Interview with Shantel Baker of The Supremes

[carlo]

Shantel talks about replacing Diana Ross, her audition for The Supremes, the first time someone asked for her autograph and how her group is still in contact with Motown:

http://www.lmhmag.com/Shatel%20Baker%20Supreme%20Revue,%20Lmh%20Mag.html

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[carlo]

Apparently she's also good friends with Chaka Khan. lol

[blueskies]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8GD2SrpIU4

Dear Jesus...................

[milven]

Well, watching that was kind of horrible.

I guess I am missing something. Was she ever considered as a replacement for Diana in the Supremes? Did she ever sing with THE Supremes? And the hit record Love Attack that she was talking about in the interview. The one that I knew and loved in the seventies was by Ferrara.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXSOszar4O4

There was a song called Love Attack Shantelle in the eighties. Was that supposed to be her?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg-7bluPKfw

[mojoman]

This woman must be senile.

[ajk93]

I'm sick of these imposter groups ruining our great oldies. I might as well start my own traveling show. I could
advertise myself as "The guy who had a friend who worked with the cousin of a politician who once shook hands
with the uncle of a lady who married and then divorced the third cousin of a store-manager from Indianapolis who
once drove past the house of Marvin Gaye" - which would qualify me to sing Supremes songs with Carolyn Crawford.

[motony]

Lord, please forgive these people as they know not what they do.

[Jimi LaLumia]

pay no mind...and no money

[jobeterob]

Well I guess they are all over; quite amazing what she thinks her role in this was; I wonder if Berry Gordy or Diana Ross ever heard of her. I hope this is not another lady that Pedro gave some audition to.

[stephanie]

I normally dont comment on threads regarding imposter groups but this is the FIRST time I have ever heard one of them say something like this THEN she mentions Freda Payne!!! This is hilarious I almost busted a gut listening to this. She talks to Motown....LOL I hope Ms Wilson doesnt see this. At least she calls it the Supremes Revue but her mind is telling her that she was or is a Supreme.

[carlo]

Here is Shantel Baker, introduced as the most fantastic of all the Motown singers...performing at Mamushka:


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

[carlo]

Mamushka is one jammin joint!

[milven]

Here is an article from 2002. It mentions that Diana's 2000 Supreme tour failed and that Shantelle will be touring with Diana in Europe with a Supremes tour. What a crock of shit.

NILES, Ohio
Promotion's name dispute creates a Supreme mess

By Joe Pinchot
Herald Staff Writer

A Web site promotion announced "The Supremes 40th Anniversary featuring Shantel Baker."

Pat Benti had one question about the promotion: "Shantel who?"

"I've never heard of this woman," said Benti, executive director of Friends Against Musical Exploitation of Artists Inc.

Mary Wilson, one of the three original Supremes, is a co-founder and vice president of FAME and alerted Benti to the Shantel Baker version, which is set to perform March 31 at McMenamy's in Niles, Ohio.

FAME, based in Revere, Mass., is a non-profit organization formed in 1998 to help current and former recording artists battle the loss or misuse of their names by counterfeit groups or individuals.

The Supremes promotion goes on to say, "They represent the best in the Motown sound ... producing six consecutive Number 1 songs, not even topped by the Beatles! Featuring Shantel Baker they will take you back to 'Where Did Our Love Go' and 'Come See About Me.'"

"Talk about misleading the public," Benti said. "To think that these three women recorded those hits and had those No. 1 songs is misleading."

Ms. Wilson, in a visit to Sharon some years ago, lamented that there are several groups calling themselves the Supremes, but who feature women who never sang with the group in any of the forms that made the Supremes the biggest girl group of the '60s and early '70s, and launched the solo career of Diana Ross.

"A lot of promoters don't care about the history of a group," Benti said. "They care about making a dollar."

The Supremes' problem is compounded because Ms. Wilson does not own the group's name. Benti said he believes the Motown record label owns the name. Ms. Wilson often bills herself as Mary Wilson of the Supremes.

Howard Harlib, manager of the Shantel Baker-led group, said Motown has allowed him to use the Supremes' name.

He added that Ms. Baker will be performing with Ms. Ross in a summer European tour of the Supremes.

Ms. Ross' American tour of the Supremes two years ago failed part way through. Ms. Wilson did not participate after failing to reach a contractual agreement.

Joe DiRusso, the promoter of the Niles show, at first denied that the promotion was misleading.

"Everyone knows that they're a phony group," said the president of J.B. Promotions Inc., Wickliffe, Ohio. "It's like a tribute to the Supremes. Everyone in their right mind knows they're not the Supremes."

But, later, DiRusso acknowledged the promotion "probably" is misleading.

He said he followed the advice of Harlib.

"He said, as long as I put '40th anniversary' of the Supremes, we're OK," DiRusso said. "I didn't realize there was anything wrong."

The negative response to the group has led DiRusso to say that Harlib "sounds like a phony," and noted that his telephone had been disconnected, but is since back up.

DiRusso has canceled three shows by the group in the Cleveland area, but cannot cancel the Niles show because of a contractual obligation. He said he spoke to Ms. Wilson, but she did not accuse him of misleading the public and agreed to pass on information about her group when it comes through town.

A message left for Ms. Wilson was not returned.

Harlib said he had worked with Ms. Wilson in the past, but no longer does.

DiRusso, who has regional shows coming up featuring Pat Boone, the Kingston Trio, the Osmond Brothers and Ray Price, said he pulled the Web page.

"Not only are the original fans getting ripped off, but so are the diehard fans," said Benti.

But according to DiRusso, few people will get ripped off by the Shantel Baker-led group in Niles. Ticket sales have been poor, he said.

[loveblind]

How could anyone be fooled by this clown..She doesn't even know lyrics.......even worse melody.....JOKE!

[milven]

It is laughable. I watched the interview again and she did tell the interviewer that she had a hit record called Love Attack by Shantelle. First, if you listen to the song above, you'll notice it is an electronic type song, not a singer's song. Second, I think the group may have been named for Steve Hantelle, definitely not named for Shantel Baker. There are a lot of groups with a Shantelle sounding name. Maybe she will also take credit for singing the Chantels hit MAYBE.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IePTH1PWzAs&feature=related

[luke]

But if u scroll down you can see she also bills herself as The New Supremes. Quite a gal. Id think Motown might finally wanna do somethin about this one.

[luke]

And it also notes on youtube that Ms Shantalie was one of the original background singers for the Supremes--its so good to learn these new things!

[bradsupremes]

Shantel Baker has the tendency to forget most of the lyrics. In place of those forgotten lyrics, she likes to repeat the same word over and over until the song ends. An example would be her 6-minute "Wait" version of "You Can't Hurry Love" [[which used to be on youtube) or her "Baby" version of "Where Did Our Love Go."

[jobeterob]

Motown doesn't care about this stuff; it's basically a Supremes Revue billing with a bunch of half truths and lies attached to someone who doesn't know the history nearly as well as the fans on SD; but she probably manages to sell 500 more real Supremes CDS per year as a result of her shows; so, it's a bit of a plus to Motown.

Plus you could run around til you are blue in the face chasing all these people, spending money and your life; and another one will crop up somewhere else.

But I suppose it could potentially take work away from Mary Wilson, the FLOS, and then all those other kinds of Supreme entities.........the Raglands and Burkhalters and whatever.

[smark21]

You can tell the "crowd" is overjoyed by her performance in that clip at that bar, lol!

[blueskies]

You can tell the "crowd" is overjoyed by her performance in that clip at that bar, lol!

Yea, and with that "Standing Room Only" crowd how could they not be thrilled and overjoyed! As Betty Davis so aptly put it....what a dump!

[milven]

....As Bette Davis so aptly put it....what a dump!

My exact thoughts:D:D:D. And I don't think she would have any kind words for Shantelle either.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3zShjyaTr8

[luke]

If you make it in Mamushka you can make it anywhere--as her bio says she is a rising star!

[blueskies]

http://www.urbandaddy.com/mia/nightlife/15331/Mamushka_s_Cheap_Beer_and_Shooting_Pool_in_Midtown _Miami_MIA_Bar

Mamushka's claims 'cheap beer'.....I might add.....'cheap entertainment' to boot!

[blueskies]

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

Apparently, Shantel is a woman of many incarnations!

[bradsupremes]

I just found Shantel Baker & the Supremes performing the 6 minute "Wait" version of "You Can't Hurry Love." Please enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqz2VHgCR6E

[blueskies]

I just found Shantel Baker & the Supremes performing the 6 minute "Wait" version of "You Can't Hurry Love." Please enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqz2VHgCR6E

bel·low

verb \ˈbe-[[ˌ)lō\


intransitive verb
1
: to make the loud deep hollow sound characteristic of a bull

[luke]

http://coconutgrovelive.blogspot.com/2010/09/incomparable-ricky-williams-and-song.html "Sadly" youtube froze during Santalie's wait wait wait part-did she really go on for 6 mins?? Im also disappointed Brad did not enlighten us on her incrdible solo career--she certainly continues her rise to the top. Little did we know the extent of her hits and how she is responsible for that nationally know dance craze "the Glide"!!

[arrr&bee]

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa,in all my hooch hullucinations[and there are many]could i ever come up with this much stuff,where does this stuff come from...haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaa!!!

[luke]

Obviously arr&bee you have work to do/history to learn.

[Roberta75]

I just found Shantel Baker & the Supremes performing the 6 minute "Wait" version of "You Can't Hurry Love." Please enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqz2VHgCR6E

LOL. Nobody with good sense could take this woman seriously.

[juicefree20]

This is one of the oddest interviews I've ever seen. Actually, it reads as though it's written in some parallel universe, a place which most of us have never visited.

I feel sorry for the young lady who did the interview, gushing & all of that because her lack of knowledge allowed her to be played for a fool & it drums home just how little many so-called "legitimate" media people knows about our musical history.

FREDA PAYNE WAS A SUPREME? Since she went there, how did she possibly miss out on the Hank Ballard connection to Flo, you know, last names & all?

How could any aspiring reporter/interviewer allow some woman to tell him/her that this woman was one of those whom replaced Diana Ross & not at least do his/her homework before co-signing this obvious load of crap?

Major screw-up...MAJOR!!!

I wasn't able to log-in last night, but I did do a little homework, some of which some of you have beaten me to. Nevertheless, not wanting that little research to go to waste, here's a bit of what I found. I stopped there because I couldn't stomach reading anymore nonsense, as it's a complete insult to anyone who has a brain...

Shantel Who???
http://www2.sharonherald.com/localnews/recentnews/0203/ln032102i.html

http://coconutgrovelive.blogspot.com/2010/09/incomparable-ricky-williams-and-song.html

http://the50sand60smusic.com/pages.php?id=MTU=\

Tangela Flowers moonlighting
http://www.communitynewspapers.com/south-miami/it%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98twilight-time%E2%80%99-again-at-%E2%80%98oldies-but-goodies%E2%80%99-concert/

One of the ladies, Pearlie Harris recorded as Pearl Dowdell in the '70s
It's All Over http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV9UYdUViBA
Good Things http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QViJ4ba9OHI&feature=related

These ladies were discussed here back in June 2010 & were not [[pardon the pun) Supremely received, to say the least!
http://faac.us/adf/messages/2/212167.html?1278534399

Do you yahoo...this one from 2002...
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/TheFLOS/messages/1537

[juicefree20]

Seriously, those videos & that canned applause is a serious embarrassment & if I had any advice for anyone seriously seeking to push this, I have just one phrase that says so much...

AUTOTUNE.

Lots of it!

On so many levels this is just sad & I thank God that I never wanted to be someone so badly that I would reduce myself to something of this sort, including lying & self-delusion.

Anyone that truly has convinced themselves not only that they could say that they were one of the girls who "replaced" Diana Ross & have anyone believe it, but that also that each of the "7 women" who were Supremes, received permission to use the name...well, that rather speaks for itself.

Especially when 9 years ago, that individual basically received a Cease And Desist" order regarding their abuse of the name of the group.

She'd look much better & more credible were she simply to say that she admires the group & is simply paying homage to them. But this shit here is simply downright crazy & all that's missing from that interview & video clip is for Jack Nicholson to come flying over that nest.

[blueskies]

http://the50sand60smusic.com/pages.php?id=MjE=

You think Shantel and her group sound 'iffy'....you gotta get a load of The Marvelette's....check out "Don't Mess With Bill"...esp. the background singers....Yeow! I'm off to take a Tylenol.

[motony]

I am embarrassed that this crap is in Florida.I assume thats where that Mamuska dump is.Maybe that was her Halloween outfit & maybe she is tricking these poor people who have just arrived from the Eastern Bloc.

[juicefree20]

Blueskies,

I can only imagine.

But to be perfectly honest about it, after all of the publicity surronding The Supremes for decades, there's just no way that any music fan with a brain should be fooled, nor duped by this.

Anyone who falls for this, deserves whatever they get because by now, EVERYONE over the age of 20 should know whom The Supremes are. Anyone who's watched the movie "Dreamgirls"has heard about the REAL Supremes, so older folks have absolutely ZERO excuse!

Unless they were hanging out with Rip Van Winkle for the past 35 years!

[marv2]

I almost feel sorry for this chick. It is clear that she is suffering the after effects of a bad acid trip!

[marv2]

I normally dont comment on threads regarding imposter groups but this is the FIRST time I have ever heard one of them say something like this THEN she mentions Freda Payne!!! This is hilarious I almost busted a gut listening to this. She talks to Motown....LOL I hope Ms Wilson doesnt see this. At least she calls it the Supremes Revue but her mind is telling her that she was or is a Supreme.

Acid trip!

[marv2]

Mamushka is one jammin joint!

Carlo, where is that located?

[marv2]

Here is an article from 2002. It mentions that Diana's 2000 Supreme tour failed and that Shantelle will be touring with Diana in Europe with a Supremes tour. What a crock of shit.

NILES, Ohio
Promotion's name dispute creates a Supreme mess

By Joe Pinchot
Herald Staff Writer

A Web site promotion announced "The Supremes 40th Anniversary featuring Shantel Baker."

Pat Benti had one question about the promotion: "Shantel who?"

"I've never heard of this woman," said Benti, executive director of Friends Against Musical Exploitation of Artists Inc.

Mary Wilson, one of the three original Supremes, is a co-founder and vice president of FAME and alerted Benti to the Shantel Baker version, which is set to perform March 31 at McMenamy's in Niles, Ohio.

FAME, based in Revere, Mass., is a non-profit organization formed in 1998 to help current and former recording artists battle the loss or misuse of their names by counterfeit groups or individuals.

The Supremes promotion goes on to say, "They represent the best in the Motown sound ... producing six consecutive Number 1 songs, not even topped by the Beatles! Featuring Shantel Baker they will take you back to 'Where Did Our Love Go' and 'Come See About Me.'"

"Talk about misleading the public," Benti said. "To think that these three women recorded those hits and had those No. 1 songs is misleading."

Ms. Wilson, in a visit to Sharon some years ago, lamented that there are several groups calling themselves the Supremes, but who feature women who never sang with the group in any of the forms that made the Supremes the biggest girl group of the '60s and early '70s, and launched the solo career of Diana Ross.

"A lot of promoters don't care about the history of a group," Benti said. "They care about making a dollar."

The Supremes' problem is compounded because Ms. Wilson does not own the group's name. Benti said he believes the Motown record label owns the name. Ms. Wilson often bills herself as Mary Wilson of the Supremes.

Howard Harlib, manager of the Shantel Baker-led group, said Motown has allowed him to use the Supremes' name.

He added that Ms. Baker will be performing with Ms. Ross in a summer European tour of the Supremes.

Ms. Ross' American tour of the Supremes two years ago failed part way through. Ms. Wilson did not participate after failing to reach a contractual agreement.

Joe DiRusso, the promoter of the Niles show, at first denied that the promotion was misleading.

"Everyone knows that they're a phony group," said the president of J.B. Promotions Inc., Wickliffe, Ohio. "It's like a tribute to the Supremes. Everyone in their right mind knows they're not the Supremes."

But, later, DiRusso acknowledged the promotion "probably" is misleading.

He said he followed the advice of Harlib.

"He said, as long as I put '40th anniversary' of the Supremes, we're OK," DiRusso said. "I didn't realize there was anything wrong."

The negative response to the group has led DiRusso to say that Harlib "sounds like a phony," and noted that his telephone had been disconnected, but is since back up.

DiRusso has canceled three shows by the group in the Cleveland area, but cannot cancel the Niles show because of a contractual obligation. He said he spoke to Ms. Wilson, but she did not accuse him of misleading the public and agreed to pass on information about her group when it comes through town.

A message left for Ms. Wilson was not returned.

Harlib said he had worked with Ms. Wilson in the past, but no longer does.

DiRusso, who has regional shows coming up featuring Pat Boone, the Kingston Trio, the Osmond Brothers and Ray Price, said he pulled the Web page.

"Not only are the original fans getting ripped off, but so are the diehard fans," said Benti.

But according to DiRusso, few people will get ripped off by the Shantel Baker-led group in Niles. Ticket sales have been poor, he said.






I remember this story and how it developed!

[luke]

Did you see the customers takin her pic Juice-they may be fooled. :[[

[marv2]

Motown doesn't care about this stuff; it's basically a Supremes Revue billing with a bunch of half truths and lies attached to someone who doesn't know the history nearly as well as the fans on SD; but she probably manages to sell 500 more real Supremes CDS per year as a result of her shows; so, it's a bit of a plus to Motown.

Plus you could run around til you are blue in the face chasing all these people, spending money and your life; and another one will crop up somewhere else.

But I suppose it could potentially take work away from Mary Wilson, the FLOS, and then all those other kinds of Supreme entities.........the Raglands and Burkhalters and whatever.



You can exclude Mary Wilson from you list. She doesn't do that type of work.....

[smark21]

I just found Shantel Baker & the Supremes performing the 6 minute "Wait" version of "You Can't Hurry Love." Please enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqz2VHgCR6E

You gotta love her emphatic "style" of singing, lol!

[smark21]

This is one of the oddest interviews I've ever seen. Actually, it reads as though it's written in some parallel universe, a place which most of us have never visited.

I feel sorry for the young lady who did the interview, gushing & all of that because her lack of knowledge allowed her to be played for a fool & it drums home just how little many so-called "legitimate" media people knows about our musical history.

FREDA PAYNE WAS A SUPREME? Since she went there, how did she possibly miss out on the Hank Ballard connection to Flo, you know, last names & all?

How could any aspiring reporter/interviewer allow some woman to tell him/her that this woman was one of those whom replaced Diana Ross & not at least do his/her homework before co-signing this obvious load of crap?

Major screw-up...MAJOR!!!

I wasn't able to log-in last night, but I did do a little homework, some of which some of you have beaten me to. Nevertheless, not wanting that little research to go to waste, here's a bit of what I found. I stopped there because I couldn't stomach reading anymore nonsense, as it's a complete insult to anyone who has a brain...

Shantel Who???
http://www2.sharonherald.com/localnews/recentnews/0203/ln032102i.html

http://coconutgrovelive.blogspot.com/2010/09/incomparable-ricky-williams-and-song.html

http://the50sand60smusic.com/pages.php?id=MTU=\

Tangela Flowers moonlighting
http://www.communitynewspapers.com/south-miami/it%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98twilight-time%E2%80%99-again-at-%E2%80%98oldies-but-goodies%E2%80%99-concert/

One of the ladies, Pearlie Harris recorded as Pearl Dowdell in the '70s
It's All Over http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV9UYdUViBA
Good Things http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QViJ4ba9OHI&feature=related

These ladies were discussed here back in June 2010 & were not [[pardon the pun) Supremely received, to say the least!
http://faac.us/adf/messages/2/212167.html?1278534399

Do you yahoo...this one from 2002...
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/TheFLOS/messages/1537

I remember back on Yahoo in 2002 the big hulaboloo against Shantal Baker playing some gig in Ohio billed as The Supremes. Members from quite a few groups sent emails to the venue.

[carlo]

Isn't Shantel Baker Anita Baker's sister??

[stephanie]

I remember the internet protest in Yahoo groups when this woman was making the circuit. Sad state of affairs. She could sing gospel though her voice is not that bad.

[milven]

Isn't Shantel Baker Anita Baker's sister??

I thought she was Josephine's daughter

[robbert]

In that case she only could be Josephine's adopted daughter. Hahahahaha!

[Jimi LaLumia]

she had 12 number one's with the Supremes in the 60's ; don't you remember her platinum album BAKERS DOZEN?

[carlo]

In that case she only could be Josephine's adopted daughter. Hahahahaha!

lol. We shouldn't give her any ideas. She might read this and start telling people she's Josephine Baker's long-lost daughter. :)

[carlo]

Shantel of The Supremes...performing at a parking lot near you!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK_Dv43QiiM

How sad...

[milven]

Of the Supremes?? !!! Who in their right mind would believe she had any connection the the glamorous Supremes? Chantel in her pimp hat and bare midriff. Very Supreme. Do you know that she was being discussed on this board a year and a half ago? Check this link http://faac.us/adf/messages/2/212167.html

[carlo]

Chantel in her pimp hat and bare midriff. Very Supreme.

lol!!

I had talked about her here too:

http://faac.us/adf/messages/2/213434.html

I totally forgot I had already mentioned her. I guess I can't help it...she's my favourite Supreme. :)

[marv2]

Shantel of The Supremes...performing at a parking lot near you!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK_Dv43QiiM

How sad...

Quit it Carlo! LOL!!!

[marv2]

lol!!

I had talked about her here too:

http://faac.us/adf/messages/2/213434.html

I totally forgot I had already mentioned her. I guess I can't help it...she's my favourite Supreme. :)

The Supremes were so much better after she replaced Diana Ross!

[blueskies]

Wow.....nothing like a good parking lot for ones career! Our local Wal-Mart parking lot could use a classy show like this.

[bradsupremes]

I always loved it when she performed this to a member of the audience during their live shows. Her little scat at 2:01 always won the crowd over. In fact, it inspired Diana when she was doing "Lady Sings The Blues." Of course this was just around the time frame when Shantel replaced Freda Payne as the lead singer in the group.


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

[milven]

This woman must have a great set of balls to keep professing that she is and was a Supreme. In her own mind, she probably is a Supreme. But there are a lot of Supreme fans on this board. In the real world, can she claim any link to the group ala Kaaaaaaren Rag? That is, was she ever a background singer for Mary, or any of the other legit Supremes? Did she have any link at all to Motown. That original interview in this thread would be funny if it weren't so pathetic.

[carlo]

Milven, I did a Google search last night and apparently she claims she joined The Supremes in 1985. One of her shows was promoted by a newspaper and a fan wrote in to respond to the ad and pointed out how The Supremes had officially disbanded in 1977. It's beyond me how anyone could think she was ever a Supreme. I don't know what her exact association is.

[carlo]

Her little scat at 2:01 always won the crowd over.

lol. That was precious.

[ralpht]

She has a tendency to sing slightly flat. Geesh...

[blueskies]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8GD2SrpIU4&feature=related

The dazzling Supremes fronted by Diana Ross' replacement...or was that Freda Payne?.....gowns by Goodwill.

[dianesfan_1965]

But if u scroll down you can see she also bills herself as The New Supremes. Quite a gal. Id think Motown might finally wanna do somethin about this one.

This will NOT set well with Pearlie Salters!

[Jimi LaLumia]

the only link to The Supremes is if someone was a recorded member of that group while they were on Motown...
singing back ground for Mary or whoever is not a link to "The Supremes", it's a link to Mary or whoever...end of story..

[ralpht]

I was just looking at the top picture and realized that act wasn't good enough to rate occupying the stage.

[milven]

the only link to The Supremes is if someone was a recorded member of that group while they were on Motown...
singing back ground for Mary or whoever is not a link to "The Supremes", it's a link to Mary or whoever...end of story..
Actually, if someone sang with any of the former Supremes, that would give them a link to the group, but it would not make them a Supreme. Kaaaaren can not call herself a Supreme. Nor can Freddie Poole. They do have links to the Supremes. But I can think of absolutely no connection to Motown or the Supremes by this Chantel person. Of course, I can also not see any connection to entertainment by her. She is an out and out liar. She also lied about having a hit record called Love Attack. She is being introduced as a Supreme in these videos. [[Of course, the MC is a street vendor and she is performing in a gutter but still - let's have some truth in advertising)

[smark21]

Actually, if someone sang with any of the former Supremes, that would give them a link to the group, but it would not make them a Supreme. Kaaaaren can not call herself a Supreme. Nor can Freddie Poole. They do have links to the Supremes. But I can think of absolutely no connection to Motown or the Supremes by this Chantel person. Of course, I can also not see any connection to entertainment by her. She is an out and out liar. She also lied about having a hit record called Love Attack. She is being introduced as a Supreme in these videos. [[Of course, the MC is a street vendor and she is performing in a gutter but still - let's have some truth in advertising)

Maybe she attended a Diana Ross concert back in the day when Ross used to go in the audience and let people sing Reach Out and Touch with her? There's your Supremes connection, lol!

In NYC, there are restaurants in certain areas of town that are knock offs of famous chains. For instance "Kennedy Fried Chicken". Shantal Baker is the equivalent of Kennedy Fried Chicken for tTe Supremes.

[blueskies]

This will NOT set well with Pearlie Salters!

Who is Pearlie Salters? Careful.....I'm not over former...or is that CURRENT Supreme, Chantel Baker.

[smark21]

Who is Pearlie Salters? Careful.....I'm not over former...or is that CURRENT Supreme, Chantel Baker.

Here's Pearlie and her girls, including the ultimate diva herself, Ms. Shantal Baker. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pearliesalters/

[marv2]

All kidding aside, who is booking this woman? From the few clips I've seen it looks like she may be in Florida somewhere. She is not even a good "local act". How is she getting booked to even play parking lots?

[blueskies]

Here's Pearlie and her girls, including the ultimate diva herself, Ms. Shantal Baker. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pearliesalters/

Pearlie.....Lumpy, Dumpy and Co-Co....according to the Yahoo groups page! Well, that pretty much sums it up!

[milven]

All kidding aside, who is booking this woman? From the few clips I've seen it looks like she may be in Florida somewhere. She is not even a good "local act". How is she getting booked to even play parking lots?

Here is their booking information http://www.the50sand60smusic.com/index.php
Here is their page http://www.the50sand60smusic.com/pages.php?id=MTU=

And here is the phone number of the booking agent. 1 888 413 4443
I'm gonna give them a call tomorrow. I am having my septic tank cleaned and I would love to have them appear at the opening.

[carlo]

I am having my septic tank cleaned and I would love to have them appear at the opening.

lol!

I dare you to call. Ask their agent how Shantel is related to The Supremes...I would be interested to hear what he/she has to say.

[uptight]

And don't let her get booked at Baker's Keyboard Lounge in Detroit, she might claim she owns the joint!

[franjoy56]

She is not or ever was a supreme, she is just tripping wishing she was. I never heard of her period. Jean terrell is the only girl who can claim the taking of diana's place and proves it with her top top entry
on the charts in feb. Of 1970.

[jobeterob]

I have never heard of this lady prior to all this either. She is classless.

[smark21]

Shantal Baker is my favorite Supreme. She's klassy and she can sang!

[marv2]

This woman must have a great set of balls to keep professing that she is and was a Supreme. In her own mind, she probably is a Supreme. But there are a lot of Supreme fans on this board. In the real world, can she claim any link to the group ala Kaaaaaaren Rag? That is, was she ever a background singer for Mary, or any of the other legit Supremes? Did she have any link at all to Motown. That original interview in this thread would be funny if it weren't so pathetic.

No, she was never one of Mary's back up singers.

[milven]

Here is their booking information http://www.the50sand60smusic.com/index.php
Here is their page http://www.the50sand60smusic.com/pages.php?id=MTU=

And here is the phone number of the booking agent. 1 888 413 4443
I'm gonna give them a call tomorrow. I am having my septic tank cleaned and I would love to have them appear at the opening.





lol!

I dare you to call. Ask their agent how Shantel is related to The Supremes...I would be interested to hear what he/she has to say.
Carlo, I took you up on your dare and called a few weeks ago. They called back about two days later. I said that I was President of A Motorcycle Club and wanted to book entertainment for our 40th anniversary which we were celebrating in a local VFW hall. Of course, these were all lies, but what he told me were all lies too. He said that after Diana left the group, that there was a rotation of singers that took her place and Shantell was one of them. He said that another of the singers in the group had a link to the the original group. He asked how many people would be at the event. I would have loved to find out how much he charged for this group but as he was telling more and more lies about Shantel and her group, I lost my temper with him, told him off, told him his group was bullshit and eventually disconnnected.

But I did do one more thing. I sent this thread and the phone number and website to about ten or so people [[a few in the industry) and told them to call. I'm guessing that those phone calls and the calls from people who read this thread disturbed the guy BECAUSE now, the phone number is not taking any calls and the only way to make contact is through e-mail.

It was fun, but like roaches, you can't get rid of Shantel. She will be appearing at a parking lot near you.

[blueskies]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1kNgppfla8

I believe Pearl Dowdell is/was in Shantel Baker's Supremes group. Kinda like the record. I'd never heard of her before.

[candykamaine]

lol!!

I had talked about her here too:

http://faac.us/adf/messages/2/213434.html

I totally forgot I had already mentioned her. I guess I can't help it...she's my favourite Supreme. :)

The video from that link had me think, "what in karaoke heck is that mess." They look like a bunch of girls at a karaoke club instead of a actual proformance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqz2VHgCR6E

[Glenpwood]

ROTF at Shantel's management getting prank booking calls. What's next, a fake call from Universal requesting a performance to commemorate the release of Shantel Baker's Lost & Found at a Goodwill Drop Box?

[jobeterob]

Amazing how crappy her performances are; I notice in David Nathan's interview just before Christmas with Mary Wilson, she mentions how many of these groups of Supremes are out there working in England. I notice she also commented on the meanness on the Internet as well and said something like, it was hard not to be hurt by it.

[carlo]

lol! Go Milven!! You made my night. Hahahaha! I didn't think you would actually go through with it. Wow! :D

[jobeterob]

He's right Milven............you are owed congratulations for having the balls and courage to make the call.

There are people like Jean and Cindy that were real Supremes that never cash in on their connection; there are people like some Karens that had some connection that always try and play it up and then there are the Shantals who had no connection and should shut up.

And Mary Wilson recently said such people do make a difference and it isn't a positive one.

[milven]

He's right Milven............you are owed congratulations for having the balls and courage to make the call....


Thanks, but he has bigger balls to try to pass that shit off as entertainment. He didn't even try to pass them off as a tribute group. After watching the videos on this thread, I wouldn't pass them off to my worst enemy.

[jobeterob]

I was thinking that when people on SD see those Youtube posts where people curse and swear and make hateful comments about Diana Ross and Mary Wilson, that we as a group should go after them. I recently read that interview with Mary Wilson where she said her feelings are hurt by them and I recall Jermaine Jackson said Michael's kids weren't allowed to go on Youtube because of some of the same kinds of postings.

It might make some people think twice and some people back off.

[Sugarchilehoneybaby]

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

Apparently, Shantel is a woman of many incarnations!

ROTFLMAO!!! For a rising star, she sure is no spring chicken.

I think I'd rather spend a few bucks tipping a drag queen impersonating Tina or The Supremes than to see this woman "sing".

[huntergettingcaptured]

There is something SERIOUSLY wrong with the public when they could so easily swallow that this woman was EVER part of the Supremes. The Supremes were all about high-class and elegance. Seeing these clips, I think I'll be easily able to loose every last 50 pounds I've been trying to loose for the longest time! I'm ready to upchuck and in a huge way!

[jobeterob]

I dont think too many people are fooled.

But alot of people are happy enough to listen to some kind of remotely connected tribute group which is a shame.

And you don't have to go that far these days to get the real hits from Diana's tour.

[smark21]

I dont think too many people are fooled.

But alot of people are happy enough to listen to some kind of remotely connected tribute group which is a shame.

And you don't have to go that far these days to get the real hits from Diana's tour.

Tell that to Diana's fans in the UK.

[skooldem1]

There is something that has never made sense to me. None of these tribute acts take away from Diana's bookings, so why would they take away from Mary's? Either you want to see Mary or you don't. I don't understand why Mary equates herslef to a "tribute act" and acts like they take food off of her table. I think its more of a control issue.

[marybrewster]

Ask the same of Gladys Horton. And there's your answer.

[skooldem1]

I'm talking about "SUPREMES" not marvelettes. How can someone who performs in parking lots be a threat to a former Supreme?

[marybrewster]

MONEY!

And while YOU aren't talking Marvelettes, it's the SAME answer. So get over yourself.

[skooldem1]

Girl, it is too early in the morning for this shit.

[marybrewster]

Exactly. So act right.

[marybrewster]

Lord, I'm acting like Shantel Baker up in here. I need Prin tablet.

[luke]

Im getting confused withthe Supremes family tree. Is Pearlie Dowd, Pearlie Salters? What about Urethra Burbaker?? So many Supremes so little time.

[milven]

There is something that has never made sense to me. None of these tribute acts take away from Diana's bookings, so why would they take away from Mary's? Either you want to see Mary or you don't. I don't understand why Mary equates herslef to a "tribute act" and acts like they take food off of her table. I think its more of a control issue.
It always causes trouble when we do the Diana.Mary comparisons. But, Diana books and bills herself as Diana Ross. She has established herself as Diana Ross. [[And she had a great head start doing this when the name of the group was changed to include her name. When her name is said, people automatically think of the Supremes and she doesn't have to say it) Mary continues to bill herself in some way as associated with the Supremes and therefore has to compete for bookings with fake parking lot Supremes and even other former legitimate Supremes like Sherrie and Lynda. I think it is more of a bread and butter issue than a control issue.

Having seen both Mary and Diana many times, I enjoy both their shows individually and try not to compare them. I always wished that Diana would devote more concert time to her Supremes songs. [[She does now, thankfully) And I always wished that Mary would devote less time to her Supremes' songs. Her UP CLOSE show is great cabaret and shows Mary's talent her best with just one Supreme song. She is one of the few female singers whose voice has gotten better with age. It may be her confidence. She has been referred to as a background singer for so long, she was believing it.

[skooldem1]

That makes sense.

[marybrewster]

skool, I apologize if I was a little snarky this morning; what I meant to say was, like the troubles Gladys Horton had, I'm sure it's much cheaper to hire three "unknowns" singing the hits of the Marvelettes versus hiring Gladys. I would assume the same is for Mary. This, in turn, takes away bookings. I have no idea what Mary charges in concert, but I'd bet it's quite a bit more than Shantel Baker. And if she's contiually allowed to tote herself as a "former Supreme", does anyone but a "fan" know the difference? It's all about the image and the song. Unfortunatley, Shantel can't nail down either.

Milven; I couldn't agree with you more. The times I've seen Diana in concert, she's done one or two full-versions of Supremes hits, then typically a medley or two. Personally, I'd like to see her expand on the Supremes hits; while she's had anamazing solo career, I'd almost bet that the majority of her audience would agree with me.

And yes, I'd like to see Mary do just the opposite; maybe a Supreme hit or two and a medley or two, but she shines when she does a ballad or something a little better suited for her voice. I'd love to see her bring back "Red Hot" to her show. Being her "signature hit" I have no idea why she doesn't include it.

My real question is: who IS Shantel? Was she ever a back-up for Mary and is using the Kaaaaaaaaren route? Or was she a singer with Kaaaaaaaaaren, and because so, thinks that makes her a Supreme?

Lastly, to her credit, I don't know that Mary has much control over HOW she is billed; I've seen it as Mary Wilson OF the Supremes, Mary Wilson AND the Supremes, The Supremes' Mary Wilson, Mary Wilson Formerly of the Supremes and simply, Mary Wilson.

[skooldem1]

No problemo. I'm honestly torn on the issue. I have no problems with "tribute" groups. I do have a problem with lying. This chick is crazy. Specifically speaking about Mary/Supremes. I don't see why she thinks she is competing with the likes of Shantel- or why she would even be worried about her.

[marybrewster]

I don't know either, unless it's something to do with the "legacy". I won't even touch that discussion, LOL.

Obviously Shantel is no competition for Mary. A Wal-Mart parking lot? How common.

[Sugarchilehoneybaby]

You know, I've been thinking of how we've all enjoyed making fun of Shantel Baker, even coming up with a 100+ song track list for the "Forever, Shantel" box set, and it occurred to me that perhaps we ought to simply respect her as a black woman. Follow me here for a second....If the true legacy of The Supremes, and Diana and Mary individually, was that it elevated the respect accorded Black women in American society by creating a refined, classy, elegant, and divinely feminine image with music to match, it's sad that Shantel seems to go against that grain by not possessing those same qualities. So then, we all go make fun of her appearance, ridiculous claims, less-than-stellar voice, and "ghetto" image. But what if Shantel honestly thinks she is paying sincere tribute to the Supreme ladies who inspired her? She ain't no Supreme, but perhaps she doesn't deserve our ridicule [[of which I am guilty as well).

I dunno. What do you all think?

[mysterysinger]

Here in the UK we know the truth about Shantel. It is 42 years ago to the day that her first single was rush released causing a blip in the sequencing in the TMG series. In order that the version of "Someday We'll Be Together" with Shantel on lead could be issued before the Diana Ross version, the immediately preceding single of Edwin Starr and Blinky's "Oh How Happy" was rapidly withdrawn from issue and replaced with the Shantel rush release. In the event, "Oh How Happy" was issued a short time after but we know why that was done. How fitting too that Shantel should be singing "Someday We'll Be Together" with The Supremes. It is now one of the rarest releases on Uk TMG.

4140

[milven]

That is an amazing piece of work mysterysinger. And I love the accompanying story with some truth sprinkled in. I read your post and my mouth opened with amazement. You had me thinking for a minute, "This must be real. It's not April Fool's Day!!". I guess we better stop picking on Shantel. ;)
SUPERB

[smark21]

You know, I've been thinking of how we've all enjoyed making fun of Shantel Baker, even coming up with a 100+ song track list for the "Forever, Shantel" box set, and it occurred to me that perhaps we ought to simply respect her as a black woman. Follow me here for a second....If the true legacy of The Supremes, and Diana and Mary individually, was that it elevated the respect accorded Black women in American society by creating a refined, classy, elegant, and divinely feminine image with music to match, it's sad that Shantel seems to go against that grain by not possessing those same qualities. So then, we all go make fun of her appearance, ridiculous claims, less-than-stellar voice, and "ghetto" image. But what if Shantel honestly thinks she is paying sincere tribute to the Supreme ladies who inspired her? She ain't no Supreme, but perhaps she doesn't deserve our ridicule [[of which I am guilty as well).

I dunno. What do you all think?

If Shantal wasn't making claims about being a legit Supreme, I don't think she would be subjected to such ridicule. But by making such claims in the marketing of her act [[which I suspect only the gullible and naive and the cheap book) she's a fair target.

That being said, she's no competition for Mary or The FLOS as I suspect neither of them would lower their asking price to Shantal's low level [[I'm presuming she can be booked cheap).

The main reason why Mary is not getting as many bookings in the US as she did 20 years ago is because the oldies market has moved on to focussing on 80's acts. Time marches on.

[mysterysinger]

I wasn't that fond of her Supremes work - she was much better in The Ronettes and later in The Three Degrees. She really came into her own with Ian Levine's Motorcity project.

[marv2]

It always causes trouble when we do the Diana.Mary comparisons. But, Diana books and bills herself as Diana Ross. She has established herself as Diana Ross. [[And she had a great head start doing this when the name of the group was changed to include her name. When her name is said, people automatically think of the Supremes and she doesn't have to say it) Mary continues to bill herself in some way as associated with the Supremes and therefore has to compete for bookings with fake parking lot Supremes and even other former legitimate Supremes like Sherrie and Lynda. I think it is more of a bread and butter issue than a control issue.

Having seen both Mary and Diana many times, I enjoy both their shows individually and try not to compare them. I always wished that Diana would devote more concert time to her Supremes songs. [[She does now, thankfully) And I always wished that Mary would devote less time to her Supremes' songs. Her UP CLOSE show is great cabaret and shows Mary's talent her best with just one Supreme song. She is one of the few female singers whose voice has gotten better with age. It may be her confidence. She has been referred to as a background singer for so long, she was believing it.

Mary's voice has gotten even better with age. She sounds amazing live and in concert. Mary Wilson does not compete with these tribute acts and fake Supremes acts. She is on an entirely different level.

Her main concern is that they cheapen and tarnish the image and legacy of The Supremes.

[Sugarchilehoneybaby]

I love Mary's version of "Here's To Life"! Not as much as Shirley Horn's, mind you, but much. It seems Mary has come to understand the songs that her unique voice shines the brightest on, which is usually ballads and jazz.