i read a book about The Supremes...........

[elfranco]

.....and it shattered me. It floored me when I discovered for the first time the things that happened to Florence Ballard. The book by Mark Ribowski entitled "The Supremes A Saga of Motown Dreams, Success and Betrayal". The reason why I had no idea about the details Ms. Ballards career and her death. I also had no idea abour Diana Ross and berry Gordy. I didn't know because at the time I was not in focus of these thinghs. There are many groups I loved as a teenager. As I grew older and got married at the ripe age of 20, I moved on. Now, at 58, I spend lots of time reading and researching. My wife and I read all the time and I really suck up books like this. I know that in show business that people sometimes have an agenda. But to misuse and abuse a person and allow that person to deteriorate to death because of personal gain is so typical and unacceptable. Of course, I listen to The Supremes differently know that I know much more about the musicians and how the procees was put together. It's a very good read if you were ever in to The Supremes.

 

[elfranco]

Okay, just let me say that the 3 back up singers used at many times in the studio (The Andantes) couldn't sing at all compared to Flo and Mary. The Andantes were course, too brassy and had no melodic ability. They were robots controlled by the Gordy machine. They recorded when the "other" Supremes were on the road. Diana Ross was so bad when she started out they had to coach her. They did so at any cost because of the Gordy machine. It just pisses me off that people get effed with because someone else cheats to get ahead. They should be crushed and broken.

 

[elfranco]

Wow, I'm on the pay no mind list.

 

[LG]

Not a big fan of the Supremes Elfranco, no surprise there.

Many of the bands back then were totally controlled by their managers and labels so I'm not surprised by any revelations that come out years later about who did what to who to get ahead.

 

[ladyislingering]

Totally missed this thread.

Loads of heartbreaking, awful things happened to groups of young girls back in the day when it came to these "girl groups" - since marketing will always mean loads in the music business, these things go unseen. Management wants to sell the records. They want to get the cut, and they don't give a damn who they have to walk all over to do it.

Ronnie Spector (Veronica Bennett) had written a book about her experiences through being "a Fabulous Ronette". Fascinating material, but some of these things were pretty commonplace back in the day.

 

[LG]

It was a really corrupt business Lady, payola for radio station disc jockeys, managers demanding "favors" from their clients, just like the old casting couch during the golden age of Hollywood.

Music is a tough business, and I have nothing but respect for those who's love and commitment to their calling overcame all obstacles in their way.