Can someone explain why they're dressed this way?

[Kamasu_Jr]

What happened here? Why are Cindy and Diana dressed casually, but Mary is in a gown?

http://eil.com/images/main/Diana+Ross+%26+The+Supremes+-+Classic+-+CD+ALBUM-435961.jpg [[http://eil.com/images/main/Diana+Ross+%26+The+Supremes+-+Classic+-+CD+ALBUM-435961.jpg)

[thommg]

What happened here? Why are Cindy and Diana dressed casually, but Mary is in a gown?

http://eil.com/images/main/Diana+Ross+%26+The+Supremes+-+Classic+-+CD+ALBUM-435961.jpg [[http://eil.com/images/main/Diana+Ross+%26+The+Supremes+-+Classic+-+CD+ALBUM-435961.jpg)

Well, my guess would be that the picture was taken at a sound check and Mary is wearing the gown so they could see it under the lights. Anyone else know the truth?

[Methuselah2]

Oh, Mary is always over-dressed!

Just kidding--I think Thommg has nailed it. There was always a dress/lights, etc. test for any show, especially TV.

There's a well-known photo from 1965 when they sang NOTHING BUT HEARTACHES with Florence in a totally different dress than the one that both Diana and Mary wore. It was merely a dress test, a run-though; nothing more.

Here's one photo from that run-through:

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7whfuaYjq1rwqm4so1_500.png

And another:

http://faac.us/adf/messages/2/212094.jpg

However, Flo refused to change her dress, so she was replaced in the number by Sammy Davis, Jr.:

http://s2.dmcdn.net/hbcf/160x120-W23.jpg

Even less is known about the earlier period of the group when Barbara Martin was replaced by Smokey:

https://cdn.argentaimages.com/images/detail/EDS1352752630REQOHD.jpg

[marv2]

What happened here? Why are Cindy and Diana dressed casually, but Mary is in a gown?

http://eil.com/images/main/Diana+Ross+%26+The+Supremes+-+Classic+-+CD+ALBUM-435961.jpg [[http://eil.com/images/main/Diana+Ross+%26+The+Supremes+-+Classic+-+CD+ALBUM-435961.jpg)

It was a rehearsal. There are lots of different shots from the rehearsal.

[marv2]

More from that rehearsal:

[R. Mark Desjardins]

marv2
Don't know how or where you find these great photos of the Supremes, but your generous spirit in sharing these treasures is greatly appreciated!

[detmotownguy]

Fess up Marv, where is your stash?

[Kamasu_Jr]

I have seen various photos from this day, but I didn't know if it was a rehearsal or what.

[reese]

I think these photos are from the rehearsal for the R.A.I. concert, which is now available on home video as THE SUPREMES GREATEST HITS:LIVE IN AMSTERDAM.

[marv2]

marv2
Don't know how or where you find these great photos of the Supremes, but your generous spirit in sharing these treasures is greatly appreciated!

Mark, You are most welcome!