IMO one of the best performances of Diana Ross and the Supremes. great choreography and vocals (although i'm guessing pre-recorded). still a classic clip
As much fun as it was to watch Diana Ross & The Supremes preview their latest single recordings on the Ed Sullivan Show, it was fantastic to see them perform "standards." I retrospect they were SO far ahead of the curve musically for their time! Thanks for sharing this particular clip which I haven't seen before!
Fantastic trio. At 3'55'' of this show and for a few seconds, the rythm changes and shows the fantastic Diana's capabilities.of seduction and feminity while singing. I adore her.
I hadn't seen this before. I got so much of my American standard knowledge from The Supremes...Rodgers and Hart,Funny Girl...all educational for me as a kid. This performance was wonderful. Mary and Cindy actually got to sing!
one of my favorite performances by them the choreography and the whole staging was ahead of its time this should have been the supreme live performances dvd
+babybluemusic42.7 All I cna think is that the people who put out these things want the public to think "the Supremes stood absolutely still when they sang". Plus a LOT of clips (not this one, thank God,) not just of the Supremes, would like viewers to think "everything on TV in the 1960s was in black and white." Oh well.
I'm not talking about her being a solo artist--only a great harmonizer. Ross is singing melody,Cindy is almost inaudible (though doing some kind of tight harmony) and Wilson is carrying the low. They sound excellent together, but Wilson is supplying the harmony. I saw Mary live about 5 years ago and thought she sounded better than she ever had--she was much more of a singer. She never had the machine behind her: Gordy saw the star potential in Ross and he ran with it--with reason.
Branner Mary said Cindy was a gentle lower (second) soprano than Flo, who was a first, so was closer in nature to her own mezzo. Thus she usually faded in the harmonies. Cindy had a similar problem when she was in the Bluebelles, where Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx overpowered her.
My Favorite DMC lineup performance. All glam, all glitz and Supreme performance. Mary, always smiling. That's stage presence, charm and engaging. Go ladies.
Definitely! He alto is distinct here. I saw her perform live in Detroit in 2012, and it was wonderful to see her still doing what she loves after so many decades in the biz.
My favorite Supremes television appearances: 1965: Diana, Mary, Florence - HULLABALOO "Back in My Arms Again/You're Nobody" 1966: Diana, Mary, Florence - ED SULLIVAN "My World is Empty" 1967: Diana, Mary, Cindy - HOLLYWOOD PALACE "Reflections/Lady is a Tramp" 1969: Diana, Mary, Cindy - this Ed Sullivan performance!
exactly - i purposely left his "they are great" comment in lol. for one thing, i agree with him lol. but also he really did love the Supremes and specifically because of performances like this. he realized that not only were the girls tremendously talented but that they were all-around performers. they weren't just interested in singing their hits
Those who know anything about the true workings of berry and Diana ALSO realize that it was Gil &Diana's ideas to give Mary her solo spots and had to fight the objections of Berry,Fuqua &Allen who felt the public came to hear Diana's leads. Those same people would know Diana was exhausted and Gil was trying to take care of her and it was her idea to give her spot in people to Mary - again against objections. Harvey told me about some of those sweet smiles - I guess that's open to interpretation.
I keep saying it on social media, Diana Ross can separate herself from the Supremes but she will always be a Supreme. Her best work was with The Supremes period! I am not taking anything from her solo work but her Supremes work was more adventurous.
The Ed Sullivan Show was never missed in my home.. I was just a kid always loved the Supremes as an adult love them even more... Going to see Miss Ross Jan 11th 2nd row from the stage smack in the middle..I am sure she knows but I would love the opportunity to tell her how much of her life is a part of mine in the most positive of ways..
If Diana had started her career as a solo artist, then she wouldn't have had the career she had--and she'd be the first to tell you that. Mary Wilson was one of the greatest harmony singers of the entire rock era.
It was great to see a recent weeknight Sullivan compilation episode on the Decades Channel that included this performance appearing crystal-clear as originally aired, albeit with some moments edited out to fit the half-hour program, for my first time ever. 👍
BRAVO!!!! For Ed Sullivan that have his team creating the choreograph and musical arrangements on which all three members of the group, Diane Ross, Mary Wilson & Cindy Birdsong vocals were all intricately and artistically orchestrated!
I'm pretty sure they were singing live. There's even a part where Cindy keeping on singing "oh, your kisses, wow, your kisses" and she's supposed to stop. However, there's also the part when Diana is "jazzing up the song and Mary and Cindy tap her on the shoulder and mime "no" and then they singing "believe me" and you can hardly hear them.
Those who know anything about the true workings of berry and Diana realize that he was showing the world her versatility and superstar talent. Group meetings? They had like 5 in the 10 years at Motown - what are you smoking? Gil Askey put the live & TV shows together with Johnny Allen and Harvey Fuqua. Then took the ideas to Berry to approve/change etc. Nothing was decided by ANY Supremes. Diana was rehearsed early as she had more to learn. Diana was JUST as surprised - FYI.
Diana didn't have lots of training at all - quite the opposite.She was nailing varying genres of music in high school. Singing in a more commercial key happened by accident - but her talent as a creative vocalist and entertainer was there and seen at their audition, and is the only reason they were signed. She was a natural. Mary & Flo had strong voices for blending, but were weak pop vocalists - especially Flo. Mary was emerging and became a great balladeer. Sadly, Mary wanted to be a pop star.
The Supremes quality was their sound and elegance which was all three had. diana ross wouldnt be who she is if it wasnt for florence and mary. just from the audio of live tapes shows that diana wasnt a spotlight natural. anytime you hear the audience saying sing flo and she is singing backup says it all lol. and they knew florence had it too a lot of the pictures of late 65 to 66 shows florence in the center of the group in live concert pics and album covers
You can't be serious with this. Lmao. If you think someone other than Diana Ross was the centerpiece of all things Supreme then you're a fool. The Supremes were never ever about Florence Ballard. Mary Wilson can lay a far greater claim.
As far as Jean Terrell goes, you ask who she was? Well Jean sung lead on the Supremes truly last smash hit Stoned love that"s what. She was the lady and Singer Mary Wilson had to clap and dance behind after Diana Ross left the group. She also told Mary Wilson that she didn"t care how long she has been in the group because you ain"t nothing but a background singer Mary. Priceless!!!
Yes, they're definitely prerecorded--you can't get sound like that moving all over the place. But it shows artistically what they were capable of. There should have been even more of this. Thanks again!
Mary was ALWAYS more animated - even lipping to The Andantes - it's just what she chose to do. It's not a criticism - just an observation. They saw the shows - Mary knew what she was doing - as did Cindy and everyone else. Had Diana done it solo - there would have been nothing bitchy about it. Anyone looking at a 93 pound woman working 365 days a year might re-think the character assassination and focus more on the joy and pleasure of always being under pressure to carry the group and Motown.
Mary only lip synced to The Andantes on "Love Child" when they first performed it on Ed Sullivan. The second time they performed it on Ed Sullivan, Mary and Cindy used their own voices.........no Andantes!!! Knock off the "Ross revisionist history." Obviously, you are a silly "Ross as a solo act" fan trying to diminish the contributions of Mary, Flo, and Cindy. We aren't buying what you are selling!
Thanks so much for posting I've been looking everywhere for these performances! Do you have any more videos of the girls live on Ed Sullivan? I'm desperately looking for these: ‘You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You’ (10 October 1965) ‘Somewere (There’s a Place For Us)’ (Feb 20 1966) Medley: 'I Hear A Symphony'/'Stranger In Paradise'/'Wonderful, Wonderful'/'Without A Song/'Yes I Do' (Sep 25 1966) ‘The Impossible Dream’ (May 11 1969)
Yeah, I noticed it and have been waiting for a comment to see which way the cheap shot would go. Mary is not in position and, knowing Diana had to rise up effortlessly without using her hands, should have made certain she had room. I'm sure this had been covered during blocking.Knowing Mary, she probably sat too close to be sure she's in the shot. Notice how ALL of Mary's gestures are exagggggggggerated, bigger and more attention getting than Cindy's? This began when Cindy joined.See Thou Swell.
Again, I'm not good at this trivia. There are people on these sites who love to research these little details, not me; however, when I think about it, it may have been Telma Hopkins who replaced Diane at an early SUPREMES concert, not Marlene Barrows..
Hi Sam, The Impossible Dream you are looking for is my alltime fave Ross clip ever. It is on UA-cam easy to find. Check out Somewhere from Hollywood Palace - it's exquisite. I'm looking for a good version of The Symphony Medley myself. PS I dont think they did Somewhere on Ed
Kurtsupreme you can try and elevate the Supremes over Diana Ross but it won"t change anything. Diana Ross sung lead and was the Star of every smash hit the group had in the 60"s while Flo and Mary were replaced numerous times. If the public thought that Flo or Mary were stars they would of bought their solo stuff LOL!!! The fact that neither had a Solo hit should tell you something, without Diana Ross in the lineup the group was below average. Diana Ross is a Kennedy Center Honoree. Enough said.
Hey KurtSupremes which Supremes are you talking about? The 60"S version led by Legendary Singer and Star Diana Ross or the 70"s version led by Jean Terrell. Without those 2 the Supremes are a joke.
I doubt very much that camera angles from Ed Sullivan's director would have been considered cruel - deliberate or otherwise. Certainly both realized putting the very best product out there was always the #1 concern. There was no need to scheme, there were no secrets. Gordy probably didn't care what they thought - just like Jack warner and Louis B Mayer didn't care what their players thought. They were just given orders and were expected to follow them. Mary & Cindy were free to leave anytime.
I hate to burst your bubble, but this IS pre-recorded - as is Irving Berlin, Thou Swell and i et A Kick Out Of You. Impossible Dream, my alltime fave Supremes clip, is live. I'm not certain about Funny Girl as I dont watch it as much and its been a while. Yes, they had boom mics, but they were used in stationary positions usually - not for 3 people moving all around the stage singing harmony. There is proof here, but I don't want to spoil it for you. Enjoy DR&TS at their ever loving best!
I'm sorry that I reacted to you........you know how these people are with their facts about who played the piccolo on "love Child." I don't get into that! I was making the point that Diane WAS replaced.........you said that she wasn't. Thinking that you were one of those trivia nuts, I thought that I had to PROVE it! Then I thought that it was going to go on and on. Thank you for not being a trivia nut! Anyway, my point (not trivial) was that Diane could be replaced.....and was!
Once again I’ve never heard her introduce herself as Diane. And if the person on this thread knows her personally and addresses her that way than that cool.
They call Diana "diane" as way to minimize her superstardom. It is to equate her as equals with the others and mostly to disrespect her. It really pisses me off.
One of the greatest lies told in the music industry is that Diana Ross couldn't sing. Every Supreme medley performed on Ed Sullivan disproves that rumor with ease. Much like the big two artist she influenced Beyoncé and Micheal Jackson, she too is genre less.
With all my respect to Flo but I don't think that Flo would have danced so naturally like Cindy does here. On records and hits I like the Diana, Mary, Flo line up the most but when it comes to "live" performances nothing can beat the Diana, Mary, Cindy line up!!!!
Someone replaced Diane at one of their early concerts. I'm not taking the time to go through volumes and volumes of SUPREMES MEMORABILIA to come up with a name. You'll just have to take my word for it......or not! I'm not into that kind of trivia!
@@ernestbrown795 It's in one of the books..........I don't remember which one. Since you were not alive back then, you'll have to start reading up onThe Supremes and educate yourself.
@@kurtsupreme I do know and it's been well documented from a reliable source, Mary Wilson that Florence was a "no show" In New Orleans. But Diana never heard of it I searched the web and it's unimaginable that she's the ultimate professional would be a no show and someone else singing her songs. I need a credible source proof...something. Not just you saying it doesn't make it credible. BTW I've done my research, seen Mary perform and Diana perform here and abroad. I've read many books have them in my possession and just purchased "Supreme Glamour" this week. Miss Ross has called me on stage in Atlanta...twice...been a Diana Ross and Supreme fan now over 46 years
@@ernestbrown795 I don't know why I am doing this for a silly, doubting, naive "Ross as a solo act" fan like yourself; but, It wasn't hard to find the reference! On page 290, in the book, "The Supremes, A Saga of Motown Dreams, Success, and Betrayal" it states that, after Diane says on the Tonight Show that there are two stand-ins for Mary and Flo, but not for her, the following: "Jack Ashford can recall a gig in '65 when several o the Funk Brothers went out on a brief road swing backing The Supremes. We did it as the 'Earl Dyke Trio,' he says. I don't remember where we went but it was a real classy atmosphere, a Bill Gates type crowd, the smell of money. And Diane didn't want to do the gig, she refused. So, you know who they used in her place? Telma Hopkins (later of Tony Orlando and Dawn), and she sang her buns off. The crowd didn't care that Diane Ross wasn't there." Now, will you please go take your proper place among the uninformed, novice fans and leave those of us who have been experienced, informed, and devoted fans for nearly 60 years to do our work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mother of mercy............what I have to endure with you people!
@@kurtsupreme L I E S...if it doesn't make SENSE it isn't true. I found that faux article if you've done further research Telma would have been 17 years old! Do you really think Berry would have allowed this Hell No! In reality the show cancelled! There's no show without Diana she'sthe ultimate professional...Further digging stated Telma said it never happened. Much has been written changed twisted and lied. TRUTH stands it never happened. Flo missed shows as Mary stated. But Mary NEVER mentioned Diana missed shows and she was there. My final point is why would Mary and Florence sing backup behind a 17 yr old when Telma could have background while Flo or Mary could have taken the lead to be in the spotlight that longed that would have been their chance to LEAD...do you agree👍
i do think they prerecorded the vocals. just after the spot you mention it looks like Diana's ever so slightly out of sync. however they didn't have all of the electronic gimmickry like they do today. those harmonies are natural and whether live or recorded, the girls had the talent to sing that well
Why do you people try to drive me crazy with this stuff.........I don't have time for this.........I hate this! It is quoted on page 290 of "The Supremes: A Saga of Motown, Dreams, Success, and Betrayal." Apparently, it was in 1965 as reported by Jack Ashford of The Funk Brothers. Diane refused to play the gig for some reason. According to him, the crowd did not care that Diane was not there. There, now I don't want to go on and on about this...I don't care about TRIVIA!
I'm trying to elevate THE SUPREMES over Diane as a solo act............period! Get YOUR facts straights. Diane WAS replaced on stage during the Flo, Mary, Flo years (it might have been Marlene Barrows...I'll need to check the name!) and the show was NOT cancelled! Once the name was changed to DRATS, Diane was featured.......that's another story! So, Diane couldn't be replaced..........that seems to be your point! Well, if that was true.......um..........who was Jean Terrell?
Cindy could dance WAY better than Florence. It might have just been that they evolved, but all their show tunes on TV looked kind of stilted when Florence was there. Cindy really kicks her legs.
You silly "Ross as a solo act" fans kill me always diminishing the role of Mary and Flo (Cindy) to elevate Diane.If Diane's individual talents are put up against Mary, Flo or Cindy's, Diane wins; however, if you put Diane's individual talents up against the Supremes COLLECTIVELY, the GROUP wins. The Supremes were just plainly a better ACT than Diane ever was as a solo performer and it just eats you "Ross fans" UP! Sorry, FACTs ARE FACTS! The Supremes are legendary and Diane was once one of them.
Oh purleeease! you really ARE clutching at straws now! Diana was getting up and couldn't avoid brushing past mary...it was hardly a "HIT at the back of marys head"....!!!!
think of it like this, if she didnt have any talent, she wouldnt have been there. Berry would've replaced her in a heartbeat. Diana is great but it took a lot of training to get here there, if Mary and Flo had the same backing, who know what the outcome would've been
what the hell was this this is not what made the supremes famous nor i lare these the songs america wanted to hear them sing..this was preparation for diane's solo act but even then she didn't do this kind of music.. them old white folks watching ed sullivan were not going to run out and by music by these colored girls anyway.
I'm starting to like you, whatigot2say. Actually, this was a tribute to Fats Waller who composed and sang these songs during the 1930's and 40's. Very clever lyrics, good stuff - he was a talented brotha! It was by singing these popular standards that Diana Ross and the Surpremes were able to greatly maximize their fan base - they had em young, middle aged, and old. Quite a calculated endeavor on Gordy's part. Singing these types of songs also put Ross in the same lofty stratus sphere as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, et al - the old guard entertainment establishment. So actually, whatigot2say, plenty of old white folks went out and bought Diana Ross' music for themselves and their kids. Very important to note: Diana Ross was always a POP artist and not particularly an R&B singer. The media get's it wrong when referring to her in the present day by calling her "Soul Diva........" or "R&B Diva Diana Ross." That's just white America's way of saying "Black Diana Ross."
thanks for the explanation.. Gordy's decisions make a lot more sense now..an you're right Diane was catapulted to the level of Sammy Davis, frank sinatra and the rest of those standard performers.. as further evidenced by her 1960's television guest spots performing with many of the big main stream performers of the day. I think some of her television work was amazing given it wasn't the norm for a young black woman to be in that venue. I agree she was never a R&B performer although she could go there when the occasion called for it. Gordy was really quite ingenious in what he was able to foresee and accomplish.
AintThat SomeShit So what was the whole Ed Sulivan thing really about? he appeared to be smitten with the Supremes and especially DR.. was there some kind of deal going on between Sullivan and Gordy When you ook back at it his interest in them was quite unusual but without a doubt beneficial.
whatigot2say Gordy absolutely was ingenious in his approach to marketing Diana Ross and the Supremes. The vast majority of folks critiquing them only consider the surface substance - the hit records, television appearances, etc. What I find fascinating is what had to have occurred behind the scenes - the business end of things. Let us give consideration to what was going on in this country at the time Ross, Gordy, and Motown came to prominence - segregation and the Civil Rights movement. Ross and Gordy most certainly encountered a lot of racial barriers along the way, and I give special mention to Ross as SHE was Motown's flag ship performer. It wasn't only the other two Supremes who benefited, but the rest of the Motown clan trailed behind her, gathering the opportunity she left for them in her wake. It was the Supremes who first appeared on Ed Sullivan and at the Copacabana, etc - the others followed. Ross had the voice, the style and charisma, the look and charm, the rare star quality - hell, she even had the name to set her apart from not only the others at Motown, but also others already established in the industry. Her main contemporary competition was Barbra Striesand. It irks me that so many flagrantly dismiss her achievement and contribution and success. Those jackasses don't have the depth of comprehension necessary to form an intelligent opinion on the matter. Motown's level of success was gargantuan - so much so that at one point during the Summer of 1968, FIVE of the Billboard top ten hits were Motown songs, including the top three spots! She was a trailblazer - she is an historic luminary who deserves much respect for the subtle, yet still effective contribution she made toward race relations in this country. She played a part in it all as she was always highly visible and very, very famous. Gordy intentionally fostered an atmosphere of stiff competition at Motown, and Ross should not be inundated with mean spirited detraction by sore loser sympathizers just for being THE winner. Marvin Gaye, himself, conceded by stating "she will out sing, out dance, and out perform you at every stop and turn." Why in the world should anyone not be inclined to reward admiration to such a fiercely competitive winner? Why?
whatigot2say Ed Sullivan goes way back to the 1930's Harlem/NYC Jazz scene, and he was actually born in Harlem. He had always been a proponent for black music/musicians. In fact, the great Billie Holiday once remarked about Ed Sullivan in the 1950's "He'll never have me on his show because he remembers that he and I used to smoke Hop (opium) together in Harlem." As far as Sullivan's special interest in Diana Ross goes, she had an immense and special talent which could not be denied. He had been an MC for decades - introducing entertainment acts is what he always had done, long before he ever had a television show. He certainly developed a discernible eye for great talent along the way. True, being on the Sullivan show gave Diana Ross and the Supremes great, consistent exposure. Also true, it gave the show guaranteed high ratings - they made for a "really big shew!" Performing a number is half the battle, pulling it off is the other half, and Ross ALWAYS managed to pull if off. I'm sure you've seen her Caesar's concert. When she goes out into the audience and has them hold hands and sing along - that's not easy to do. She just always made it look easy, and no one else dared to do it but her. And obviously, he always remarked how great they were after a performance because they really were great, second only to the Beatles.
Fabulous Diana Ross & The Supremes !
As much fun as it was to watch Diana Ross & The Supremes preview their latest single recordings on the Ed Sullivan Show, it was fantastic to see them perform "standards." I retrospect they were SO far ahead of the curve musically for their time! Thanks for sharing this particular clip which I haven't seen before!
Diana was Broadway ready...such a natural and could sing anything and sing it well
Fantastic trio. At 3'55'' of this show and for a few seconds, the rythm changes and shows the fantastic Diana's capabilities.of seduction and feminity while singing. I adore her.
I hadn't seen this before. I got so much of my American standard knowledge from The Supremes...Rodgers and Hart,Funny Girl...all educational for me as a kid. This performance was wonderful. Mary and Cindy actually got to sing!
one of my favorite performances by them the choreography and the whole staging was ahead of its time this should have been the supreme live performances dvd
+babybluemusic42.7 All I cna think is that the people who put out these things want the public to think "the Supremes stood absolutely still when they sang". Plus a LOT of clips (not this one, thank God,) not just of the Supremes, would like viewers to think "everything on TV in the 1960s was in black and white." Oh well.
diana, mary & cindy, the cream of the crop.
No Andantes here! This is the REAL DEAL! Diana, Mary and Cindy! Woo hoo!
+revin togo The real deal was Diane, Flo, and Mary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@roberta.lofgrenjr.7485 Flo was a horrible dancer , Cindy actually kept up
Miss Foxx keep your opinion to yourself
Miss Foxx I think I’ll pass..but thanks tho... I ain’t kissin a stanky a$$
@@anthonyanderson4350 Thats not the point. Just kiss it
Sullivan had the biggest smile. He was in total awe of them
My favorite performance by the Diana-Mary-Cindy lineup. They were an excellent trio.
Vocally, this is the best performance by Diana, Mary & Cindy. Everything works and the harmonies in the middle (2:37) are tight.
You can tell Ed really loved this performance!
Great costumes, good flow and they show the girls' legs off beautifully.
Ed Sullivan absolutely loved The Supremes!
Tremendous! Great harmony!!!
I'm not talking about her being a solo artist--only a great harmonizer. Ross is singing melody,Cindy is almost inaudible (though doing some kind of tight harmony) and Wilson is carrying the low. They sound excellent together, but Wilson is supplying the harmony.
I saw Mary live about 5 years ago and thought she sounded better than she ever had--she was much more of a singer. She never had the machine behind her: Gordy saw the star potential in Ross and he ran with it--with reason.
Branner Mary said Cindy was a gentle lower (second) soprano than Flo, who was a first, so was closer in nature to her own mezzo. Thus she usually faded in the harmonies. Cindy had a similar problem when she was in the Bluebelles, where Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx overpowered her.
Pure talent on all fronts!
cindy wa gorgeous and seemed to be loving it all.
Never get tired of watching and listening this fantastic performance 💎💎💎
Supreme performance...especially that spectacular ending.
My Favorite DMC lineup performance. All glam, all glitz and Supreme performance. Mary, always smiling. That's stage presence, charm and engaging. Go ladies.
The best girl group ever!!1
Supremes made 17 appearances on Ed Sullivan! When you made Sullivan show you was getting major TV exposure. Remember no cable just ABC NBC and CBS
.......Supremely Satisfied.........
i have seen rehearsal footage photographs with Cindy and Mary wearing different colored outfits and with all three ladies wearing different wigs
diana ross is awesome
It’s All Three Girls.. They Are Awesome!!
They are great
Thanks a lot very much for this!
Excellent... Thank You
Mary really sounds nice in the background.
Very rich sound
Definitely! He alto is distinct here. I saw her perform live in Detroit in 2012, and it was wonderful to see her still doing what she loves after so many decades in the biz.
My favorite Supremes television appearances:
1965: Diana, Mary, Florence - HULLABALOO "Back in My Arms Again/You're Nobody"
1966: Diana, Mary, Florence - ED SULLIVAN "My World is Empty"
1967: Diana, Mary, Cindy - HOLLYWOOD PALACE "Reflections/Lady is a Tramp"
1969: Diana, Mary, Cindy - this Ed Sullivan performance!
exactly - i purposely left his "they are great" comment in lol. for one thing, i agree with him lol. but also he really did love the Supremes and specifically because of performances like this. he realized that not only were the girls tremendously talented but that they were all-around performers. they weren't just interested in singing their hits
LOVE IT!!
For all the disharmony that was supposed to be going on between them, when they were on stage, they were so on!
Like Ed said at the end, "They ARE great!"
Always in the in the background the stylish lMiss Mary Wilson.
I copied this style for my prom dress back in 68. I made mine pink.
Those who know anything about the true workings of berry and Diana ALSO realize that it was Gil &Diana's ideas to give Mary her solo spots and had to fight the objections of Berry,Fuqua &Allen who felt the public came to hear Diana's leads. Those same people would know Diana was exhausted and Gil was trying to take care of her and it was her idea to give her spot in people to Mary - again against objections. Harvey told me about some of those sweet smiles - I guess that's open to interpretation.
I keep saying it on social media, Diana Ross can separate herself from the Supremes but she will always be a Supreme. Her best work was with The Supremes period! I am not taking anything from her solo work but her Supremes work was more adventurous.
I think she became a much better singer post Supremes. By the mid to late seventies her voice had matured became fuller more sensual.
The Ed Sullivan Show was never missed in my home.. I was just a kid always loved the Supremes as an adult love them even more... Going to see Miss Ross Jan 11th 2nd row from the stage smack in the middle..I am sure she knows but I would love the opportunity to tell her how much of her life is a part of mine in the most positive of ways..
If Diana had started her career as a solo artist, then she wouldn't have had the career she had--and she'd be the first to tell you that. Mary Wilson was one of the greatest harmony singers of the entire rock era.
It was great to see a recent weeknight Sullivan compilation episode on the Decades Channel that included this performance appearing crystal-clear as originally aired, albeit with some moments edited out to fit the half-hour program, for my first time ever. 👍
BRAVO!!!! For Ed Sullivan that have his team creating the choreograph and musical arrangements on which all three members of the group, Diane Ross, Mary Wilson & Cindy Birdsong vocals were all intricately and artistically orchestrated!
This is the same wig she wore when they performed Forever Came Today.
Same Show 🔴🔴💛
I'm pretty sure they were singing live. There's even a part where Cindy keeping on singing "oh, your kisses, wow, your kisses" and she's supposed to stop. However, there's also the part when Diana is "jazzing up the song and Mary and Cindy tap her on the shoulder and mime "no" and then they singing "believe me" and you can hardly hear them.
Completely agree with you.
There is another Fats Waller medley similar to this one on Ed Sullivan I have it on VHS. I wonder why it's not one youtube???
Those who know anything about the true workings of berry and Diana realize that he was showing the world her versatility and superstar talent. Group meetings? They had like 5 in the 10 years at Motown - what are you smoking? Gil Askey put the live & TV shows together with Johnny Allen and Harvey Fuqua. Then took the ideas to Berry to approve/change etc. Nothing was decided by ANY Supremes. Diana was rehearsed early as she had more to learn. Diana was JUST as surprised - FYI.
Diana didn't have lots of training at all - quite the opposite.She was nailing varying genres of music in high school. Singing in a more commercial key happened by accident - but her talent as a creative vocalist and entertainer was there and seen at their audition, and is the only reason they were signed. She was a natural. Mary & Flo had strong voices for blending, but were weak pop vocalists - especially Flo. Mary was emerging and became a great balladeer. Sadly, Mary wanted to be a pop star.
Diana Ross and the Supremes did perform somewhere on sullivan when they sang My world is empty without you for the first time
Thanks very much! There's a video of them doing 'Somewhere' on Sullivan on the US iTunes but I'm from the UK and it's not available here...
The Supremes quality was their sound and elegance which was all three had. diana ross wouldnt be who she is if it wasnt for florence and mary. just from the audio of live tapes shows that diana wasnt a spotlight natural. anytime you hear the audience saying sing flo and she is singing backup says it all lol. and they knew florence had it too a lot of the pictures of late 65 to 66 shows florence in the center of the group in live concert pics and album covers
You can't be serious with this. Lmao. If you think someone other than Diana Ross was the centerpiece of all things Supreme then you're a fool. The Supremes were never ever about Florence Ballard. Mary Wilson can lay a far greater claim.
Nope get real. The Supremes wouldn't have been who they were without Diana Ross. Mary and Flo were lucky.
I remember thinking "I bet Diana passed gas on Mary and Cindy while she was on the piano, but they were too professional to break character."
As far as Jean Terrell goes, you ask who she was? Well Jean sung lead on the Supremes truly last smash hit Stoned love that"s what. She was the lady and Singer Mary Wilson had to clap and dance behind after Diana Ross left the group. She also told Mary Wilson that she didn"t care how long she has been in the group because you ain"t nothing but a background singer Mary. Priceless!!!
You got that right Mr. ibens!!!! Like you, I also like the originals on lps and hits . . . but for something like this, you can't beat Birdie
Yes, they're definitely prerecorded--you can't get sound like that moving all over the place. But it shows artistically what they were capable of. There should have been even more of this. Thanks again!
Mary was ALWAYS more animated - even lipping to The Andantes - it's just what she chose to do. It's not a criticism - just an observation. They saw the shows - Mary knew what she was doing - as did Cindy and everyone else. Had Diana done it solo - there would have been nothing bitchy about it. Anyone looking at a 93 pound woman working 365 days a year might re-think the character assassination and focus more on the joy and pleasure of always being under pressure to carry the group and Motown.
Mary only lip synced to The Andantes on "Love Child" when they first performed it on Ed Sullivan. The second time they performed it on Ed Sullivan, Mary and Cindy used their own voices.........no Andantes!!! Knock off the "Ross revisionist history." Obviously, you are a silly "Ross as a solo act" fan trying to diminish the contributions of Mary, Flo, and Cindy. We aren't buying what you are selling!
Thanks so much for posting I've been looking everywhere for these performances! Do you have any more videos of the girls live on Ed Sullivan? I'm desperately looking for these:
‘You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You’ (10 October 1965)
‘Somewere (There’s a Place For Us)’ (Feb 20 1966)
Medley: 'I Hear A Symphony'/'Stranger In Paradise'/'Wonderful, Wonderful'/'Without A Song/'Yes I Do' (Sep 25 1966)
‘The Impossible Dream’ (May 11 1969)
Anyone know the original air date? Thanks in advance.
March 24th 1968
Yeah, I noticed it and have been waiting for a comment to see which way the cheap shot would go. Mary is not in position and, knowing Diana had to rise up effortlessly without using her hands, should have made certain she had room. I'm sure this had been covered during blocking.Knowing Mary, she probably sat too close to be sure she's in the shot. Notice how ALL of Mary's gestures are exagggggggggerated, bigger and more attention getting than Cindy's? This began when Cindy joined.See Thou Swell.
Absolutely correct. Mary did that many many times.
Again, I'm not good at this trivia. There are people on these sites who love to research these little details, not me; however, when I think about it, it may have been Telma Hopkins who replaced Diane at an early SUPREMES concert, not Marlene Barrows..
Hi Sam,
The Impossible Dream you are looking for is my alltime fave Ross clip ever. It is on UA-cam easy to find. Check out Somewhere from Hollywood Palace - it's exquisite. I'm looking for a good version of The Symphony Medley myself. PS I dont think they did Somewhere on Ed
Kurtsupreme you can try and elevate the Supremes over Diana Ross but it won"t change anything. Diana Ross sung lead and was the Star of every smash hit the group had in the 60"s while Flo and Mary were replaced numerous times. If the public thought that Flo or Mary were stars they would of bought their solo stuff LOL!!! The fact that neither had a Solo hit should tell you something, without Diana Ross in the lineup the group was below average. Diana Ross is a Kennedy Center Honoree. Enough said.
Hey KurtSupremes which Supremes are you talking about? The 60"S version led by Legendary Singer and Star Diana Ross or the 70"s version led by Jean Terrell. Without those 2 the Supremes are a joke.
I doubt very much that camera angles from Ed Sullivan's director would have been considered cruel - deliberate or otherwise. Certainly both realized putting the very best product out there was always the #1 concern. There was no need to scheme, there were no secrets. Gordy probably didn't care what they thought - just like Jack warner and Louis B Mayer didn't care what their players thought. They were just given orders and were expected to follow them. Mary & Cindy were free to leave anytime.
They didn't do Somewhere on Ed Sullivan - perhaps you are thinking of The Hollywood Palace - it's a killer clip.
I hate to burst your bubble, but this IS pre-recorded - as is Irving Berlin, Thou Swell and i et A Kick Out Of You. Impossible Dream, my alltime fave Supremes clip, is live. I'm not certain about Funny Girl as I dont watch it as much and its been a while. Yes, they had boom mics, but they were used in stationary positions usually - not for 3 people moving all around the stage singing harmony. There is proof here, but I don't want to spoil it for you. Enjoy DR&TS at their ever loving best!
Why did Diane did that at 4:09 ??
She called Mary and Cindy SQUARES, haha
Is this the same show where they did the Berlin medley? Looks like the same wigs. If so, they sure were busy that night.
I'm sorry that I reacted to you........you know how these people are with their facts about who played the piccolo on "love Child." I don't get into that! I was making the point that Diane WAS replaced.........you said that she wasn't. Thinking that you were one of those trivia nuts, I thought that I had to PROVE it! Then I thought that it was going to go on and on. Thank you for not being a trivia nut! Anyway, my point (not trivial) was that Diane could be replaced.....and was!
I wish I knew where David was so that 'You'll know that I am
Lol I laugh when people call her Diane. Her name is Diana Ross.
That Is How They Know Her.. Diane.. As They Became More Professional.. She Decided To Use Her Name Diana..
Once again I’ve never heard her introduce herself as Diane. And if the person on this thread knows her personally and addresses her that way than that cool.
They call Diana "diane" as way to minimize her superstardom. It is to equate her as equals with the others and mostly to disrespect her. It really pisses me off.
@@alvinblake7982 In early interviews she would introduce herself as Diane. After 1964 she started using Diana.
The Marie and Flow stans call her Diane as a dig.
One of the greatest lies told in the music industry is that Diana Ross couldn't sing. Every Supreme medley performed on Ed Sullivan disproves that rumor with ease. Much like the big two artist she influenced Beyoncé and Micheal Jackson, she too is genre less.
With all my respect to Flo but I don't think that Flo would have danced so naturally like Cindy does here. On records and hits I like the Diana, Mary, Flo line up the most but when it comes to "live" performances nothing can beat the Diana, Mary, Cindy line up!!!!
Underneath those wigs....Ross is bald.
Someone replaced Diane at one of their early concerts. I'm not taking the time to go through volumes and volumes of SUPREMES MEMORABILIA to come up with a name. You'll just have to take my word for it......or not! I'm not into that kind of trivia!
FAKE NEWS!!! I NEED PROOF!!!
@@ernestbrown795 It's in one of the books..........I don't remember which one. Since you were not alive back then, you'll have to start reading up onThe Supremes and educate yourself.
@@kurtsupreme I do know and it's been well documented from a reliable source, Mary Wilson that Florence was a "no show" In New Orleans. But Diana never heard of it I searched the web and it's unimaginable that she's the ultimate professional would be a no show and someone else singing her songs. I need a credible source proof...something. Not just you saying it doesn't make it credible. BTW I've done my research, seen Mary perform and Diana perform here and abroad. I've read many books have them in my possession and just purchased "Supreme Glamour" this week. Miss Ross has called me on stage in Atlanta...twice...been a Diana Ross and Supreme fan now over 46 years
@@ernestbrown795 I don't know why I am doing this for a silly, doubting, naive "Ross as a solo act" fan like yourself; but, It wasn't hard to find the reference! On page 290, in the book, "The Supremes, A Saga of Motown Dreams, Success, and Betrayal" it states that, after Diane says on the Tonight Show that there are two stand-ins for Mary and Flo, but not for her, the following: "Jack Ashford can recall a gig in '65 when several o the Funk Brothers went out on a brief road swing backing The Supremes. We did it as the 'Earl Dyke Trio,' he says. I don't remember where we went but it was a real classy atmosphere, a Bill Gates type crowd, the smell of money. And Diane didn't want to do the gig, she refused. So, you know who they used in her place? Telma Hopkins (later of Tony Orlando and Dawn), and she sang her buns off. The crowd didn't care that Diane Ross wasn't there." Now, will you please go take your proper place among the uninformed, novice fans and leave those of us who have been experienced, informed, and devoted fans for nearly 60 years to do our work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mother of mercy............what I have to endure with you people!
@@kurtsupreme L I E S...if it doesn't make SENSE it isn't true. I found that faux article if you've done further research Telma would have been 17 years old! Do you really think Berry would have allowed this Hell No! In reality the show cancelled! There's no show without Diana she'sthe ultimate professional...Further digging stated Telma said it never happened. Much has been written changed twisted and lied. TRUTH stands it never happened. Flo missed shows as Mary stated. But Mary NEVER mentioned Diana missed shows and she was there. My final point is why would Mary and Florence sing backup behind a 17 yr old when Telma could have background while Flo or Mary could have taken the lead to be in the spotlight that longed that would have been their chance to LEAD...do you agree👍
did anyone notice diana ross hits the back of mary head at 3.02 ?
Jervarrio Curenton She didnt hit Mary in purpose... she was trying to get up
i do think they prerecorded the vocals. just after the spot you mention it looks like Diana's ever so slightly out of sync. however they didn't have all of the electronic gimmickry like they do today. those harmonies are natural and whether live or recorded, the girls had the talent to sing that well
Why do you people try to drive me crazy with this stuff.........I don't have time for this.........I hate this! It is quoted on page 290 of "The Supremes: A Saga of Motown, Dreams, Success, and Betrayal." Apparently, it was in 1965 as reported by Jack Ashford of The Funk Brothers. Diane refused to play the gig for some reason. According to him, the crowd did not care that Diane was not there. There, now I don't want to go on and on about this...I don't care about TRIVIA!
I'm trying to elevate THE SUPREMES over Diane as a solo act............period! Get YOUR facts straights. Diane WAS replaced on stage during the Flo, Mary, Flo years (it might have been Marlene Barrows...I'll need to check the name!) and the show was NOT cancelled! Once the name was changed to DRATS, Diane was featured.......that's another story! So, Diane couldn't be replaced..........that seems to be your point! Well, if that was true.......um..........who was Jean Terrell?
Cindy could dance WAY better than Florence. It might have just been that they evolved, but all their show tunes on TV looked kind of stilted when Florence was there. Cindy really kicks her legs.
You silly "Ross as a solo act" fans kill me always diminishing the role of Mary and Flo (Cindy) to elevate Diane.If Diane's individual talents are put up against Mary, Flo or Cindy's, Diane wins; however, if you put Diane's individual talents up against the Supremes COLLECTIVELY, the GROUP wins. The Supremes were just plainly a better ACT than Diane ever was as a solo performer and it just eats you "Ross fans" UP! Sorry, FACTs ARE FACTS! The Supremes are legendary and Diane was once one of them.
Oh purleeease! you really ARE clutching at straws now! Diana was getting up and couldn't avoid brushing past mary...it was hardly a "HIT at the back of marys head"....!!!!
think of it like this, if she didnt have any talent, she wouldnt have been there. Berry would've replaced her in a heartbeat. Diana is great but it took a lot of training to get here there, if Mary and Flo had the same backing, who know what the outcome would've been
what the hell was this this is not what made the supremes famous nor i lare these the songs america wanted to hear them sing..this was preparation for diane's solo act but even then she didn't do this kind of music.. them old white folks watching ed sullivan were not going to run out and by music by these colored girls anyway.
I'm starting to like you, whatigot2say. Actually, this was a tribute to Fats Waller who composed and sang these songs during the 1930's and 40's. Very clever lyrics, good stuff - he was a talented brotha! It was by singing these popular standards that Diana Ross and the Surpremes were able to greatly maximize their fan base - they had em young, middle aged, and old. Quite a calculated endeavor on Gordy's part. Singing these types of songs also put Ross in the same lofty stratus sphere as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, et al - the old guard entertainment establishment. So actually, whatigot2say, plenty of old white folks went out and bought Diana Ross' music for themselves and their kids. Very important to note: Diana Ross was always a POP artist and not particularly an R&B singer. The media get's it wrong when referring to her in the present day by calling her "Soul Diva........" or "R&B Diva Diana Ross." That's just white America's way of saying "Black Diana Ross."
thanks for the explanation.. Gordy's decisions make a lot more sense now..an you're right Diane was catapulted to the level of Sammy Davis, frank sinatra and the rest of those standard performers.. as further evidenced by her 1960's television guest spots performing with many of the big main stream performers of the day. I think some of her television work was amazing given it wasn't the norm for a young black woman to be in that venue. I agree she was never a R&B performer although she could go there when the occasion called for it. Gordy was really quite ingenious in what he was able to foresee and accomplish.
AintThat SomeShit So what was the whole Ed Sulivan thing really about? he appeared to be smitten with the Supremes and especially DR.. was there some kind of deal going on between Sullivan and Gordy When you ook back at it his interest in them was quite unusual but without a doubt beneficial.
whatigot2say
Gordy absolutely was ingenious in his approach to marketing Diana Ross and the Supremes. The vast majority of folks critiquing them only consider the surface substance - the hit records, television appearances, etc. What I find fascinating is what had to have occurred behind the scenes - the business end of things. Let us give consideration to what was going on in this country at the time Ross, Gordy, and Motown came to prominence - segregation and the Civil Rights movement. Ross and Gordy most certainly encountered a lot of racial barriers along the way, and I give special mention to Ross as SHE was Motown's flag ship performer. It wasn't only the other two Supremes who benefited, but the rest of the Motown clan trailed behind her, gathering the opportunity she left for them in her wake. It was the Supremes who first appeared on Ed Sullivan and at the Copacabana, etc - the others followed. Ross had the voice, the style and charisma, the look and charm, the rare star quality - hell, she even had the name to set her apart from not only the others at Motown, but also others already established in the industry. Her main contemporary competition was Barbra Striesand. It irks me that so many flagrantly dismiss her achievement and contribution and success. Those jackasses don't have the depth of comprehension necessary to form an intelligent opinion on the matter. Motown's level of success was gargantuan - so much so that at one point during the Summer of 1968, FIVE of the Billboard top ten hits were Motown songs, including the top three spots! She was a trailblazer - she is an historic luminary who deserves much respect for the subtle, yet still effective contribution she made toward race relations in this country. She played a part in it all as she was always highly visible and very, very famous. Gordy intentionally fostered an atmosphere of stiff competition at Motown, and Ross should not be inundated with mean spirited detraction by sore loser sympathizers just for being THE winner. Marvin Gaye, himself, conceded by stating "she will out sing, out dance, and out perform you at every stop and turn." Why in the world should anyone not be inclined to reward admiration to such a fiercely competitive winner? Why?
whatigot2say Ed Sullivan goes way back to the 1930's Harlem/NYC Jazz scene, and he was actually born in Harlem. He had always been a proponent for black music/musicians. In fact, the great Billie Holiday once remarked about Ed Sullivan in the 1950's "He'll never have me on his show because he remembers that he and I used to smoke Hop (opium) together in Harlem." As far as Sullivan's special interest in Diana Ross goes, she had an immense and special talent which could not be denied. He had been an MC for decades - introducing entertainment acts is what he always had done, long before he ever had a television show. He certainly developed a discernible eye for great talent along the way. True, being on the Sullivan show gave Diana Ross and the Supremes great, consistent exposure. Also true, it gave the show guaranteed high ratings - they made for a "really big shew!" Performing a number is half the battle, pulling it off is the other half, and Ross ALWAYS managed to pull if off. I'm sure you've seen her Caesar's concert. When she goes out into the audience and has them hold hands and sing along - that's not easy to do. She just always made it look easy, and no one else dared to do it but her. And obviously, he always remarked how great they were after a performance because they really were great, second only to the Beatles.
This whole segment stinks.