The Supremes Dury Lane Theatre 1977

[aarondillon2011@gmail.com]

Can someone please post the song list from their final concert again please :-)

[longtimefan]

Everybody Gets To Go to the Moon
Let Yourself Go
Stoned Love
Memories / Maybe This Time
Sixties Hits Medley
Knocks Me Off My Feet
What About Today
A Song For You / How Lucky Can You Get
I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do the Walking

[aarondillon2011@gmail.com]

Thank you....Not a long list though.

[blueskies]

I used to have the show on cassette tape [[the quality of the sound was only so-so at best). It did seem like a rather short show as I remember. Wonder if anyone else was on the bill with them?

[luke]

Whats Knocks Me Off My Feet?

[reese]

I think Billy Ocean was on the bill as well.

The cassette that's been making the rounds might be edited. I can't believe this would be the entire final performance. mary mentions some additional songs in her second book.

KNOCKS ME OFF MY FEET is a Stevie Wonder song from his SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE album. I believe Susaye sang it in the show.

[marv2]

I think Billy Ocean was on the bill as well.

The cassette that's been making the rounds might be edited. I can't believe this would be the entire final performance. mary mentions some additional songs in her second book.

KNOCKS ME OFF MY FEET is a Stevie Wonder song from his SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE album. I believe Susaye sang it in the show.

Yes Billy Ocean was the opening act for Mary's Farewell Show.Mary is trying to get a copy of it from the company that taped it and broadcast it originally in the U.K.

[longtimefan]

Unless something was editied out, the program that I listed above was 50 minutes long. By the way, the 11 minute "Sixties Medley" was:

Someday We'll Be Together; You Keep Me Hangin' On; Baby Love; Love Child; Stop! In the Name of Love; and, My World is Empty Without You.

Actually, My World is Empty Without You was 4 minutes of the 11 minute medley.

[marv2]

I have the show on audio tape somewhere. It's been years since I've listened to it. There were clips of it on Youtube.

[marv2]

I believe the concert was broadcast on Capital Radio at the time.

[theboyfromxtown]

It's been on Capital Radio a few times - but I've only heard excerpts which, as a fan, I would want to edit out all of the dj copmmentary.

The latest 45 was "Love I Never Knew You Could Feel So Good" and I can still remember fans singing it with gusto outside the theatre to encourage the ladies to meet and greet. They didn't come out but it was still fun.

Billy Ocean was a superb support act.

[copley]

They also sung 'Corner Of The Sky'.

[luke]

Thx Reese. Was their publicity about this in the USA?

[marv2]

Thx Reese. Was their publicity about this in the USA?

There was quite a bit that ran in news columns and afterwards pictures from the show were released. We did not have the internet or these TV Entertainment Magazine Shows like we have today LOL! I remember the picture of
Mary standing onstage with her toddler daughter and many pictures of the after party.

[marv2]

Here are a couple of shots from the Farewell Show in 1977:

[reese]

Thx Reese. Was their publicity about this in the USA?

There might have been, but I didn't see any. I didn't even really know that the group was disbanded until I walked into a record store one day, and saw Mary's first solo album.

[Drew P. Nads]

I have a cd copy of this show and the playlist is:

[[Band and intro)
Everybody gets to go to the moon
Let yourself go
Stoned love
[[Dialogue)
The way we were
Maybe this time
Someday we'll be together
You keep me hanging on
Where did our love go
Baby love
Love child
Stop in the name of love
My world is empty without you
[[Intro Susaye): I don't want to bore you
[[Intro Scherrie): What about today
[[Dialogue: Mary)
Your song
How lucky can you get
I'm gonna let my heart do the walking

It last about 50 minutes in all. The 'old' Supremes segment lasts about 10 minutes

[theboyfromxtown]

Drew

I seem to recall some celebration and the ladies toasted that on stage. Can you remember who it was for and why?

Is this an audio cd rather than a video CD? I'd love to see myself with hair again! HAHA

[Drew P. Nads]

Drew

I seem to recall some celebration and the ladies toasted that on stage. Can you remember who it was for and why?

Is this an audio cd rather than a video CD? I'd love to see myself with hair again! HAHA

There is nothing like this on my cd. It is an audio cd and I have no idea where it originated from. I got it via a mate and always assumed it was some kind of internet bootleg caper.
So, were you and your full head of hair at one of those final concerts? LOL!
I only listened to it last week and, to my mind, it is spoilt a little by Scherrie's vocals in places. Don't get me wrong! I love her voice. 'Chasing me into somebody else's arms' is on my Top 10 of all time [[and certainly the best thing to come out of Ian Levine's Nightmare/MotorCity stint), but she can tend toward 'shriekage' if not reined-in a little.

[longtimefan]

Drew and I have posted the same listing, so that must be the correct one. The main mention of this being their last show is Mary stating that she is "scared" but excited to be a solo act, while asking the crowd to support Scherrie and Susaye as they continue as The Supremes.

[kenneth]

When I was shopping for bootleg concert CDs on Ebay several years back, I was told by a seller who had both that the Supremes Live in Montreux [[sp?) set was much better quality than the Drury Lane final concert set. I did purchase the Montreux and I was satisfied with the quality though naturally it was not recorded professionally at the time. I don't have it in front of me but one notable difference in the song selection is that Montreux included a great version of "High Energy," one of my favorite post-Diana Supremes songs.

[westgrandboulevard]

the boyfromxtown

Unless it was a completely different show [[and I wouldn't rule that out...!) wasn't mention made during the show [[by Scherrie, I think) of Mary being 'with child', or some very similar description...??

Mary then patted her bump with a beaming smile, to great applause.

Scherrie & Susaye seemed genuinely delighted for her.

[theboyfromxtown]

Roger

I think you are right. Did that not precede Turkessa being brought on stage, and I think it was when Mary sung "How Lucky Can You Get". I thought that rendition by Mary was the highlight of the show.

Did you join the fans calling out to the ladies for a "meet and greet" type thing. That was hilarious.

Drew
I didn't feel that Scherrie was shrieking. I was a big fan of Scherrie [[still am) and really enjoyed seeing here for the first time. I was hoping she might have done her Invictus material, but that was clearly wishful thinking on my part

My full head of hair WAS at that concert.....sadly , no more though!

[westgrandboulevard]

theboyfromXtown

Yes, in turn, I think you also are right. Turkessa was then brought on stage...and I agree with you that Mary's "How lucky can you get" was a highlight. It was the first time I really heard Mary go for it, full blast. She plainly started to weep during the song [[similar to the way she was affected during 'Somewhere' in the late 60's, at the Palladium...) and, when she pulled the microphone away at the end, she could clearly be heard by all of us, up in the circle. Got a standing ovation.

The other highlights were [[a) Susaye's "Knocks me off my feet", a performance which gently spread its wings, and then took full flight. You could feel the audience willing her to just soar. Another standing ovation.

...and [[b) Scherrie Payne [['The Payne Killer'). I love Scherrie's voice, and her whole stage manner. Not only a great singer, but a real stage artist and entertainer..and the two don't always go hand in hand.

No, I didn't join the other fans for the singing. Knew nothing about it! Anyway, it was a Sunday [[I think...) so you'll understand that I would of course have been in a hurry to get to Church, before midnight....

Just like you, my full head of hair also attended that show. The teeth that accompanied me then are the same that accompany now wherever I go..and, yes, they still remain in my head each time they are cleaned!

Drew

Shrieky? Mmmm, no, I'm inclined to say not, although there is another, very talented Supreme lady who I do find can sometimes move into that territory.

Sure, Scherrie can give that voice full projection, whenever she wants...but she can also lob an emotion into the audience, as if using a feather, and still hit the mark full on, if she so wishes....

[blueskies]

Is the Dury Lane Theater still there?

[smark21]

When did Knocks me off my Feet replace He Ain't Heavy as Susaye's solo in the Supremes show?

[marv2]

Is the Dury Lane Theater still there?


Yes. Here is an interview Mary did earlier this month at the Drury Lane Theater in London. In it she reminisces about her farewell performace with the Supremes:

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist/ITN/2011/03/02/R02031101/?setlng=true&save=Save&v=0&a=0

[blueskies]

Yes. Here is an interview Mary did earlier this month at the Dury Lane Theater in London. In it she reminisces about her farewell performace with the Supremes:

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist/ITN/2011/03/02/R02031101/?setlng=true&save=Save&v=0&a=0

Thanks Marv. Nice interview and I see the Dury Lane is still there!

[theboyfromxtown]

Roger...would that be the church at Hampstead Heath! And I don't believe you still have your own hair AND teeth, and the only way to prove it is to come out with us all on 7 May. *blows raspberry*



Hey guys, it's Drury Lane...not Dury Lane. The theatre is just a few minutes away from the [[very grand) Savoy Hotel.

[theboyfromxtown]

Yes. Here is an interview Mary did earlier this month at the Dury Lane Theater in London. In it she reminisces about her farewell performace with the Supremes:

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist/ITN/2011/03/02/R02031101/?setlng=true&save=Save&v=0&a=0

Marv....you're the man. Well done for finding this clip.

[detmotownguy]

Marv thanks for posting! She is a beautiful woman and gives an articulate interview.

[marv2]

You're welcome. What I find most amazing is that the Farewell Show was held on June 12, 1977 and today is March 29, 2011 and I am listening to Mary Wilson's new record "Life's Been Good to Me"! LOL!!!!

[blueskies]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatre_Royal,_Drury_Lane

Quite a grand, old theater.

[Motown_M_1056]

There might have been, but I didn't see any. I didn't even really know that the group was disbanded until I walked into a record store one day, and saw Mary's first solo album.


Once again, I agree with Reese. I don't remember reading much in American publications about the Supremes' farewell show aside from Carl Feurebacher's Supremes newsletters, some clippings sent over from UK papers and there was a cassette tape of the show that circulated among fans. There was no major media coverage in the US. Most of the American public didn't know the Supremes were still together in 1977, much less that they had disbanded. Heck, that same year, Tony Orlando's nervous breakdown and break-up with Dawn received more media attention in America.

The Supremes went out with a wimper...not a bang, in my opinion.

[blueskies]

Once again, I agree with Reese. I don't remember reading much in American publications about the Supremes' farewell show aside from Carl Feurebacher's old newsletter, some clippings sent over from UK papers and there was a cassette tape of the show that circulated among fans. There was no major media coverage in the US. Most of the American public didn't know the Supremes were still together in 1977, much less that they had disbanded. Heck, that same year, Tony Orlando's nervous breakdown and break-up with Dawn received more media attention in America.

The Supremes went out with a wimper...not a bang, in my opinion.

Wow......the reference to Carl Feurbrebacher's newsletter brought back a lot of memories. I think I used to get that newsletter....many, many years ago. Is Carl still around and is he still involved with The Supremes/Mary Wilson is any way? I haven't heard Carl's name mentioned in eons.

[copley]

Carl Feuerbacher is still very alive & involved Motown/Supremes wise. Check him out on Facebook.

[marv2]

Here is Mary with Carl Feuerbacher and Scherrie Payne last September at the Catalina Grille.

[blueskies]

You come up with the neatest pics, Marv. Was Mary performing there and Scherrie there to support her?

[marv2]

Yes Mary's departure from the Supremes was covered in U.S. Newpapers, Jet Magazine,etc,etc and yes in the fan club newsletter. There were also columns that ran in the press about potential replacements for Mary, I remember. Susaye can probably fill you in too on the articles. The only entertainment news in 1977 that I can recall that received MAJOR coverage was the death of Elvis Pressley.

I'm sorry you missed it, but in Detroit and Toledo were received the news coverage in the papers.

[marv2]

You come up with the neatest pics, Marv. Was Mary performing there and Scherrie there to support her?

Thank you blueskies. Yes Scherrie was there along with about dozen or so of Mary's Hollywood buddies.

[REDHOT]

I really wish that i could have been at THE SUPREMES,MARY,SCHERRIE and SUSAYE'S farwell show,i have a copy of the show on cd, that was a fan gave me,he had a great copy on casette,and he put it on cd for me,we[[fans) never knew that,that was the ferwell SUPREMES SHOW,for even SCHERRIE and SUSAYE,They were great together.
Please stay positive

[Motown_M_1056]

I really wish that i could have been at THE SUPREMES,MARY,SCHERRIE and SUSAYE'S farwell show,i have a copy of the show on cd, that was a fan gave me,he had a great copy on casette,and he put it on cd for me,we[[fans) never knew that,that was the ferwell SUPREMES SHOW,for even SCHERRIE and SUSAYE,They were great together.
Please stay positive

I forgot, Mary Wilson's departure from the Supremes might have also been given a page in Jet and written about in SOUL newspaper. But Mary herself was in with the editors and Walter Burrell of SOUL and she fed them news herself. BURRELL WAS THE ONLY COLUMNIST that I recall who mentioned possible replacements for Mary.
I don't know about Detroit or newspapers in Toledo, but, DUH, why wouldn't the end of the Supremes have been news in those cities? But the Supremes' farewell was not covered in Life, Ebony, Time, Newsweek, People magazine or any of the major, national publications that I read. They tried, but Mary leaving the Supremes just didn't get the press attention that Diana leaving the Supremes generated.

[marv2]

I forgot, Mary Wilson's departure from the Supremes might have also been given a page in Jet and written about in SOUL newspaper. But Mary herself was in with the editors and Walter Burrell of SOUL and she fed them news herself. BURRELL WAS THE ONLY COLUMNIST that I recall who mentioned possible replacements for Mary.
I don't know about Detroit or newspapers in Toledo, but, DUH, why wouldn't the end of the Supremes have been news in those cities? But the Supremes' farewell was not covered in Life, Ebony, Time, Newsweek, People magazine or any of the major, national publications that I read. They tried, but Mary leaving the Supremes just didn't get the press attention that Diana leaving the Supremes generated.

No, Rona Barrett [[remember her?) she covered it, this national columnist Earl [[I can't remember his last name now) covered it. Billboard gave mention to it. I don't remember if we were even still reading Life Magazine in 1977. It may not have gotten the press that Diane's leaving in 1970 got, but there were more people with the opportunity to hear about Mary's departure in 1977 if they wanted to than in 1970. I think your point is to compare right? But the facts remain, it was a news story if not a Earth shattering one at the time.

[Motown_M_1056]

No, Rona Barrett [[remember her?) she covered it, this national columnist Earl [[I can't remember his last name now) covered it. Billboard gave mention to it. I don't remember if we were even still reading Life Magazine in 1977. It may not have gotten the press that Diane's leaving in 1970 got, but there were more people with the opportunity to hear about Mary's departure in 1977 if they wanted to than in 1970. I think your point is to compare right? But the facts remain, it was a news story if not a Earth shattering one at the time.


Rona Barrett. That's a name people barely remember these days. Where is she? And Earl "what's his name?" You can't even remember his name. If you're referring to Earl WILSON. His time had come & gone by 1977. Who was reading his column?
I don't revise history, but state what I remember and the Supremes' farewell in 1977 wasn't major news because most people didn't care by 1977. If it got such major press attention and masses of people around the world knew about it, why did Mary rehire two Supremes for that tour of South America or wherever?

[marv2]

Rona Barrett. That's a name people barely remember these days. Where is she? And Earl "what's his name?" You can't even remember his name. If you're referring to Earl WILSON. His time had come & gone by 1977. Who was reading his column?
I don't revise history, but state what I remember and the Supremes' farewell in 1977 wasn't major news because most people didn't care by 1977. If it got such major press attention and masses of people around the world knew about it, why did Mary rehire two Supremes for that tour of South America or wherever?

I couldn't say most people didn't care. I do know it was story of interest. Masses of people never really cared about Diane leaving.....it's just show biz! She hired Cindy Birdsong and Debbie Sharpe [[according to her second book), because there were Supremes contract obligations to perform in South American during the summer of 1977 that Motown was not going to honor.

[detmotownguy]

Marv:
I hope you have a sprinkler system in case of a fire to protect all your pics. Where the heck do get them all? Anyway, when I lived in Detroit, there was plenty of coverage and discussion that Mary was leaving the group. I remember her doing a radio show discussing the departure. Folks were suprised. I remember people discussing the fact that their last two albums were real good. Interesting, because it has been mentioned that their album sales were not stellar, but people were familiar with their latest material, especially High Energy and Let My Heart Do The Walking. A friend of mine owned a record store and stated that High Energy sold out, but was unable to get more albums. He put the display out in front of the store in the mall and proved to be a good marketing effort. There were other Motown releases at the sametime as this release. I can't believe we are still talking bout these wonderful ladies thirty five years later!

[Kamasu_Jr]

Why would Motown have had to honor a contract for a tour it was not legally obligated to uphold?
The Supremes or Mary & her manager at the time signed the contracts, probably took the advance money and had to honor that obligation. Motown was a record business. It never toured.
From what Motown historians have said, Scherrie Payne & Susaye Green decided against going to S. America with Mary because she had announced she was leaving the Supremes. But she wanted back in for this tour because she was legally obligated and could have been sued personally.

You could have great photos too if you searched the internet for them and appropriated them the way some people on the forum do without giving proper credit.

[marv2]

Why would Motown have to honor a contract for a tour it was not legally obligated to uphold?
The Supremes or Mary & her manager at the time signed the contracts, probably took the advance money and had to honor that obligation. From what Motown historians have said, Scherrie Payne & Susaye Green decided against going to S. America with Mary because she had announced she was leaving the Supremes. But she wanted back in for this tour.

You could have great photos too if you searched the internet for them and appropriated them the way some people on the forum do.

You answered your own question without realizing it. The shows called for "The Supremes" to perform. Mary Wilson was no longer in the Supremes. Motown owned the name, trademark and Scherrie and Susaye Greene were still "The Supremes". Mary did not want back in "The Supremes" because of the South American tour. She did it because the contracts for the tour were signed well in advance of her leaving the Supremes officially. I have many photos that I have scanned from my own collection as well.

[theboyfromxtown]

Marv

Are you sure Motown owned the name? There was a lot of stuff going on a few years later about Mary giving up her share of the name. Or was that all a smoke screen?

[Kamasu_Jr]

You answered your own question without realizing it. The shows called for "The Supremes" to perform. Mary Wilson was no longer in the Supremes. Motown owned the name, trademark and Scherrie and Susaye Greene were still "The Supremes". Mary did not want back in "The Supremes" because of the South American tour. She did it because the contracts for the tour were signed well in advance of her leaving the Supremes officially. I have many photos that I have scanned from my own collection as well.

Yeah, right!

[marv2]

Rona Barrett. That's a name people barely remember these days. Where is she? And Earl "what's his name?" You can't even remember his name. If you're referring to Earl WILSON. His time had come & gone by 1977. Who was reading his column?
I don't revise history, but state what I remember and the Supremes' farewell in 1977 wasn't major news because most people didn't care by 1977. If it got such major press attention and masses of people around the world knew about it, why did Mary rehire two Supremes for that tour of South America or wherever?

Earl Wilson's column originated from the New York Post and ran from 1942 until 1983.

[marv2]

Marv

Are you sure Motown owned the name? There was a lot of stuff going on a few years later about Mary giving up her share of the name. Or was that all a smoke screen?

Yeah, Motown owned the name in 1977. Mary was granted 50% ownership in 1974 but stood only to benefit from it if the name or company were sold. She sued Motown's ass in 1977, they settled. hehehehehe! In 1990, Mary and Berry Gordy sat down and had a "conversation" about the name. There was money involved is all I know! LOL!!!

[Kamasu_Jr]

Yeah, Motown owned the name in 1977. Mary was granted 50% ownership in 1974 but stood only to benefit from it if the name or company were sold. She sued Motown's ass in 1977, they settled. hehehehehe! In 1990, Mary and Berry Gordy sat down and had a "conversation" about the name. There was money involved is all I know! LOL!!!

How does a company - a non-human entity made up of individuals - have an ass?
You see John, how untruths and distortions get repeated as facts. Read your history books on Motown. And if JobeteRob were here, he could gather information from sources regarding that lawsuit. The way I read, someone got played and it wasn't Motown.

[chestersong]

Amen, about internet photos!
Mary wanted back into the group and I wouldn't be surprised if this tour wasn't her way of showing just how bad she wanted the supremes back for billing.

[luke]

Mary owned half the right to the name IF Motown sold it. And apparently Berry sold the name along with Motown in the 80s. I think Mary referred to it and said he got $1!!!! Unreal. The Supremes were on the upswing in '76. However, Mary seems to say in her book that the group getting booed at MSG was the straw that broke the camel's back.

[captainjames]

If I remember correctly didn't Mary cave or give up her rights and claim to the Supremes ? I remember being told that she had them and didn't know it so she caved.

[theboyfromxtown]

Kamasu

Us guys in the UK always got very limited information. We don't have access to the sources you guys have in the States.

I am sure the UK only got an "official version" and you learn [[over the years) to take it with a pinch of salt.

[marv2]

How does a company - a non-human entity made up of individuals - have an ass?
You see John, how untruths and distortions get repeated as facts. Read your history books on Motown. And if JobeteRob were here, he could gather information from sources regarding that lawsuit. The way I read, someone got played and it wasn't Motown.

No, see you really don't know what you are talking about.

[marv2]

Mary owned half the right to the name IF Motown sold it. And apparently Berry sold the name along with Motown in the 80s. I think Mary referred to it and said he got $1!!!! Unreal. The Supremes were on the upswing in '76. However, Mary seems to say in her book that the group getting booed at MSG was the straw that broke the camel's back.

Yeah, well we told her and all of them not to do it [[that MSG gig), but noooooooooo! LOL!

[marv2]

If I remember correctly didn't Mary cave or give up her rights and claim to the Supremes ? I remember being told that she had them and didn't know it so she caved.

Nah, she didn't cave in. She explains in detail what happened in her Updated book from 2000. She does not go into detail about her talk with Berry in 1990. Although I know they did and there was a resolution satisfactory to both parties at that time.

[marv2]

Kamasu

Us guys in the UK always got very limited information. We don't have access to the sources you guys have in the States.

I am sure the UK only got an "official version" and you learn [[over the years) to take it with a pinch of salt.


What you have in Mary's books and what I am telling here is about all that can and will be said about it all.

[marv2]

Amen, about internet photos!
Mary wanted back into the group and I wouldn't be surprised if this tour wasn't her way of showing just how bad she wanted the supremes back for billing.

You are wrong. That is not what Mary says! LOL!

[Kamasu_Jr]

I'M STILL LOOKING FOR MY COMPANY'S ASS SO I CAN SUE IT. BUT APPARENTLY IT DOESN'T HAVE ONE.;):p

[marv2]

I'M STILL LOOKING FOR MY COMPANY'S ASS SO I CAN SUE IT. BUT APPARENTLY IT DOESN'T HAVE ONE.;):p


Weren't you born the year after all this happened? LOL!

[Kamasu_Jr]

weren't you born the year after all this happened? Lol!

I was born the year it happened. But my dad kept detailed files including press releases from Motown, clippings from Soul newspaper, etc. I've been reading since I was three.

[smark21]

Didn't Mary and Pedro start a company called Supremes, Inc? And it was Supremes, Inc that had to keep the contractual obligation for that South American tour?

[marv2]

Didn't Mary and Pedro start a company called Supremes, Inc? And it was Supremes, Inc that had to keep the contractual obligation for that South American tour?

That is true! However, Mary was led to believe that everything involving the Supremes was being turned over to Scherrie Payne, Susaye Greene and Motown! When she learned different, she had to get out there on that road and sing "Baby Love" or get sued! LOL!

[captainjames]

Wow this seems like so long ago but you are right the contract agreement was through Supreme Inc. And it was through that contract that the keeper of it was responsible. Susaye, I am sure would remember it better. Susaye and Scherrie were not responsible for those tour dates and any promises made by mouth was simply that....... "by mouth".


Didn't Mary and Pedro start a company called Supremes, Inc? And it was Supremes, Inc that had to keep the contractual obligation for that South American tour?

[skooldem1]

What I don't understand is how can Mary go out and declare she was leaving the group. Did she not know, or did her husband/manager not remember he booked those dates?

[captainjames]

.................Ok now I am going t leave that one alone.


What I don't understand is how can Mary go out and declare she was leaving the group. Did she not know, or did her husband/manager not remember he booked those dates?

[skooldem1]

Its been a while since I read her second book. I don't recall the circumstances.

[luke]

Marv-has Motown ever explained why they fought Mary on the name when the Vandellas, Temptations etc got theirs "back"?

[tomato tom]

I remember meeting Scherrie later, and she was a real sweetheart. I remember her vividly saying, after we had a brief chat, sorry, gotta go, we gotta lot to get through..Will never forget that. Its what makes us fans forever, no?...Paulo xxx

[marv2]

Marv-has Motown ever explained why they fought Mary on the name when the Vandellas, Temptations etc got theirs "back"?

They never explained it officially, at least not to me. But you have to know that they knew that there was a ton of money to be potentially made from "The Supremes" back catalog of recordings. As Abner once implied, they could have put any three female singers out there and call them the Supremes legally. Whether the public would buy that is another matter entirely.

[luke]

Well thats kind of fallacious reasoning as the Tempts got their name back and Im sure have continued to generate royalties for their recordings to Motown.

[StuartUK]

any chance anyone could send a copy of the show please. Even though I live in england have never heard this. Please email me at neil_dud@hotmail.com with subject as supremes please.

thanks

Neil


I have a cd copy of this show and the playlist is:

[[Band and intro)
Everybody gets to go to the moon
Let yourself go
Stoned love
[[Dialogue)
The way we were
Maybe this time
Someday we'll be together
You keep me hanging on
Where did our love go
Baby love
Love child
Stop in the name of love
My world is empty without you
[[Intro Susaye): I don't want to bore you
[[Intro Scherrie): What about today
[[Dialogue: Mary)
Your song
How lucky can you get
I'm gonna let my heart do the walking

It last about 50 minutes in all. The 'old' Supremes segment lasts about 10 minutes

[StuartUK]

Forgive me for asking this of you as you dont even know me nor i you. But any chance you could email me a rip of that cd to me please?? I would be very greatful.



any chance anyone could send a copy of the show please. Even though I live in england have never heard this. Please email me at neil_dud@hotmail.com with subject as supremes please.

thanks

Neil

[Drew P. Nads]

Forgive me for asking this of you as you dont even know me nor i you. But any chance you could email me a rip of that cd to me please?? I would be very greatful.

On it's way tomorrow!

[luke]

What was said by the ladies at that last show about the future of the Supremes?

[marv2]

What was said by the ladies at that last show about the future of the Supremes?

Susaye is a member here. Maybe you could ask her ?

[theboyfromxtown]

What was said by the ladies at that last show about the future of the Supremes?

As far as I recall, nothing was said. After the show us fans were outside the theatre screaming and shouting for the ladies to greet us and to explain what was happening. Whilst we were waiting, there was a lot of discussion [[as a a result of confusion and lack of information) about what was or was not going to happen.

[luke]

Interesting, thanks boy. So was the focus during the show just on Mary leaving as opposed to the Surpemes stopping?

[theboyfromxtown]

Luke

Not really, it was the Supremes and we were just happy to see them. Sure, there were lots of unanswered questions but it was a great show and those issues only happened after the show had finished and fans were eager to know about the future.

Mary brought out Turkessa [[which was so very endearing) and they toasted Motown's anniversary. Whilst the show was on, nobody cared about the future cos we were having such a good time.

As a Brit, I was very conscious that the last performance was in the UK and not in America. Even more so, it was in my home town in London and not in, say, Detroit. I felt a bit bad about that.

The UK embraced Susaye and Scherrie with open arms. The three girls together were a class act and it really was a shame that there was no more. But hey, all good things come to an end. I was a bit upset that Partners wasn't released here and I shall never understand why that was so. That was a really good album.

[Ramone Verona]

But at that time, weren't the Supremes still going to continue on?
It was Mary's farewell, not the Supremes, correct?
Good thing the show WAS in the UK because, sadly, at that time in their careers, the States would have been quite passé over "the situation". We throw our artists away, unfortunately.

[theboyfromxtown]

Ramone

US Brits were not as privy as you guys to the wealth of information available. And I think it's fair to say that we were not sure if the Supremes were to continue.

I regretfully have to agree with you, America does regard many of the artists as passe. Brenda Holloway, Kim Weston, Chris Clark and the Velvelettes have all said that to me and I don't understand why that should be. Yet when these artists do perform, they earn excellent reviews.

[luke]

I am a bit confused. Wasnt the show advertised as a farewell show?

[chestersong]

it was "Farewell to Mary". in the final show, both Mary and the others wish each other well in their futures; as a solo act and as they continue on as the supremes. have you not been fortunate enough to have heard the bootlegs? and the new Final Sessions also describes what went down.

[theboyfromxtown]

Luke-I thought it was the Supremes farewell show when I booked but by the time of the concert, I wasn't so sure. Others were also confused. Supremes fans are notorious for having insider information and convincing the rest of us of it. I listened to that gossp and was confused.

Chestersong-I don't remember that at all and I don't have bootlegs. Who wrote it in the liner notes for Final Sessions?

[luke]

Shouldnt Scherrie and Susaye have honored the contracts??

[kenneth]

I know that Mary discusses this issue in her "Supreme Faith" book, but I'm not sure it answers Luke's question. I'm guessing that the contracts, which by that time I believe were negotiated by Mary's then husband Pedro Ferrer, were specific as to Mary being part of the trio. That might explain why Motown wasn't able to effect the MW replacement and honor the remaining gig commitments with Payne and Greene. Another possibility is simply that Motown decided on its own to abandon the idea of perpetuating the Supremes group with a new third member so simply decided to let MW and two backup singers work off whatever commitments remained.

[luke]

Thx boy and Kenneth. Didnt Motown threaten Mary per the name Supremes went SHE went to fulfill the obligation?! They didnt waste any time harassing Miss Wilson!

[Ramone Verona]

And it has to due will Mary and her "Supremes Corporation" at the time.
She hired Scherrie and Susaye, but contracts were under Mary's corp.
S & S didn't have to honor anything since the contracts didn't legally belong to them.
They were just hired hands at the time.
Rick B. can explain it much better and has in the past.
Yes the bootleg recording of that final concert has Scherrie wishing Mary the best and saying "Goodbye but not for long".
But before that and before Mary sings "How Lucky Can You Get", Mary SPECIFICALLY says that Scherrie and Susaye will be going on as the Supremes.
I'm sure somebody here can back that up.
Just listen to the recording.
Maybe that is where the confusion comes from since history showed this would be their last concert.
I can't see any specific author listed on the FS liner notes so maybe it was a combined effort.
The liner notes have Scherrie saying that they had picked Joyce and were writing songs when one day an "edict" came down saying the group was done per Motown, or whoever.

[chestersong]

Susaye is quoted in the booklet saying that there was a meeting in L.A. where motown executives told Susaye and Scherrie that Mary and Pedro were leaving but to get a third girl and continue as the supremes. what i was surprised to read was the part where motown wanted Mary to reform the group in 1983 with Scherrie and Cindy but that "terms" were never reached. what were the terms? what prompted motown? was it the publicity around Motown 25 anniversary? why Scherrie and Cindy? what about the other girls? did Scherrie and Cindy want this bad for themselves? i don't remember Mary giving details in any of her books. so many questions. somebody here will know a few answers, at least.

[marybrewster]

This is one subject I've always been interested in.

Going off memory, I believe the MSC reunion was discussed following the success of the movie "The Big Chill" and the semi-successful reunion of the Temptations. Suddenly there was an interest in all things Motown, and Motown wanted to capitalize on it. Mary states in "Supreme Faith" [[forgive me, I am paraphrazing here) that Suzanne dePasse was laying the groundwork, and there was never any question that Diana would return [[by this time, wasn't she at RCA anyway?) that it would be Scherrie and Cindy. Mary went to Berry to get his thoughts on a "reunion" or "regrouping" and Berry showed little to no interest. That's most likely why negotiations never went any further.

[chestersong]

oh that's right. i remember Mary saying something like if Berry wasn't behind it then she wasn't going to chance it. maybe Mary chose these girls since she always said she got along with them and they were the most dedicated.

[theboyfromxtown]

Ramone

You can see how confusing it was to poor mites like me. The fans were also contributing various theories and making the situation even more unclear. As you noted, Rick Bueche can explain it in more detail.

Didn't the Supremes go to South Africa afterwards.

Next thing I knew, Mary was on stage in the UK with 2 girls [[including Karen Ragland) in a theatre not generally associated with the Supremes.

Ramone is the Joyce, Joyce Vincent? I am a fan of that lady. That would have been an excellent choice.

[luke]

Cindy was quoted at the time 1982 per the reunion possibly coming. I think it was Mary, Cindy and Scherrie as they had the best chemistry and got along best.

[theboyfromxtown]

As much as I am also a fan of Cindy, I would not wish to sound disrespectful by saying that Susaye was in a class of her own.

[dickiemint]

David Nathan's soulmusic.com has some Supremes interviews from this time on his page, along with some footage of the Montraex performance, where Susaye is interveiwed and says that she and Scherrie were going to continue as the Supremes, but writing and producing their own material, but keep the 60's medley in the live show, an interesting read .

[Ramone Verona]

Those sped up sixties medleys were my least favorite spot in hearing copies of their live shows. Save for Scherrie's "My World", which she took to a wonderful new level. I would have preferred more of their current album or covers with their great harmonies, like "Everybody Gets To Go To The Moon".

[kenneth]

Those sped up sixties medleys were my least favorite spot in hearing copies of their live shows. Save for Scherrie's "My World", which she took to a wonderful new level. I would have preferred more of their current album or covers with their great harmonies, like "Everybody Gets To Go To The Moon".

I agree with you, Ramone. Even on the 'Live in Japan' album, Jean seems to try and do songs like "Stop! In the Name of Love," as totally different from Diane as possible and gives it a rather strange delivery, ending up so that the snippets of the Ross led Supremes songs sound like throwaways. I haven't heard the "At the Copa," "Talk of the Town" or "Farewell" LPs in so long, I'm interested to hear how the hit medleys are done by the original line up though.

[luke]

Is Cindy interviewed for the Final Sessions?

[Ramone Verona]

Yes!! And they give updates as to what MSCS are doing today.

[Motown Andy]

Yes, George Solomon spoke with Cindy. Readers with a keen eye will note we also used a quote from an older interview when putting the essay together.

[ivyfield]

This wasn't the entire show - those songs are what were played out on air from Capital Radio in London [[not the whole UK). I was there - it was an AMAZING show and tee party carried on well into the night. An event I'm so glad that I witnessed. Sunday 12th June 1977...

[chestersong]

any song you remember, Ivyfield, that wasn't broadcasted or on the bootlegs that was featured in the live show?

[theboyfromxtown]

Ivyfield

Was you in the crowd that were singing "Love I Never Knew You Could Feel So Good". That was a wonderful fun time. If you have the time, can you read what I put up on these threads. Do you think I was fair or did you remember it any differently.

And how very remiss of me for not starting out with an open arms welcome to you here on SDF.

BTW, if you're the same ivyfield that posts on Youtube, I have spent so many evenings on your channel, I probably ought to be charged rent! *smile*

[Ramone Verona]

I wonder had the Supremes continued with Joyce Vincent-Wilson [[Wilson at that time) if some causual fans would have confused the last name with Mary's? I still see some written motown biographies from time to time, from this and last decade, that refer to Mary Wilson as Mary Wells. And then there's those famous Terrell sisters; Jean and Tammi.

[theboyfromxtown]

Ramone

There were 2 famous Mary Wilson's in the UK in the 60's. The other one was the wife of our Prime Minister, Harold Wilson. Nobody confused our Mary with her!! LOL

Are you sure they were the Terrell sisters - I thought it was mother and daughter! lol

[luke]

And Mari or Meri Wilson had a hit song in the 70s called Telephone.

[marv2]

And Mari or Meri Wilson had a hit song in the 70s called Telephone.

You remember that stupid song too? LOL! I think it was called "Telephone Man" hey ladi dadi, etc,etc.

[jillfoster]

You remember that stupid song too? LOL! I think it was called "Telephone Man" hey ladi dadi, etc,etc.

Holy cow... was that the stupidest, dirtiest song around at that time? It's just plain filthy, and makes me laugh my ass off:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRWCSW3v2SU

[theboyfromxtown]

Please tell me that nobody ever confused "our" Mary Wilson with that telephone lady.

If they did, they need medical attention!

[marv2]

Coincedantally this "song" was released very shortly after Mary Wilson left the Supremes.......

[chestersong]

surprised she didn't put it on her solo album then.

[westgrandboulevard]

I'm still surprised at some of the tracks that WERE put on Mary's solo album.....!

[theboyfromxtown]

My only disappointment with Mary's solo album was that it was too short. I loved all the tracks and wanted more.

[Ramone Verona]

My only disappointment with Mary's solo album was that it was too short. I loved all the tracks and wanted more.

I knew there was something about you that I didn't like! :)
That's like having hives and wanting to slather on poison-ivy!
The ONLY reason I purchased this album years later in a cut-out bin was because I thought it was interesting that my "Meet The Supremes" LP had the Motown label on it [[with the state map) and so did Mary's vinyl so many years later.
I could never play it completely through.
Would rather listen to Ted Nugent's "Cat Scratch Fever" performed by real cats before that mess again.
Our defense should give up water-boarding and just use Mary's album!
But I will say I was happy that Mary was given a shot from Motown for a change.
The tracks probably hold up better today.
Back then in the States, that album was not the finest in disco.
A pretty cover, however.

[chestersong]

fans of Mary's more than fans of music will purchase her first solo record. this could be one of those releases from universal where it's just a straight transfer like they did in the 1980's. then if it turns out to be a sell out, then Hip-O can put out a deluxe edition if one exists. Hip-O shouldn't waste valuable release time on this one, however. have Kent or Ace do it at a budget price. doing it would at least keep things rolling for supreme fans. it might just be that the outtakes from her solo record are much better; just like we have found with other releases.

[luke]

Yes and include Marys subsequent recordings by Gus D which were great! Interesting that Hal Davis Of Love Hangover and Dont Leave Me This Way produced her. Mary liked the album overall.

[theboyfromxtown]

i knew there was something about you that i didn't like! :)
that's like having hives and wanting to slather on poison-ivy!


hahahahahahahahahaha rofl

[theboyfromxtown]

Ramone

I've not laughed like that for a long time. That was so funny. I can see you love living life on a knife edge!

Mary's first album was excellent but I accept that you needed to play it a few times to warm to it. But I did give it a chance and I got to really like it. I can actually name most of the tracks without looking it up too.

Am I really on my own here.......Captain James...throw me a lifeline! *smile*

I am uncomfortable about saying what I don't like when it comes to some artists..but if there's one song I really wish Mary didn't sing and that is Green River. I cannot get into that. Its far too much of a rock song........but it's very well received by all the fans [[except me, of course!).

I'm a bit of a romantic at heart [[that's cos I don't get it any other way!!!) so I like Mary singing the lushy ballads. Marv and Luke tend to find these videos of Mary singing stuff other than the Supremes' hits. So watch out for their posts

Hives and poison ivy......what a combination! HAHAHAHAHA

[Ramone Verona]

To make you feel more comfy, I'll check my stack of 45's for the Velvelette's version of "Green River".

[chestersong]

i never liked the album, either. it was just manufactured disco in the worst way. i felt like the songs had been written long ago, and then pulled from somebody's notebook and "discofied". but years later a friend sent me a motown release compilation of dance tracks that had one track from this solo album. it sounded better than i remembered and i believe it was because i wasn't trying to listen to a whole album of Mary disco tracks. i believe about 2 or 3 tracks from her motown solo album have been put on motown compilations over the years so maybe motown didn't think they had wasted that much time on her. the album's producer and writers and background vocalists were a good "who's who" at the time. i have no problem with Mary's vocals; it's just that the material was so far below her status and back catalog of supreme hits and covers. it was like taking Queen Elizabeth and giving her a "slurpee" from Circle-K to drink at "tea-time".

[theboyfromxtown]

To make you feel more comfy, I'll check my stack of 45's for the Velvelette's version of "Green River".

Ouch - that hurt!

[jillfoster]

Ramone

I've not laughed like that for a long time. That was so funny. I can see you love living life on a knife edge!

Mary's first album was excellent but I accept that you needed to play it a few times to warm to it. But I did give it a chance and I got to really like it. I can actually name most of the tracks without looking it up too.

Am I really on my own here.......Captain James...throw me a lifeline! *smile*

I am uncomfortable about saying what I don't like when it comes to some artists..but if there's one song I really wish Mary didn't sing and that is Green River. I cannot get into that. Its far too much of a rock song........but it's very well received by all the fans [[except me, of course!).

I'm a bit of a romantic at heart [[that's cos I don't get it any other way!!!) so I like Mary singing the lushy ballads. Marv and Luke tend to find these videos of Mary singing stuff other than the Supremes' hits. So watch out for their posts

Hives and poison ivy......what a combination! HAHAHAHAHA

I honestly feel it was just the song "Red hot" that was awful. It was far too monotonous. It reminded me of a fucking Silver Convention record. Her unreleased work for the second album [[Except Green Rvier) was so much better it made your head spin. but one song that WAS from the first album that really great was this [[and it should have been the single, NOT "Red Hot")

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3GbLCsP-mM

When that tambourine comes in in the second verse, it just lifts the whole thing into the stratosphere.

[theboyfromxtown]

Jillfoster-Thank goodness for your support there. You've made me feel good too! [[LOL).

Now isn't that song cute. Well, I like it. I might prefer her "Come And Get These Memories" or "Davy Crockett" but it's still good. Mary does this really well.

Have you all been convinced yet?

[Ramone Verona]

I was trying to dance to it.
I was told to stop.
Maybe it was my dancing and not the song, eh?

[theboyfromxtown]

Both...and if you were singing, that as well!

lol

[Ramone Verona]

Ouch - that hurt!

You think that hurt.
Imagine how we all felt when we learned Cal Street was to join the 70's Supremes but apparently Berry Gordy washed his hands with her.
Or of her.
That's one of those forgotten water-cooler stories which resurfaces from time to time.
:)