the bars).
Flo and Mary were similar in that they both sang flatter. Some confuse Flo's "volume" with good singing, it's not the same at all. Flo (and especially Mary during the latter Supreme years) often sounded off key singing with Diana.
She sound so sweet and articulate
thanks for this. I love her.She still works very hard
SUPREMES fan for life, however I could do without the diva antics of Miss Ross. Much love for...
Mary Wilson ❤
Florence Ballard ❤
Cindy Birdsong ❤
Jean Terrell ❤
Lynda Lawrence ❤
Scherrie Payne ❤
Susaye Green ❤
Very articulate and to think she was only about 23 here! Very gracious young lady who grew into the megastar, legend and trailblazer she is today!
I wish she had done narration for nature shows, etc...Yes, her speaking voice is amazing too
Beautiful speaking voice aswell...diana total package!
I believe at the end of the day not only was she the lead singer. She understood the business better and earlier than Mary & Flo. Some people realize that relationships aren’t forever. I think that’s the case with her and she was to bet in herself. Of course she had help in more ways than one.
Berry Gordy had Motown and The Supremes................Diane Ross had Berry Gordy! Point made!!!!!!!!!!!
HAPPY 73RD BIRTHDAY TO MARY WILSON!!!!!
She sound so sweet yet mature
Mary writes about these interviews in her book
Oh? Did she? Isn’t that special
@@dddddadadad1796 why don't you go away you're a complete stranger to mary you never met her personally see that's what you diana ross stans do y'all think y'all have the rights and initiative to attack Mary and Florence with your horrible negative energy Because you can't handle some of the truth about diana it's y'all that is spreading hate y'all are trolls.
Always thought and still think she has the sexiest voice ever... Yeah the youthfulness in her voice.. Happy 73 Diana!! Luv Ya!!!
Lewis , March 26, you can now say Happy 75 Diana
None of us were there..whose knows where the truth lies
She lied.. Mary and Florence both told the same story and other at Motown like road mangers.. Don't assume just because she is the Diana Ross that she is perfect and could not lie if told to. That's THE only reason as to why you can question the lie is because she is a star and your a fan and that's fine but don't be a fool tho
It wasn't in Mary!
@@echance12 Don't you assume that about that Mary or always told the truth.
Leader of the group- Diane.
Interviewer: “did you form the Supremes?”
Diane: “we formed each other.” Oh brother!!! Florence just sailed down the memory hole!! 😢
THAT WAS SAD! THEY DID HER SO EVIL
It’s a great response! You say Flo formed the group and then you get irrelevant questions that don’t exactly matter. They were drawn to each other for a reason, so in a sense, they did form each other. Mary said they were like one woman.
Diana's kids must listen to these old interviews out of curiosity. Listening to how she speaks fibs about Florence...I wonder what they think about their mother and her narratives. Now they can hear all of her early b.s. and it must really challenge their thoughts of what she claims versus truth.
Hi edagdwg thanks for sharing this story of what happens when you see these women singing about life enjoy her Life why did she have to talk for everyone sad see there drifent now Linda j.☮️☮️☮️☮️🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
Hi edagdwg I enjoy there singing but they didn't get to sing much Linda j.☮️☮️☮️ I see Dianna much drifent now Linda j.🦋🦋☮️☮️🦋☮️
POSITIVITY ALWAYS WINS......!!!!!.....YOUR VOICE IS ABSOLUTELY MESMERIZING...!!!!!!!!!!
Oh she handled that interview so well????????? PLEASE WITH HER!!! She wouldn’t be were she is if Florence didn’t ask her to be in the group! I’m so tired of people saying Florence did it to herself! I’d be pissed off if I started a group and named the group than got kicked out! If this happened today flo could have laughed all the way to the bank!
Flo wouldn't be where she were if it had no been for Diana Ross.
We ain't saying Flo did it to herself.
Just thatbit isn't just Ms Ross's fault entirely.
Don't you know Motown forced her to say this also ???
Keep being tired, because she did do it to herself , you people want to blame DIANA for every that happened to Flo, Diana was the best thing that ever happened to Flo. Without Diana that group wouldn't have went NOWHERE, sure Flo had a big voice but that was all it was, TALKING LOUD AND SAYING NOTHING.
oh, I know EXACTLY how Florence felt. I started a Blues Band and was kicked out. So there you go!
diana made cindy seem to be a temporary stand in for a vacationing Florence!
JSOMERSET994 JSOMERSET994 I think this was around the time Florence was away on probation but before she came back. Because she came back and got fired for good after a few shows.
Never believe this. Is. Unscripted
They were told to say that by the company pr. Florence's departure was less than a month before this interview was done
Diana swears until this day that she really thought that Flo would somehow return. How ever she was dating Berry and I'm sure that he set all of this up. I think the other girls were outsiders and really didn't know the real deal. There are too many things that berry, and Diane were doing that made no since. Like Diane's first child that whole story is stupid and made up. She knew from the start that berry was that girl's dad. She just up and marries or Anybody right after getting preg.
You think, you think, you think lol.. but know nothing. Just enjoy the music
Please notice that, despite the name change to "Diana Ross and The Supremes," the interviewer and everyone else continued to call them THE SUPREMES. I have the hardest time getting that point across to the younger "Ross as a solo act" fans....................that the name change was merely on the records and that the pubic still called them THE SUPREMES as they still do to this day.
My parents took me this when I was a baby. Diana even gave me a kiss and briefly held me.
@Punkanelly Lovejoy Now that's required from everyone!
Aww.
:0)
@@firstptr3and10_ Ever since I still get an annual coldsore on that spot.
@@SassyBratt1 girl you need to stop lying you made me laugh... That was so funny you broke out 😂😜 with a cold sore 😆 in the same spot! I love the drama..... You go girl...
@@russelwilliam6051 Yay me!!! :-) xxx ooo
To say she’s the leader already causes drama and DianA lying her ass off about the missing member
YEP!
When you have a whole company backing you, you can be as sarcastic as you want, there's no warmth, unless your acting.
Diana may have appeared to lie about Florence leaving but all said and done they where part of a business. you don't dish dirt if you want to be successful!
Especially if you helped create the dirt!
Very true. The fans were non the wiser 20+ years later lol
DetroitLives313 Dirt? How about her Best friend Mary writing a Tell all book about the group Flo found and made a Million Plus dollars and did not Share one cent with FLo children and grandchildren children Yet Florence own daughters said Diana sent them checks and had a trust fund and offered to pay Florence mortgage so she didn't lose her house when was released but her husband Tommy Chapman wanted the check made out in his name. Dirt? a lot came from Flo two most trusted people her husband and Double crossing back stabbing Mary who sided with Diane and Berry to let Flo go because she jeopardized the group who still had the biggest seller of their careers without Flo or Mary or Cindy.And. That was Love Child with Diana being the Only Supreme on record. Last no.1 only featured Diana not Mary nor Cindy but still hit No.1. 5 more solo
no Supremes
Today still racks in millions from Touring. Mary pushes old gowns and can't talk about her career without mentioning she knew Diane since she was 13. ok. Lucky for her.
sickvokals now fifty years !
*were
"Mary's 20 days older than I am (giggle)" 😂😂
This is from CBC Radio Montreal.
I was very lucky to have obtained a ticket to the first and last concerts of the six shows, over three nights at the EXPO Theatre in Montreal, Canada in August, 1967, performed by the recently renamed "Diana Ross & The Supremes." A pal of mine at the time, operated The Supremes Fan Club of Canada headquartered in Montreal, with permission of Motown Records. I got in to the press conference held at the Hotel Bonaventure, as a "teen reporter" and noticed right away that only Diana Ross and some record label staff were there. Mary Wilson was not in attendance, and there was no mention of Cindy Birdsong having replaced Florence Ballard. During the concerts I attended, Cindy blended in visually, but it wasn't; until the local newspapers mentioned the fact of the substation that fans became aware of Florence's departure. I suspect the "corporate presence" during the press conference was Berry Gordy's attempt to protect the "brand," rather than any coverup on the part of Diana Ross.
THANK YOU MARK-NW-193
OMG OMG OMG SAY IT AGAIN!!!!!!! Please tell these idiots the TRUTH
Thank u so much for letting us know of this. In September 1967 my sister and some friends of mine saw the group and enjoyed the show but so glad I wasn’t there for I was a Supremes monster fan and was broken hearted Flo was gone. Cindy blended in well so I was told and pretty but Flo would’ve had them laughing the way she did earlier that yer when a classmate of mine saw them and enjoyed the show. He said Florence had him and others laughing. Berry Gordy made it clear to Mary Diana is the star so she went along with it all to keep her job. I don’t blame her but the ugliness of what BG instructed destroyed three friends who became the Supremes.
Diane and Berry were partners in "crime." Don't think that Berry had to force Diane to do his bidding...........she was ready, willing, and able!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Adorable
I always Loved Flo and Mary...... !!!!!!!
I've always loved Diana!
Good for you. How’d that turn out for u?
IVE ALWAYS LOVED DIANA ROSS
@@dddddadadad1796 me to, always and forever Diana!
@@dddddadadad1796 …. At least Florence and Mary could sleep at night with clear consciences. So yes, in that respect, it turned out very well for them and for us, their forever fans. Love you always Flo!! 🥰
She conveniently left out her plans to go solo LOL!!!!
She was already solo; Mary, Flo and Cindy were window dressing. Listen to the Copa album, that was the 1st DR solo show...she should have left in '65 as originally planned if she was so "great"...
Barry Gordy's doing! He knew the potential, and now so do we.
Well she really didn't know if she would be going solo . Because Diana at first didn't want to go solo , it was Berry who pushed Diana out into a solo career , Diana originally wanted to stay with the group .
Diana owes you people nothing, she can say and do what ever she wants.FOREVER DIANA.
Flo was not showing up on time to rehearsals and was struggling to fulfill her obligations. A decision needed was made so that the show could go on.
Damn Lie Diana Flo formed the Group
If you notice, Diane was still shoveling the sh** way back then. Florence left for a rest? Ha! That's a hot one! There can be no understudy for her? Give me a break! Who was Jean Terrell? To all of you "Ross as a solo act" fans: Do you see what we Supremes fans had to go through during the "let's get Diane ready to be a star" period? It wasn't pretty and it wasn't easy on the fans. NO one wanted to have Diane stuffed down our throats............she is still being stuffed down our throats to this day!
Kurtsupremes: Diana Ross was not stuffed down our throats. It is obvious that millions of people all over the world lovingly and willingly ate up Miss Ross talents, digested and never spat her out.
Jean Terrell could have continued to have successfully led the new Supremes to bigger hits and personal appearances despite Motown's full support. Jean simply didn't have the 'stay with it until the end ' attitude that the true backbone of the Supremes Mary Wilson also had. That is also why Mary Wilson is still relevant and still actively performing today. Jean Terrell allowed herself to become a footnote.
Sad to say it-- but it DID NOT work out as she thought it would!!! and I know Diana did love Flo and no doubt sorry for her part in her demise!!!
What was she supposed to say??? Flo was a jealous drunk and got fired. If she told the truth you would have a fit.
It's called show business for a reason!! It's not about truth it is and always will be about $$$
the male narrator sounds like the announcer from lost in space!
i wonder if she's still telling that lie about Florence even though it has been well documented that Flo was thrown out of the group. i love me some Miss Ross along with Mary and the other six Supremes, but Diana should start telling the truth or don't say anything at all.
YES FLO WAS THROWN OUT BUT DIANA WILL NEVER TELL THE TRUTH --- HAVE YOU READ HER BIOGRAPHY ???? --- SUCH BS!!!! --- BUT WHEN SHE'S ON STAGE ALL IS FORGIVEN FOR FIBBIN 'SO MUCH --- HAVE LOVED HER F OR OVER 50 YEARS !!!
Otha Jett Diana and Motown were being gracious to Flo by providing that story.
It was mutual, Florence knew she was about to be kicked out so she finally went with her mom to Barry Gordys house and cut a deal.
She had to say it that way..it was just show biz..They couldn't say what really happened at the time.. image wise..
Too bad there wasn't Twitter in those days. We would have gotten the scoop in real time directly from the horse's mouth.
I loved Diana Ross my whole life, back in the day when we didn't have social media like today, but the more I see what really went on, it's like the Supremes were always right, she was more than over bearing, in the projects there's a certain word for that.!
Diana was really out here tellin lies 😂😂😂
Cisco Tink, Not the first time Diane told lies.
If wanna hear lies, listen to your girl, mary ,she told a bunch and it didn't help her at all. FOREVER DIANA ROSS!
@@freddie3206 and if it true, she's not the only one.
@@cravendubose8179…. The difference is that Mary Wilson kept a journal and she referred to it when she was writing her books. DR is a total airhead and up to now with all her experience, she’s learned nothing. She’s not modest, she’s not gracious, and she still has to dominate and not let Mary or Cindy speak. And everyone wonders why Florence had problems with DR and with Gordo!
@@Jasper7182009 Flo had problems within herself, her fault no DIANA'S..FOREVER DIANA..
Diana handled this interview supremely well. Of course Miss Ross was smart enough to follow guidelines to keep her responses free from controversy. It was all about good lessons learned from Mrs. Powell and just plain good public relations common sense in handling interviews. Some posters to this video sound as if they wanted Diana to come out with the warts about Flo. Some would have been satisfied if Diana had said that she and Mary had held Florence down on the floor while Berry Gordy poured the liquor down her throat!
AMEN!!!!!!!! Say it again please!!!!
Foolish comment. They all drank. Get your facts straight.
💖
@@michaeljacobs2954 Not a comment, but the dam truth.
@@cravendubose8179 She was positioned by Berry to be the star and screw the others. She was already competeitve and cuthroat and Berry loved her for it. The formation of the group wasn't an " accident" as Diana said. Flo formed the group and Diana came into it later. There wouldnt have been a group at all if it wasnt for Flo. Believe all the fairy tales you like. The music was magic, but Motown as a business was as dirty as it gets. And people got thrown under the bus. That's the truth.
She sounds like a baby doll
This is the reason why one of the Supremes left. Miss Ross things it was all about her. Mary and Florence made it easy for Miss Ross to be look at. Please lady give yourself a break.
That’s not the Supremes ...it’s Diana Ross and the back ups lol 😂 The Supremes and the best girl group ended in July 1967
And it never recovered.
I couldn't have said it better, Dave.
YOU AINT LYIN ABOUT IT.... BEST COMMENT AWARD GOES TO...
DIANA, THE LIES THE LIES!!!! FLO STARTED THE GROUP, AND NAMED THE GROUP!!! AND YALL KICKED FLO OUT OF THE GROUP...
Notice Diana says “they were good friends at first”.. which means they turned into nothing but business partners after a while, because they were NOTHING BUT A BRAND a part of BIG BUSINESS. It’s unfortunate, but they did love each other. Diana went to a few 70’s Supremes concerts. She attended Mary’s solo show in the 70’s. Diana and Mary went shopping in La together in the 70’s. Florence called Diana months before her death. They were like family at the end of the day. - and in this interview… you can say say Diana lied… but all I heard was someone trying to stay positive and professional. People on here criticizing her as if they never gave a politically correct response before.
This is sad. Mary and Cindy were not allowed to even talk during an interview .Thank GOD Mary had the smarts to continue on with the group after Ross left and had a Respected career without Motown or Ross. RIP Ms Wilson and Ms Ballard
YOU HEARD IT FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH.... DIANA BASICALLY SAID CINDY WAS A UNDER STUDY FOR FLORENCE BALLARD. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THEY HAVE ANOTHER UNDER STUDY WHICH WOULD BE FOR MARY WILSON IF NEED BE... BUT SHE DOESN'T HAVE ONE.... GIRL BYE
Diana Ross lied about why Florence Ballard was no longer with the group.
Did she ever! I'm sure she was coached on this question long before it was asked so you know darn well she had a prepared response.
Ultimately, Florence did make the decision to leave the group. If Diana was to say that Florence left because she was a drunk who could not fulfill her responsibilities of the group due to emotional and personal issues of rape, missing her family and being upset because she was not the lead, nor could the group she helped form move creatively in the way she thought. Thus, Florence acted out badly, which sabotaged the group so Berry had Cindy waiting in the wings just in case, which came into fruition when Berry and Flo had it out. However, Florence left and went on to marry a no good black man (their former chauffeur), who would take her money and abuse her. Then you would be pissed. Yet, that is the truth.
It's important to remember this was a different place and time. Throughout the 1950s and well into the 1960s, rape, domestic abuse and alcoholism were all swept under the rug. Flo dealt with it as best she knew how and Miss Ross (through the Motown PR machine) handled it well.
I was around in the 60s and people did not even talk about it! I never even heard of child sexual abuse until the 1990s! All of these things were around in the 60s we just did not know about them.
classanddignity Exactly!! Preach!! They don't hear you! So is that what they wanted her to say during a light-hearted interview?!
Diana Ross had a Strict PROTOCOL handed down to her at the time, by the head honchos at MOTOWN as to what she Should & should NOT say concerning Flo's role and Departure from the group. Gordy wanted to keep the young corporation Void of salacious gossip & Scandal, so this decision was upon HIS orders; Therefore Ross had little CHOICE but to comply. It's called "COMPANY SPIN", and ALL record companies practice such policies. So infact Diana Ross during this interview, was simply Doing her Job. As a by now Trained Spokesperson for the Supremes, as Well as Motown. Indeed the Public knowing the Private Details of Flo's departure was neither in Motown's, Flo's, NOR the Group's best interest at the time. So all you Jealous Ross Haters need to calm down & Have a Damn Seat. *Ms.Ross, (unLike Mary) doesn't Have to, neither does she Want to Feed the sick Gossip mills with Negative stories about the Supremes personal Infighting. It's Tacky. And Quite frankly BENEATH the Beautiful Legacy of THE SUPREMES.*💋PLus it's NOBODY'S BUSINESS but FLo's, Mary's & Diana's. So if u Love the Supremes then u should Cherish the Music & the Memories and stop Destroying their Legacy with constant Attacks and Nosy inquiries into their personal shortcomings, Disputes & failures. Instead try to Accentuate the Many POSITIVES that All THREE girls (Florence, Mary AND Diana) brought to this Magical, LEGENDARY piece of Americana known to the Kingdoms of the World as... THE SUPREMES.***🥰❤️🙏*
Oh brother!!! The spin you put on that interview and Diane’s backstabbing.
We keep hearing about an "understudy" for Mary also - but did Mary ever miss a performance and did an "understudy" ever have to take her place? I don't remember ever reading that.
The idea was to let Mary and Flo know they could be easily replaced. A scare tactic.
Yes. The Andanettes. More so for studio sessions.
The issues with Florence became bigger because she wasn’t hungry for stardom the way Diana was. She also was the one to get sicker more than Mary and Diana and that of course wasn’t supposed to happen in Berry Gordy’s mind. There’s money to be made so he worked those three young woman like road horses. Flo had a stand in one of the Andantes. Mary never had one I don’t think but he wanted to let Mary know she was no exception. He and Diana dating made matters worst in so many ways. Florence said how things changed so much in the group and how BG would make sure their hotel rooms were separated and on different floors. She said the only time she’d see Diana was on stage for she no longer recorded with them and this started in 1966 and it got worst as Flo started drinking so everything just went down hill.
@@Vincent50 …. Thank you for putting that down so well. I don’t think I’ll ever get over Florence’s departure from the Supremes. Never, never.
And I was thinking about that too. That Berry Gordy work them to death. But Florence took it hard.
I remember Diane Ross mentioning something about how the two Supremes, Mary and Cindy, had replacements. I think she said it on a Johnny Carson show. So I knew early on that Diane Ross can only think about Diane Ross.
Diana Ross is not telling the truth about Florence Ballard. Florence did not leave the Supremes on her own to go into "business, to relax and to travel" as Diana Ross falsely states. Florence never said she wanted to be off for a while to relax as Diana states. According to Mary Wilson and other documented sources Florence was told by Berry Gordy himself, that if she went onstage for the second show at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas that he would have security escort her off the stage. Berry then told Florence to go back to Detroit and that he wanted her out of the group and out of his life for good. Florence refused to leave and she and Berry argued all morning the following day. She was basically "put out" of the Supremes by Berry Gordy himself with Diana Ross's blessings. Also one can see how things have changed since Florence was put out of the group. As you can hear, Diana Ross was the only Supreme participating in this interview. Before Florence was put out Diana Ross was never interviewed by herself as all three were interviewed and asked their opinion on things. Also notice how Diana Ross makes a point of stating that although there are understudies for Mary and Cindy there cannot be an understudy for her. Diana is irreplaceable lol!
I read a newspaper article where an interviewer was interviewing Florence so- call return to the Supremes, there was a quote by Florence stating that she wanted to leave the Supremes to explore other business opportunities such as a decorator which she said she has always enjoyed and had decorated Diana's and Mary's home. She said she changed her mind and decided to come back to the Supremes. Now that could have been the story they decided to use instead of stating what she was really battling, being the that is was you know Flo and Motown was not putting her business out like that. A lot of us would like to continue to believe b/c she asked the other girls to form a group with her, that the group belong to her, The Primettes belong to the manager of the Primes and once they signed that CONTRACT (as The Supremes)with Motown they belonged to Motown!! That name belonged to Motown, Not any one particular girl. That's why later Mary fought so hard for ownership of the name once other girls came along. I don't know how true it is but Mary claimed back in the 70's she invited Florence to rejoin the Supremes and she declined. Considering the facts that Florence was missing shows, rehearsals, slapping and throwing drinks in Berry Gordy's face I can somewhat understand Motown letting her go. What would your employer do?FIRE YOU, today maybe press charges!! And I think it was a good idea that's the Story they are using instead of dragging her name through the mud. As her fans that love her that should be sufficient. It's hard for us to accept what happened but it happened!! Everyone feel hurt when they get Fired, but we have to ask ourselves what did we do to get Fired!!! PEACE to you Jack!! The Supremes 4ever!!
I LOVE DIANA ROSS,.....but the flipped, almost unheard passive-aggressive wording of her speaking on the other girls in the group: "yes, we do have stand-ins for Florence and Mary, but not for me, I just have to suffer... and the show must go on"
Now take that and juxtapose it, but also include - this is 1967. Black Americans are at a true crescendo in terms of unity and reciprocity in a national fight against the tyranny that is white male driven coward-ass racism...and if you are a Supreme, you have to walk behind Diana; not speak directly to reporters; Differ to Diana, so on and so forth!
That would wear on anyone.....
THE SUPREMES FOREVER!
DIANA ROSS AND THE SUPREMES FOREVER!
GOD IS GREAT!
RIP FLORENCE BALLARD!
RIP MARY WILSON!!!
Diana doing some revisionist history.
What did you expect her to say?? Flo got drunk and was jealous of me being the lead so she got fired?? Is that what you expected?
@@mic6434 Right. She gave a PR answer to try to preserve Flo's dignity.
Diana told one lie after another.
Wallace--- agreed---- Diana did not think of the future?? and how this would all sound like today... I know even Diana is embarrassed about this as well..
It was all Barry Gordy's doing. Don't try to make DR a bad girl. They had been together for 9 years, and times were changing, and so it goes.
@@reealitychick …. I doubt whether Diane Ross would ever be embarrassed by her statements and behavior. Then or now decades later.
Diana saying that all of them but her had a replacement was a bit awkward.
PAUSE, Yes! typical Diane, I can never be replaced. I have to suffer. Diane even had a phony speaking voice.
Diana Ross is fabulous but her mouth was out of pocket yet I will play Mary Florence and Diana music, until the day I die our people love them
Yaaaaaaaas media training, damage control, P.R...
Diana did very well for herself in this. She might have given Florence credit for getting them together, not say we formed each other. It was accidental.
The Supreme who left is mentioned, but they might have said her name. Maybe Diana did not see the near future here, but for we who have seen their future, saying Florence's clothes fit Cindy Birdsong was not a good thing to tell.
In an interview later on, Florence Ballard said she wore a size 12. She had pictures. She only looked fat when compared to Diana who was a size zero. Florence said she could tell by the reactions of men in the audience that they thought she looked OK.
I cannot tell for sure who is in these two pictures with this video. Is that Florence? They all look cute, but that navy suit with the white ric rack and the white boots looks stunning.
From listening, I think this video interview is only with Diana, not the Supremes. Anyway, I enjoyed it. I think I have watched enough Supremes to have drawn this conclusion. Diana Ross was Show Business and Performing. The others were back up. At least when they were all together. As the Dutchess of Winsor said, a woman can't be too thin or have too many diamonds.
One more thing. I have listened to much from these girl singing groups. Their grammar and enunciation is really good. They must have heard good grammar and had good school teachers growing up.
ted pope -- WTF are you on about???? Sit down before U hurt yourself.
Size 12 is huge. You can't be a success in Hollywood today if you are above a size 4. The problem was she was drinking and acting out on stage sticking her stomach out etc. She had to go.
@@mic6434 Berry Gordy and Diana harrassed her out of the group. The only thing she could do was rebel. They cut Mary and Flo's songs from the live set so Diana would be in the spotlight all the time. Read Peter Benjaminson's book Lost Supreme. Berry was a sexist pig and a pervert. The mythology around Motown is bs. It was a plantation Berry set up to serve him. Look at how many artists had to sue to get their $. Berry was a crook. Flo rebelled and got booted out by the fascist.
@@mic6434 That incident was Flo’s last performance because the pressure of what was going on pushed her over the he edge. Berry Gordy had to work on getting Cindy released from her group Patti Labelle and the Bluebells and from her record company. So he had Flo come back for he had actually fired her when they had that meeting at his mansion Spring of 1967. Upon having Flo do TV appearances and shows Cindy was brought along because she was no longer with her group. Cindy was flaunted in Flo’s face and placed in the audience to watch her perform. Berry was timing everything and Flo saw the writing on the wall and said she asked God what is going on. Flo knew the name change of the group was going to happen while they were there in Vegas. All of this came crumbling down as she had a few drinks and went on stage and yes did the unthinkable by perturbing her stomach during the part where she would say THIN MAYBE IN BUT FAT IS WHERE ITS AT! She was fired a pond sent back to Detroit while Cindy slid in her place who by the way was the same size as Florence. Flo was seeing her to be hubby at the time and her cries to him and her family probably told her not to leave but pressure, unhappiness, fear, and a clouded mind from drinks could make anyone make the worst decision ever. Berry and Diana wanted the same thing and worked hard to get it and anyone in the way was going to get run over.
Revision Of History, She Bold Face Lied! Well That Is Her History, Lies Or Not! Wow!
What was the lie?
Musicball that Florence chose to leave on her own. and that it might be temporary!
That was the lie they all chose to tell, including Florence. What did you expect them to say in response to the question?
Just dont' answer the question. Tell the interviewer to go and ask Florence herself why she left. Better than lying or speaking for Florence herself. That's how I would handle the question if I was Diana.
That's not how things were done back then, and that's not how things are done when you don't want anyone to know the real deal about what was going on. There were already rumors in the street that Florence left because of behind the scenes shenanigans. There was a decision made by Motown to spin Florence's exit a certain way because to tell the truth would have made Motown look back. From Flo's perspective telling the truth would not only have outed her alcoholism (which carried a stigma that it doesn't today) but would have cast a bad light on Diana and to a lesser extent Mary, and Florence cared too much to do that. This was 1967-68. Celebrities- especially Black ones- didn't put all their dirty business in the street. Diana did exactly what she was supposed to do.
Diane had her quiver full this day. But emptied it by the end of the interview.
Shot the truth full of holes re Florence….
Funny how ppl don't listen.SMH
Diana lying about Florence's departure. What a weasel.
Jack Anthony- Did you know that Berry Gordy was absent at Flo's funeral in 1976! Diana Ross attended and told the sombering audience that Berry sends his regards! Wow
Diana Ross set up a trust for florences children
@@williamburnham6639 a tiny 10K per child
why did Diana Ross lied about that Florence Ballard that she wanted to leave the group when Florence Ballard was kicked out of the supremes something at right
Flo asked for it...you can't try to sabotage the group and fight with the man who cuts the checks and not get fired...nobody was going to baby sit her ego. The public chose Diana...Mary dealt with it and Flo didn't the rest is history.
Flo was pushed out end of story!!! Flo did not get treated very well!!! Also Flo had to endure being rape by s creep Mary herself said Flo was never the same!!! Like the old saying goes walk a mile n someone shoes before you pass on your judgement and declare end of story!!!
WELL THERE'S NO REASON TO GET THE FANS IN A FRENZY...NOBODY KNEW ABOUT POOR FLORENCE BALLARD..THIS IS 1967....HAVE TO BE PROFESSIONAL AND SHE SAYS CINDY IS A SUPREME AT HEART.. KEEP IT GOING.. THAT'S SHOW BUSINESS 🤣💓💕
…. OK, we’ll will take your comment. But please, Diane could have at least given Florence the credit for forming the group. But Diane did not. I can’t understand how any Diane Ross fan could listen to this interview and not cringe in embarrassment!!
Diane Ross fans: this is your diva … and you can have her.
don’t compare Quality to quantity Beatles can’t ever be like the talented elegant chic top songs THE Supremes , Diana too vain claiming she ain’t got no under study ! You stole Flo place ! How dare you !
Stoled Flo's place..? Damn you people create your own reality. Diana didn't owe Flo shit and Flo certainly didn't feel she owed Diana anything or she wouldn't have tried to destroy the group along with Berry's vision for the future. Fire her ass.
Flo's place has always been, behind Diana or beside Diana.
OH MY GOSH lol she refers to herself as DIANE, in 1967!!! That's so weirddddddd
Diane IS her name!!!!!
kurtsupreme omg no thats not! Stop saying that shit! She was born DIANA ROSS! You trolls
rob yohn kurtsupreme omg no thats not! Stop saying that shit! She was born DIANA ROSS! You trolls
Proves Mary didn't lie about that in her 1st book....
Actually her parents named her Diane. A clerical error On her birth certificate says Diana.
I don't have an under study as well. I think my job is out to kill me, literally. Lol. Maybe that's a good thing, if Diana Ross worked around the clock.
I think Diana Ross did not have an "under study" because she was smart. If she had broken a leg or caught a cold or something Mary or Florence could have just moved right in.
Thank God Jean Terrell finally replaced her!
Ted Pope Absolutely, she was smart especially when it came to the business of things. That's why she's been able to have longevity in her career. She did spiral out of control either. She knew who she was and where she was going.
Ted Pope She's still touring, as well. She must drink a Red Bull and eat a snickers every morning. Lol!!
DetroitLives313 Jean Terrell was a great song too. The Supremes lasted pretty long.
Fudging Florence; this should have been titled DR interview ONLY
"MOD"
AND PLANS SHE WOULD HAVE.... WOW.. TARZAN.. LOL.. SEE SHE SEES NO LIMITS ON HER SKIN COLOR.. SHE'S GONNA BE JANE!
The Beatles was a white British group. Gosh! You can’t compare them to the Motown era. The Troubled black suffered, season, there soul. mr. Harry hippie!
I understudied Mary. LOL. HAPPY BDAY MA LOVE!
Un-Hippies?!!
This is why The Supremes get very little respect in the music world by critics, etc... This interview just portrays them as singing puppets, and Berry Gordy just makes every decision for them. They don't write any of their own songs, they don't even choose their own material. The extent of their control in their career is their dresses and their nail polish.
🎉
The Supremes are wel Respected in the world today thanks to Mary Wilson.
Well isn’t that a nasty comment about the Supremes. I have never heard anyone put down an insulting or nasty comment about the Supremes as a group.
Let’s just say that your circle of critics in their music world is dominated by men, white men. That says it all.
And since you cannot name any of these so-called music critics but the rest of us still know the Supremes and each of their names and all the songs, there goes the lasting impact of your music critics.
Geez, Judy Garland never wrote a note or word of music, and she is the greatest entertainer of all time. What song did Bing Crosby right? Oh that’s right, no song.
What a stupid comment you made. You should delete it.
And She Stole Cindy Birdsong from Pattie Labelle, Pattie hated Diana for 30 yrs
Patty isn't all that, she Holla to dam much for me.Cindy wanted be in a group where #1records were being made, she couldn't get that with Patty. SO SHE SAID BYE,BYE PATTY, as you know the rest is history.
@@cravendubose8179 Patti said in her autobiography that she was more upset about the way Cindy left than about the fact that Cindy left. Cindy kept everything to herself until she officially joined The Supremes, but could she have done otherwise? Cindy knew Patti and the other ladies in the group better than us, and she probably knew better than to tell them anything. The Bluebells were not anywhere near the extraordinary level of fame of the supremes, and I honestly don't think they would have understood that they literally couldn't say anything to anyone about what was going on in The Supremes. I don't think Cindy was wrong in being concerned that her former groupmates would sabotage her chance at being a Supreme.
Lies about Florence
Scripted
Otha:Get Effie over it. Flo lost ambition. Listening her solo compilation album she did not have the commercial voice. You don’t become successful worrying about the fact that you want to be successful. Frankly, all the hoopla about Flo being the best singer is a personal assessment. I am and have always be a Diana Ross. This gets so boring. John Lennon was criticized for his relationship with Yoko Ono. The belated Linda Eastman-McCartney could never be a considered a singer. Let it go child and get on with life.
Boch: You get a super thumbs up on your post.
I tend to agree. Florence, Mary, and Diana all were good singers, but Diana had the commercial voice.
Motown already had big female R&B groups. Mary as lead would have taken the group in a Marvelettes direction. Florence as lead would have taken the group closer to the Vandellas. Gordy wanted a pop female group in a different lane. Diana's voice and singing style accomplished that.
If you compare Diana to other white female singers in the early to mid 60s -- Lesley Gore, Shelley Fabares, Petula Clark, and others -- Diana could have easily song their hits, and audiences wouldn't have even been sure it was a black woman singing.
I really like some of Florence's solo material, but her voice wasn't so distinctive. Even so, I thought It Doesn't Matter How You Say It and Love Ain't Love both had hit potential. Of course, neither song reached its potential because of Florence being blackballed.