"SUPREME EXIT" Book and interesting bits

[mistercarter2u]

I received my copy of "SUPREME EXIT," the new book about Florence Ballard, last week. While I was disappointed at the brevity of the book and an overall lack of new information, I did find the book intriguing. [[All things Supreme intrigue me!)

Among the thing I found most interesting in the book are the comments about how kind and good Berry Gordy and Diana Ross were to Flo's kids. Nicole, Flo's daughter, states that Flo's girls always called Diana "Auntie Boss," and that Diana never missed sending them gifts for their birthdays and at Christmas. It is stated that the Ballard family loved Diana and welcomed her to Flo's funeral, though other reports thru the years have made it appear Diana just showed up uninvited. This account refutes that and makes me think the media has spun the stories over the years just to get a rise and keep the feud going. It's actually kind of sick, but fans have sucked it up and kept the nastiness alive for decades... Maybe it is all a matter of perception, as opposed to fact?

I know Ms. Wilson stated in her writing that Diana kind of made a scene at Flo's funeral, but that too is very briefly refuted in the new book. It is kind of understood by Nicole, Flo's daughter, that because of Diana's huge celebrity status, she drew a lot of attention by attending. She does not fault Diana for being Diana.

According to the "SUPREME EXIT" book, Berry Gordy was also very good to the Ballard girls, extremely generous and kind to them, and they loved him and referred to him as "Poppa." Again, the media through the years has painted a picture of Gordy as Satan, totally uncaring and uninvolved with Flo and her family after her exit from the Supremes. This book does not support that at all.

I know this new book is not the gospel, not at all, but as a fan of ALL of the Supremes, it actually makes me feel better to read - for the first time - that Diana and Berry were generous and kind to the Ballard girls, and the Ballard girls cared deeply for them. It makes me think that a lot of the crapp we have read through the years has been exaggerated and fabricated for the sake of stirring the pot and feeding gossipy media interest.

I have always HATED the Diana vs. Mary vs. Flo garbage anyway. It's kind of ridiculous. The women who made up The Supremes were all special to me. They were human. They had their own personalities. The agreed and they disagreed. They hurt each other. Then they loved each other. Shades of gray all over the place....

The "SUPREME EXIT" book is worth reading, Supremes fans.... a far from perfect book, but worth reading.

[Ollie9]

Many thanks for sharing your views. I will now order a copy. Flo herself has said that she experienced many beautiful moments as a Supreme as I’m sure Diana and Mary did as well.
It’s the fanatics who have cast Diana or even Mary in the role as veritable saint or sinner that have caused so much bitterness amongst fans. Books like this can only help.

[TYK1986]

Thanks for giving us a bit of review! I think we all know to a certain extend that there are people out there who enjoy a bit of drama, me included when it comes to books lol, or even create/ fictionalize events to make money. It's nice to hear something positive about the relation between Diana/ Berry and Florence from first hand.

[Bluebrock]

I received my copy of "SUPREME EXIT," the new book about Florence Ballard, last week. While I was disappointed at the brevity of the book and an overall lack of new information, I did find the book intriguing. [[All things Supreme intrigue me!)

Among the thing I found most interesting in the book are the comments about how kind and good Berry Gordy and Diana Ross were to Flo's kids. Nicole, Flo's daughter, states that Flo's girls always called Diana "Auntie Boss," and that Diana never missed sending them gifts for their birthdays and at Christmas. It is stated that the Ballard family loved Diana and welcomed her to Flo's funeral, though other reports thru the years have made it appear Diana just showed up uninvited. This account refutes that and makes me think the media has spun the stories over the years just to get a rise and keep the feud going. It's actually kind of sick, but fans have sucked it up and kept the nastiness alive for decades... Maybe it is all a matter of perception, as opposed to fact?

I know Ms. Wilson stated in her writing that Diana kind of made a scene at Flo's funeral, but that too is very briefly refuted in the new book. It is kind of understood by Nicole, Flo's daughter, that because of Diana's huge celebrity status, she drew a lot of attention by attending. She does not fault Diana for being Diana.

According to the "SUPREME EXIT" book, Berry Gordy was also very good to the Ballard girls, extremely generous and kind to them, and they loved him and referred to him as "Poppa." Again, the media through the years has painted a picture of Gordy as Satan, totally uncaring and uninvolved with Flo and her family after her exit from the Supremes. This book does not support that at all.

I know this new book is not the gospel, not at all, but as a fan of ALL of the Supremes, it actually makes me feel better to read - for the first time - that Diana and Berry were generous and kind to the Ballard girls, and the Ballard girls cared deeply for them. It makes me think that a lot of the crapp we have read through the years has been exaggerated and fabricated for the sake of stirring the pot and feeding gossipy media interest.

I have always HATED the Diana vs. Mary vs. Flo garbage anyway. It's kind of ridiculous. The women who made up The Supremes were all special to me. They were human. They had their own personalities. The agreed and they disagreed. They hurt each other. Then they loved each other. Shades of gray all over the place....

The "SUPREME EXIT" book is worth reading, Supremes fans.... a far from perfect book, but worth reading.

I have not read this book and will not be reading it.
In fact i have not read any books on the Supremes since Dreamgirls. I can do without all that drama. Having said all that it does sound like this book is perhaps more grounded and not the usual hatchet job.
I do not claim to know what went on back in the day, but this does sound closer to what i have always perceived to be closer to the true facts. I am legally bound [[for the moment) not to publicly publish what i am told are the true facts behind Ms Ross and Mr Gordy's involvement in this sad story, but i will say that this book may well have it's heart in the right place.
I would love to hear what other members think of this publication if and when they get around to reading it. I remain intrigued but i shall not break the promise to myself not to read any books focusing upon the Supremes.
Thank you for starting this interesting post.

[SatansBlues]

I have not read this book and will not be reading it.
In fact i have not read any books on the Supremes since Dreamgirls. I can do without all that drama. Having said all that it does sound like this book is perhaps more grounded and not the usual hatchet job.
I do not claim to know what went on back in the day, but this does sound closer to what i have always perceived to be closer to the true facts. I am legally bound [[for the moment) not to publicly publish what i am told are the true facts behind Ms Ross and Mr Gordy's involvement in this sad story, but i will say that this book may well have it's heart in the right place.
I would love to hear what other members think of this publication if and when they get around to reading it. I remain intrigued but i shall not break the promise to myself not to read any books focusing upon the Supremes.
Thank you for starting this interesting post.
I'd much rather read a book by Katherine Anderson on her time with the Marvelettes. Or Duke Fakir's time with the Four Tops. Or Rosalind Ashford's time with the Vandellas. Or even a book by Cindy Birdsong. But these fifth and sixth hand accounts on the Supremes has just gotten repetitive and unenlightening.

[marybrewster]

Thank you for your review and details. I'm sad to hear that there's nothing "new" to report, but truthfully I didn't expect much, knowing how young Flo's daughter was at the time of her death. My own assumption is that for the most part it would contain stories that had been passed down through the years: recollections from relatives perhaps. I suppose like the game of telephone where the end tale is a bit off from the truth. But I suppose it's another piece of the puzzle.

Can I just say one thing, not that I don't believe the book, but calling Berry "Poppa" seems a bit funky to me.

[reese]

I received my copy of the book today and just put it down. I won't write a review. I'll leave that to others.

I will say that those looking for newfound revelations regarding Flo or any Diana/Berry bashing will be disappointed. I was surprised that some facts that were disputed in the past have now been confirmed by Nicole. Despite the book's tag that this is about Flo's life after the Supremes, this is actually Nicole's story. And after reading it, my heart truly goes out to her, as it seems like the sad times only began with her Mom's death and things didn't get easier for quite some time.

That said, I do think the book could have used a good editor. There were at least two stories that can't ring true, at least not during the time period that they are written of. They did cause me to do a little pause, but not enough to make me discount the book itself.

[PeaceNHarmony]

MisterCarter and Reese - thanks for your review and pre-review. It's good to hear that the book is nicely done. I'm happy to see the disreputation of the near 50-year old myth of Diana showboating at Florence Ballard's funeral. The slant put on that particular story was always not credible as well as illogical. As I have stated here before, can you imagine 'fan' response if Diana had not shown up, or if she had shown up and chosen to not speak? Or ... if Diana had shown up, chosen to speak, and chosen to not include Mary? A large part of my 'issue' with Mary Wilson stems from her interpretation of Florence's funeral. Hopefully there now being some negation of the funeral myths can now begin. Best to both of you!

[marybrewster]

That said, I do think the book could have used a good editor. There were at least two stories that can't ring true, at least not during the time period that they are written of. They did cause me to do a little pause, but not enough to make me discount the book itself.

Thanks for your review. Sounds like it's another missed opportunity and not as nicely done as it could have been. Thete are some truths that just can't be disputed. It's unfortunate that some will now read this as bible.

[reese]

Thanks for your review. Sounds like it's another missed opportunity and not as nicely done as it could have been. Thete are some truths that just can't be disputed. It's unfortunate that some will now read this as bible.

The two stories I refer to are relatively harmless and actually have nothing to do with the Supremes. It was just an illustration of how timelines [IMO] are off at times.

[marybrewster]

The two stories I refer to are relatively harmless and actually have nothing to do with the Supremes. It was just an illustration of how timelines [IMO] are off at times.

I understand your point, but if you can't get a simple story correct, how can a reader expect that anything else printed is not off?

[reese]

I understand your point, but if you can't get a simple story correct, how can a reader expect that anything else printed is not off?

I hear you. That's why I think a good editor is needed, for any book. I've read many where I know the timelines are off or some info isn't totally accurate. Even a mislabeled photo. And I always think "Who is doublechecking these things?"

[jobeterob]

I appreciate the reviews.

Thank you MrCarter.

So many myths are being dispelled these days.

[RanRan79]

I just finished reading the book. For those who love to read, this will be a hard read. As Reese says, it could've used a good editor, but I'll take it a step forward and say that it could've used a better writer, period. Kudos to the author for documenting this part of Flo's story, but some people don't have the talent for writing. This would've been far better if the writer had just written the entire thing in Nicole's voice. Missed opportunity.

That being said, if you're a big Flo fan, this is a must read. You're not going to get anything revelatory about Flo's upbringing, Supremes days, or much of Flo's post Supremes life. It is, however, an interesting portrait of Florence Ballard the mother, in the eyes of her daughter Nicole. Nicole doesn't speak for her sisters and she tries not to touch on much of anything that she does not know first hand. She sticks to what she saw, what she remembers, and her own life experiences.

In some ways, the Nicole Chapman story- which is really what this book is- is a continuation of the Flo Ballard story. So much of Nicole's life was shaped by the loss of her mother. That event touched off a wave of events in Nicole's life, which is to be expected. In the end Nicole perseveres, much like her mother seemed to do.

I recommend the book for those who are die hard Florence Ballard fans, like myself. Fans of the Supremes in general, Diana fans, Mary fans, might find it wasted money to purchase the book.

[RanRan79]

I'd much rather read a book by Katherine Anderson on her time with the Marvelettes. Or Duke Fakir's time with the Four Tops. Or Rosalind Ashford's time with the Vandellas. Or even a book by Cindy Birdsong. But these fifth and sixth hand accounts on the Supremes has just gotten repetitive and unenlightening.

But this isn't a fifth or sixth hand account. This book is about Nicole Chapman and her experiences with her mother and life, not about anything that happened before she was born or cognizant.

[RanRan79]

Can I just say one thing, not that I don't believe the book, but calling Berry "Poppa" seems a bit funky to me.

They call him Poppa Gordy. This is fairly common in the African American community, to attach "Poppa", "Mama", "Aunt", "Uncle" to older non relatives as a sign of respect and affection. I don't think there's any funk to this one.

[RanRan79]

There were at least two stories that can't ring true, at least not during the time period that they are written of. They did cause me to do a little pause, but not enough to make me discount the book itself.

The one about the Emotions gave me...pause. Lol Then I thought about, "Best of My Love", released a year after Flo had died, is the biggest hit the group had and Nicole's childhood memory probably inserts the song there when it was actually something else they sang. I figured the group might have known Flo from Tommy's chauffeur days.

There was another time when I raised my eyebrows but can't remember what it was. I bet it was the other thing that made you pause too.:D

[RanRan79]

I understand your point, but if you can't get a simple story correct, how can a reader expect that anything else printed is not off?

That's life. Must we rehash the inaccuracies- verifiable inaccuracies- in both Mary and Diana's autobiographies? There are also verifiable truths in both books. Why throw the baby out with the bath water?

Memories fade and twists. Some of y'all old as dust and water, and should know this.:p

[RanRan79]

I hear you. That's why I think a good editor is needed, for any book. I've read many where I know the timelines are off or some info isn't totally accurate. Even a mislabeled photo. And I always think "Who is doublechecking these things?"

I see it more often with the self publish crowd. This book was hard for me to get through because it was written by someone who doesn't have writing chops yet. Still I am grateful to her for doing this.

[reese]

The one about the Emotions gave me...pause. Lol Then I thought about, "Best of My Love", released a year after Flo had died, is the biggest hit the group had and Nicole's childhood memory probably inserts the song there when it was actually something else they sang. I figured the group might have known Flo from Tommy's chauffeur days.

There was another time when I raised my eyebrows but can't remember what it was. I bet it was the other thing that made you pause too.:D

That was one of the stories I was referring to. The other was the inspiration for their fish being DIFFERENT STROKES.

[RanRan79]

That was one of the stories I was referring to. The other was the inspiration for their fish being DIFFERENT STROKES.

Yes! That's the other one. Lol I figure her mind was bleeding years. Arnold and the gang weren't on TV for another three years, but that's close enough to mix a memory. I'm all the time thinking that a certain song was my jam, or a certain show was my guilty pleasure, or I went to see certain movie with such and such at a particular time and then research a release date only to find out there's no way those things happened when I thought they did.

I wish I had kept a journal.

[marybrewster]

but that's close enough to mix a memory

I think you're being generous, Ran.

What if Diana would have written that "Where Did Our Love Go" was released in 1967? LOL. The queens would be laid out!

[marybrewster]

They call him Poppa Gordy. This is fairly common in the African American community, to attach "Poppa", "Mama", "Aunt", "Uncle" to older non relatives as a sign of respect and affection. I don't think there's any funk to this one.

Perhaps.

But how many times do you think during the girls formative years Berry was around long enough for them to form a bond strong enough to call him "Poppa"?

[marybrewster]

That was one of the stories I was referring to. The other was the inspiration for their fish being DIFFERENT STROKES.

How about the one about Diana suddenly appearing at Flo's gravesite after the funeral?

[reese]

How about the one about Diana suddenly appearing at Flo's gravesite after the funeral?

That one gave me a momentary pause, but I can excuse her that one. A seven-year old who has just lost her mother is more than likely going to be quite confused about who was where.

That said, I think she probably meant that it was Mary at the gravesite.

[khansperac]

I knew some would be unhappy with this book.

[RanRan79]

but that's close enough to mix a memory

I think you're being generous, Ran.

What if Diana would have written that "Where Did Our Love Go" was released in 1967? LOL. The queens would be laid out!

Lol I'm not just being generous, I'm being realistic. These are goldfish we're talking about, not a monumental career achievement. Nicole recalls linking her first goldfish to Arnold's fish in 1975 or 1976 when Diff'rent Strokes didn't air until 1978. IMO it's no stretch to think that Nicole may have gotten a fish after DS aired. I had multiple pets growing up. For some, like birds, the timeline of events aren't always easy to recall in my mind, especially since some of them didn't last more than a couple weeks. There are some erroneous memories I've attached to one or more because I'm mixing up the timeline. If I can do it- and I know I have- then I have to believe Nicole can do it too.

And for the record, Diana did write that "Someday We'll Be Together" was recorded about two or three years before she left the group. It wasn't WDOLG in 1967, but it was still a pretty bad error, IMO.

[RanRan79]

Perhaps.

But how many times do you think during the girls formative years Berry was around long enough for them to form a bond strong enough to call him "Poppa"?

That's not always how this works. I have an elderly lady in my life whom I didn't meet until I was in my 30s and from day one she was "Mother M....". Now if Berry ever needs his diaper changed because Father Time hit him hard, and the first person he calls to nurse him is Nicole Chapman, that would be "funky". It's just a name.

[RanRan79]

How about the one about Diana suddenly appearing at Flo's gravesite after the funeral?

I forgot about that one and I don't know how. It's well documented Diana skipped the grave.

[RanRan79]

That one gave me a momentary pause, but I can excuse her that one. A seven-year old who has just lost her mother is more than likely going to be quite confused about who was where.

That said, I think she probably meant that it was Mary at the gravesite.

I think later in the book it does mention that Diana didn't go to the cemetery. It must have been a typo, meaning Mary.

[RanRan79]

I knew some would be unhappy with this book.

Not enough drama. Too kind to the usual villains. She wasn't going to be able to please everybody, not in the Supremes Universe.

[marybrewster]

There's always going to be one critical bitch, and that's I guess going to be me. Relying on the recollection of a 7 year old 44 years ago isn't a great outline for a book. It could have been much more. But it is what it is. A gold turd is still a turd.

I hope others enjoy it. Based on the kind critiques of others, I don't see that. But whatever.

[franjoy56]

[QUOTE=marybrewster;633454]There's always going to be one critical bitch, and that's I guess going to be me. Relying on the recollection of a 7 year old 44 years ago isn't a great outline for a book. It could have been much more. But it is what it is. A gold turd is still a turd.

I hope others enjoy it. Based on the kind critiques of others, I don't see that. But whatever.[/QUOTE
I got the book last week almost finished. Nicole was the mos proactive daughter being the older fraternal twin girl. And she tells a most compelling story not just from her recollections as a 7 yr old but also as a young lady with two children. If u want to see what nicole thought about adversity against her mother, when she sprung into ACTION when she and her sisters attended an event at the apollo theater in 92 when the supremes and others were honored and they omitted flos name from t program
This is the nicole whose actions was a direct copy of flo who wasn't having it. You'll have t read t book t find out what happened

[PeaceNHarmony]

I knew some would be unhappy with this book.As long as Diana is portrayed in a positive manner there are those who will be unhappy. Similar to the maga crowd who will never accept that Obama was born in the US and that Biden/Harris legitimately won the election, there's a population that will never, under any circumstances, believe the truth. So be it.

[captainjames]

I still don't know where everyone is buying this book from.

[marybrewster]

I still don't know where everyone is buying this book from.

http://uno220.com/shop-now/

[Ollie9]

As long as Diana is portrayed in a positive manner there are those who will be unhappy. Similar to the maga crowd who will never accept that Obama was born in the US and that Biden/Harris legitimately won the election, there's a population that will never, under any circumstances, believe the truth. So be it.

I don’t believe there is anyone on this forum who would be unhappy about Diana being portrayed in a positive manner in the book. You look for demons where none exist.

[Ollie9]

Does anyone know where you can purchase this book in the UK?.

[RanRan79]

I got the book last week almost finished. Nicole was the mos proactive daughter being the older fraternal twin girl. And she tells a most compelling story not just from her recollections as a 7 yr old but also as a young lady with two children. If u want to see what nicole thought about adversity against her mother, when she sprung into ACTION when she and her sisters attended an event at the apollo theater in 92 when the supremes and others were honored and they omitted flos name from t program
This is the nicole whose actions was a direct copy of flo who wasn't having it. You'll have t read t book t find out what happened

While her actions weren't of good judgement, I understood them and found the story quite comical. However, the most compelling parts of the story is her finding a way to climb out of her depression and her brave act as a young girl. Like I said before, the book won't be well received because it doesn't dish dirt, and that's what most folks want to read.

[RanRan79]

I don’t believe there is anyone on this forum who would be unhappy about Diana being portrayed in a positive manner in the book. You look for demons where none exist.

I don't know about that one Ollie. There have always been people on this forum and outside of it who salivate at salacious tales of Diana's cruelty and hard heartedness. Anything that doesn't play to that image of her is something to disregard. Nicole's book does nothing to add to the idea of a cruel, cold hearted Diana Ross. She's portrayed as anything but.

But your last sentence is obviously accurate 99 percent of the time.

[franjoy56]

While her actions weren't of good judgement, I understood them and found the story quite comical. However, the most compelling parts of the story is her finding a way to climb out of her depression and her brave act as a young girl. Like I said before, the book won't be well received because it doesn't dish dirt, and that's what most folks want to read.
Nicole was not concerned with dishing dirt and she could not do so during the supremes drama. Through t author She was concerned about her anger in her mom denise and preserving her moms story with all the myths people wrote about flo durinng and after Motown and the supremes. Her book was not about dishing dirt but to tell what happened t her mom keeping her legacy intact.

[marybrewster]

I don't know about that one Ollie. There have always been people on this forum and outside of it who salivate at salacious tales of Diana's cruelty and hard heartedness. Anything that doesn't play to that image of her is something to disregard. Nicole's book does nothing to add to the idea of a cruel, cold hearted Diana Ross. She's portrayed as anything but.

But your last sentence is obviously accurate 99 percent of the time.

It is a bit strange to me; not that Diana is portrayed in a good light, but HOW much of a good light she's portrayed in. Of course, none of us know the story behind the scenes, but one would think that Mary was much more active with the girls over the years than Diana, yet Mary doesn't get nearly the amount of gushing.

[marybrewster]

Not enough drama.

Not enough drama, and at times, not enough Flo. It's more of a Nicole autobiography. And if not for her Mother, an autobiography that never would have gotten published.

[carlo]

I just finished the book. I do agree that it needed some more proof reading and editing. There were parts that I felt were added in order to pad out the text, like describing what took place on 9/11. Some facts needed to be corrected, such in the timeline at the back of the book, which states that Diana went solo in 1972. However, I do like that it was written with plenty of personality. There were some phrases and lines that made me laugh, in a good way. As an example, the author made a reference to a young Nicole being in a peaceful and restful state in her bed on a particular evening. To describe this, she said that Nicole was having a "Calgon-take-me-away kind of moment". I laughed at that line and loved it. Those sorts of nuggets kept me engaged. I agree that this book is Nicole's story and I enjoyed learning about her and her family. I really respect her for sticking to the facts concerning her own life and experiences and for having stayed away from the drama that transpired before her time. The book does paint Diana and Berry in a good light and she makes it known that Diana, Berry and Mary have each always acknowledged and remembered her and her sisters. I was most surprised to read that Diana had offered to adopt Nicole and her sisters, after Flo had passed away, and Lurlee [[Flo's Mom) had kindly declined the offer. She had explained that Diana was willing to raise her and her sisters and simply wanted to ensure that they would be taken care of. I don't remember reading or hearing this previously. It was nice to read that.

As a Flo fan, I've always taken an interest in her life after The Supremes, as well as the life of her family. I never knew a whole lot about Nicole or her father Tommy, for instance. I appreciated being able to learn about their lives and appreciated some of the insights and memories that Nicole shared of her mother. There were revelations on the various things that Nicole has lived through in her life and it gave me so much more understanding. For a hardcore fan like myself, I wasn't disappointed by the book. It just left me wishing there was more. I do appreciate it though, especially considering this was a self-published effort. It's a lovely addition to my collection.

[khansperac]

I was most surprised to read that Diana had offered to adopt Nicole and her sisters, after Flo had passed away, and Lurlee [[Flo's Mom) had kindly declined the offer. She had explained that Diana was willing to raise her and her sisters and simply wanted to ensure that they would be taken care of. I don't remember reading or hearing this previously. It was nice to read that.


That is beautiful.

[PeaceNHarmony]

I just finished the book. I do agree that it needed some more proof reading and editing. There were parts that I felt were added in order to pad out the text, like describing what took place on 9/11. Some facts needed to be corrected, such in the timeline at the back of the book, which states that Diana went solo in 1972. However, I do like that it was written with plenty of personality. There were some phrases and lines that made me laugh, in a good way. As an example, the author made a reference to a young Nicole being in a peaceful and restful state in her bed on a particular evening. To describe this, she said that Nicole was having a "Calgon-take-me-away kind of moment". I laughed at that line and loved it. Those sorts of nuggets kept me engaged. I agree that this book is Nicole's story and I enjoyed learning about her and her family. I really respect her for sticking to the facts concerning her own life and experiences and for having stayed away from the drama that transpired before her time. The book does paint Diana and Berry in a good light and she makes it known that Diana, Berry and Mary have each always acknowledged and remembered her and her sisters. I was most surprised to read that Diana had offered to adopt Nicole and her sisters, after Flo had passed away, and Lurlee [[Flo's Mom) had kindly declined the offer. She had explained that Diana was willing to raise her and her sisters and simply wanted to ensure that they would be taken care of. I don't remember reading or hearing this previously. It was nice to read that.

As a Flo fan, I've always taken an interest in her life after The Supremes, as well as the life of her family. I never knew a whole lot about Nicole or her father Tommy, for instance. I appreciated being able to learn about their lives and appreciated some of the insights and memories that Nicole shared of her mother. There were revelations on the various things that Nicole has lived through in her life and it gave me so much more understanding. For a hardcore fan like myself, I wasn't disappointed by the book. It just left me wishing there was more. I do appreciate it though, especially considering this was a self-published effort. It's a lovely addition to my collection.Heartfelt and well stated. Perhaps sales will be sufficient to attract a publisher that can do a complete job of editing. Until then, glad to hear real fans are happy with the book.

[PeaceNHarmony]

That is beautiful.Indeed it is, and hopefully [as if...] it will destroy some of the self-hating myths that some 'fans' choose to continue.

[carlo]

Heartfelt and well stated. Perhaps sales will be sufficient to attract a publisher that can do a complete job of editing. Until then, glad to hear real fans are happy with the book.

Thanks Peace. In my opinion, it's a very solid story but it could definitely be shined up. They could also delve into other subjects and expand upon existing ones. For instance, I would have loved to have read about Nicole's opinion on Dreamgirls [[the stage musical and the movie) and how it impacted her. Or perhaps she was trying to avoid talking about any of that? She did give J-Hud a nice shout out at the end of the book.

[after you]

What a beautiful heart felt offer of Diana Adopting Flos. Children along with Michael Jackson asking to raise his children if Katherine passed I hated all those years of people trashing Diana for there own pleasure

[marybrewster]

Interesting that in almost 50 years, this "Diana adopting Flo's kids" story has NEVER been told. That's pretty big news; you'd think somewhere along the line it would have been mentioned.

[captainjames]

can someone send me the link where you ae ordering this book from. I have tried all of these and none of these sell it; Amazon.com No price No rating
Barnes&Noble.com No price No rating
Books-A-Million No price No rating
IndieBound No price No rating

[RanRan79]

It is a bit strange to me; not that Diana is portrayed in a good light, but HOW much of a good light she's portrayed in. Of course, none of us know the story behind the scenes, but one would think that Mary was much more active with the girls over the years than Diana, yet Mary doesn't get nearly the amount of gushing.

Nicole didn't give either lady much space in her book. I think Diana might have been mentioned once early on and then there's a good chunk of book before she's brought up again. I didn't get an impression- one way or the other- regarding the amount of "gush" ratio between Mary and Diana, however I would hypothesize that if Diana does receive more it's because Diana is often criticized more, and Nicole's mother [[and sometimes by extension, Nicole and her sisters) are used to do it. Barely no one has ever charged Mary with not being there for Florence or Flo's daughters. In my memory, other than Diana establishing trust funds for them, Maxine Ballard was the first one who really came out and said Diana was there for Flo's children. It was Maxine who first broke the story, either in her book or an interview I read, about Diana sending loads of Christmas gifts for the girls. Nicole may have felt Diana needed more "good" attention than Mary did.

[RanRan79]

Not enough drama, and at times, not enough Flo. It's more of a Nicole autobiography. And if not for her Mother, an autobiography that never would have gotten published.

And that was the point of the book and of the reviews in this thread. This book is not a Flo Ballard biography. Nicole had seven years with her mother. There was only so much Flo she could speak on and do so with first hand knowledge. She wisely chose not to purse a Flo Ballard biography based on second hand knowledge and decided to focus on her own life as a motherless child. There are some insights into Flo as a mother, but again she died when her oldest children were seven. Nicole "promoted" this book as the Nicole Chapman story. She [[and the actual author) insisted this book was about Nicole and Nicole's life. I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around the criticism of someone writing about her own life as she recalls it.

[RanRan79]

I just finished the book. I do agree that it needed some more proof reading and editing. There were parts that I felt were added in order to pad out the text, like describing what took place on 9/11. Some facts needed to be corrected, such in the timeline at the back of the book, which states that Diana went solo in 1972. However, I do like that it was written with plenty of personality. There were some phrases and lines that made me laugh, in a good way. As an example, the author made a reference to a young Nicole being in a peaceful and restful state in her bed on a particular evening. To describe this, she said that Nicole was having a "Calgon-take-me-away kind of moment". I laughed at that line and loved it. Those sorts of nuggets kept me engaged. I agree that this book is Nicole's story and I enjoyed learning about her and her family. I really respect her for sticking to the facts concerning her own life and experiences and for having stayed away from the drama that transpired before her time. The book does paint Diana and Berry in a good light and she makes it known that Diana, Berry and Mary have each always acknowledged and remembered her and her sisters. I was most surprised to read that Diana had offered to adopt Nicole and her sisters, after Flo had passed away, and Lurlee [[Flo's Mom) had kindly declined the offer. She had explained that Diana was willing to raise her and her sisters and simply wanted to ensure that they would be taken care of. I don't remember reading or hearing this previously. It was nice to read that.

As a Flo fan, I've always taken an interest in her life after The Supremes, as well as the life of her family. I never knew a whole lot about Nicole or her father Tommy, for instance. I appreciated being able to learn about their lives and appreciated some of the insights and memories that Nicole shared of her mother. There were revelations on the various things that Nicole has lived through in her life and it gave me so much more understanding. For a hardcore fan like myself, I wasn't disappointed by the book. It just left me wishing there was more. I do appreciate it though, especially considering this was a self-published effort. It's a lovely addition to my collection.

Great review Carlo! I too was touched by Nicole's revelation regarding Diana inquiring about custody. It just proves that there was far more affection between Diana and Flo than some of the public prefer to recognize.

[RanRan79]

Interesting that in almost 50 years, this "Diana adopting Flo's kids" story has NEVER been told. That's pretty big news; you'd think somewhere along the line it would have been mentioned.

Who would have mentioned it? Nicole says the story happened. She didn't say it happened at a press conference or at Flo's funeral with tons of witnesses. Nicole claims that Diana asked Ms. Lurlee about custody. When's the last time you heard Diana speak in depth about Florence or Flo's children? When's the last time the Chapman girls spoke publicly about anything? Seems like a very private thing for Diana to do, so why would it be common knowledge?

At this point it's like Nicole is damned if she do and damned if she don't. If she says nothing that isn't already common knowledge, she get's an eyeroll. If she reveals something that we don't know, she get's a side eye. Good grief.

[RanRan79]

can someone send me the link where you ae ordering this book from. I have tried all of these and none of these sell it; Amazon.com No price No rating
Barnes&Noble.com No price No rating
Books-A-Million No price No rating
IndieBound No price No rating

Captain, I think it's only available through the author's website. Uno220 [[http://uno220.com/)

Once on the site, go to shop now.

[captainjames]

Captain, I think it's only available through the author's website. Uno220 [[http://uno220.com/)

Once on the site, go to shop now.

Thank you, I appreciate that. I just ordered it.

[carlo]

Great review Carlo! I too was touched by Nicole's revelation regarding Diana inquiring about custody. It just proves that there was far more affection between Diana and Flo than some of the public prefer to recognize.

Thanks RanRan! I totally agree.

[jobeterob]

You guys are doing a good sales job on this

[captainjames]

Interesting that in almost 50 years, this "Diana adopting Flo's kids" story has NEVER been told. That's pretty big news; you'd think somewhere along the line it would have been mentioned.

I've heard this before but Diana is a very private private private individual. I can remember a story that sticks in my brain when Flo called Diana and Diana answered the phone with "Blondie is that really you ?".

[Bluebrock]

I've heard this before but Diana is a very private private private individual. I can remember a story that sticks in my brain when Flo called Diana and Diana answered the phone with "Blondie is that really you ?".
There are many things we do not know about Diana Ross. You are quite correct when you say she is "a very private private private individual". She once told me there were many things we did not know about her, and i had no problem believing her.

[Roberta75]

I recall reading in some Supremes or Diana related book [[ive read so darned many) that Diana paid for a major surgery for one of Florences girls and called her and prayed with the child the night before surgery and after the surgery. Correct me if im wrong dear people.

[PeaceNHarmony]

There are many things we do not know about Diana Ross. You are quite correct when you say she is "a very private private private individual". She once told me there were many things we did not know about her, and i had no problem believing her.Nor I, and the lady's desire for privacy does not impede my love of her professional output one bit.

[reese]

I recall reading in some Supremes or Diana related book [[ive read so darned many) that Diana paid for a major surgery for one of Florences girls and called her and prayed with the child the night before surgery and after the surgery. Correct me if im wrong dear people.

It was written as a footnote in J. Randy's last book on Diana.

[Roberta75]

It was written as a footnote in J. Randy's last book on Diana.

Thank you Reese. I knew id read it somewhere.

Yours with every good wish.

Roberta

[PeaceNHarmony]

I recall reading in some Supremes or Diana related book [[ive read so darned many) that Diana paid for a major surgery for one of Florences girls and called her and prayed with the child the night before surgery and after the surgery. Correct me if im wrong dear people.Isn't it 'interesting' that facts such as these are ... mistakenly overlooked ... by some of the fans? Best to you, Ms. Roberta!

[Bluebrock]

Isn't it 'interesting' that facts such as these are ... mistakenly overlooked ... by some of the fans? Best to you, Ms. Roberta!

They sure as hell don't like it when the truth gets in the way of a good story.

[marybrewster]

And that was the point of the book and of the reviews in this thread. This book is not a Flo Ballard biography. Nicole had seven years with her mother. There was only so much Flo she could speak on and do so with first hand knowledge. She wisely chose not to purse a Flo Ballard biography based on second hand knowledge and decided to focus on her own life as a motherless child. There are some insights into Flo as a mother, but again she died when her oldest children were seven. Nicole "promoted" this book as the Nicole Chapman story. She [[and the actual author) insisted this book was about Nicole and Nicole's life. I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around the criticism of someone writing about her own life as she recalls it.

This book isn't a Flo Ballard biography? Well you could have fooled me, with Flo Ballard's name and face on the cover. If this truly was a "Nicole Chapman Story", why isn't her name in lights? The only criticism is that Nicole is trying to tell a story that no one would care much about if her Mother wasn't a Supreme.

[marybrewster]

can someone send me the link where you ae ordering this book from. I have tried all of these and none of these sell it; Amazon.com No price No rating
Barnes&Noble.com No price No rating
Books-A-Million No price No rating
IndieBound No price No rating

http://uno220.com/product/supreme-exit/

[RanRan79]

This book isn't a Flo Ballard biography? Well you could have fooled me, with Flo Ballard's name and face on the cover. If this truly was a "Nicole Chapman Story", why isn't her name in lights? The only criticism is that Nicole is trying to tell a story that no one would care much about if her Mother wasn't a Supreme.

Are you a reader? And by that I mean an avid reader. Book collector? Admittedly I was one once. In recent years I've allowed access to the internet to deprive me of the love I once had for books, which I am slowly picking up again, as I slowly wean myself from the cesspool that is the net. Lol But when I did read tons of books, I was very well aware of [[and occasionally purchased) books written by people whom I've never heard of who were writing about their lives. Sometimes it was books about people who found out some shocking secret about themselves or their families. A lot of them were about adults who had difficult childhoods and found a way to overcome them. Most of the people no one had ever heard of before, they just had a powerful story to tell. And now I read your criticism of Nicole doing just that, critical of her story because if it weren't for her mother, no one would care. I love you Mary, I do, [[our drama last fall notwithstanding) but I'm rolling my eyes so hard at your dissing of this book that my head is starting to hurt.:p It seems like you really have it out for this lady and her right to tell her story and I just don't get it.

She's the daughter of a famous woman. Why wouldn't she use her mom to garner attention? Especially since it's her famous mother's death that is at the heart of the trajectory of Nicole's life. Should we only care about the stories of the famous? Is reading about motherless [[and fatherless) children and the affect that the death of a parent has on children not something that should be written about, specifically if it's by a child of Florence? Your critiques still make absolutely no sense to me and I guess at this point, barring more insight from any response you make, it's likely to stay that way, so I guess this is one for the agree to disagree column.

Poorly written book, IMO, but a powerful story nonetheless.

[captainjames]

I agree with Ran. Actually I finished reading it and I had fun reading it and it made me smile several times. it gave me a different way at looking things and I am sure she had Flo's siblings for a lot of the information.

[Ollie9]

I’m a fraction behind as i just ordered the Peter Benjaminson book ‘Lost Supreme’ from Amazon yesterday. Would be interested to know which book fans consider the better as regards to who Flo was as a person.

[reese]

I’m a fraction behind as i just ordered the Peter Benjaminson book ‘Lost Supreme’ from Amazon yesterday. Would be interested to know which book fans consider the better as regards to who Flo was as a person.

I would say THE LOST SUPREME is better in regards to Flo as a person because it is based on interviews with her. By comparison, SUPREME EXIT is really Nicole's story.

[captainjames]

I have read both books or I should say all three and the only thing that truly is amazing is that that even with the recordings it took @ 34 years to write the RB book. I always wanted to know why. When it takes that long a lot of information can be distorted or twisted even with recordings.

[Ollie9]

I would say THE LOST SUPREME is better in regards to Flo as a person because it is based on interviews with her. By comparison, SUPREME EXIT is really Nicole's story.

Cheers reese. The book arrived today prime delivery. I am just finishing up reading a novel so won’t start reading it for another week. I’m hoping it provides a little more insight into what Flo was actually experiencing during that time.

[marybrewster]

I still think the definitive book on Florence Ballard is the book by Randall Wilson. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think it was written as a final thesis for his degree. I appreciate it more than others [[and I am surprised that there aren't more "others") because it looks at the story subjectively. Yes, Wilson is a Ballard fan, but he doesn't let his admiration for Flo get in the way of telling a truthful story, filled with actual facts; the good, the bad, and everything else in between. I was always fascinated with all of the figures of what he was able to produce; how much Flo got for her exit at Motown, what she received for her various lawsuits, etc.

I got my copy decades ago; had to special order through Waldenbooks or B Dalton, and it took MONTHS to arrive. This was pre-internet of course. At the time, it was a new angle, not told by "Dreamgirl".

[reese]

I still think the definitive book on Florence Ballard is the book by Randall Wilson. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think it was written as a final thesis for his degree. I appreciate it more than others [[and I am surprised that there aren't more "others") because it looks at the story subjectively. Yes, Wilson is a Ballard fan, but he doesn't let his admiration for Flo get in the way of telling a truthful story, filled with actual facts; the good, the bad, and everything else in between. I was always fascinated with all of the figures of what he was able to produce; how much Flo got for her exit at Motown, what she received for her various lawsuits, etc.

I got my copy decades ago; had to special order through Waldenbooks or B Dalton, and it took MONTHS to arrive. This was pre-internet of course. At the time, it was a new angle, not told by "Dreamgirl".

I ordered FOREVER FAITHFUL back in the 1990 after seeing an ad in GOLDMINE. I actually still have the thank-you card that Randall included in my copy. Later I ordered a 1999 updated edition.

Yes, it did begin as Randall's master thesis at the University of Maryland. I haven't read it in years. Might be time to pull it out again.

[marybrewster]

I ordered FOREVER FAITHFUL back in the 1990 after seeing an ad in GOLDMINE. I actually still have the thank-you card that Randall included in my copy. Later I ordered a 1999 updated edition.

Yes, it did begin as Randall's master thesis at the University of Maryland. I haven't read it in years. Might be time to pull it out again.

I didn't realize there was an updated version? Was there a lot more added from the original?

[reese]

I didn't realize there was an updated version? Was there a lot more added from the original?

Thumbing through it, I don't think any of the book itself was revised.

The original book was retained but added was a new intro from the author as well as a new foreword from Tom Ingrassia. At the end was a new section of mostly familiar photos but also a 1998 one of the author with Mary.

There was also a 1998 Supremes discography detailing songs Flo either led or stood out on. Also listed were her ABC recordings, which at the time had not yet been released [[except for the two singles).

[RanRan79]

I’m a fraction behind as i just ordered the Peter Benjaminson book ‘Lost Supreme’ from Amazon yesterday. Would be interested to know which book fans consider the better as regards to who Flo was as a person.

Definitely Lost Supreme. Nicole's book is about Nicole. Peter's book is an invaluable source on Flo's life. It's not as thorough as I would have wanted it to be, but it's as close to an autobio as we're gonna get.

[RanRan79]

I have read both books or I should say all three and the only thing that truly is amazing is that that even with the recordings it took @ 34 years to write the RB book. I always wanted to know why. When it takes that long a lot of information can be distorted or twisted even with recordings.

I think it mostly came down to interest. Right after Flo died was probably when Peter's book would've been at it's most valuable until Mary wrote her book and put Flo's story back in the spotlight. After her death it may have looked like he was cashing in on it and felt uncomfortable. After Dreamgirl, Peter's book would've had to compete with Mary's. There was a long spell where Flo's story wasn't much hot talk. Flo was back in the spotlight when the Dreamgirls movie came out and of course when JHud won her award and shouted Flo out. At this point Peter would've been an idiot to continue to sit on this story. So I'm not surprised that it took so long.

I am a little surprised that the tease of releasing the tapes never amounted to anything. I'm sure Peter realizes that there's really no general market for them, but he could've made a nice taste of change from us fans who would've surely purchased copies. I know I would've.

[RanRan79]

Thumbing through it, I don't think any of the book itself was revised.

The original book was retained but added was a new intro from the author as well as a new foreword from Tom Ingrassia. At the end was a new section of mostly familiar photos but also a 1998 one of the author with Mary.

There was also a 1998 Supremes discography detailing songs Flo either led or stood out on. Also listed were her ABC recordings, which at the time had not yet been released [[except for the two singles).

I must have the updated version because I recall the discography.

[ballardfan67]

Perhaps.

But how many times do you think during the girls formative years Berry was around long enough for them to form a bond strong enough to call him "Poppa"?


Well I purchased the book and well.....you know.....

As far as Berry being around those girls I dont believe it because I remember reading Supreme Faith and some awards show where Lisa was there with Mary and it was hid first time meeting Lisa.

Also Nicole said her dad drove for Motown and she was calling him there when her mom was ill but I thought Motown was all but gone from Detroit by 1976