By THE 70s SUPREMES FAN (24.30.98.236) on Monday, July 14, 2003 - 11:24 am:

When i saw THE 70s SUPREMES(MARY WILSON CINDY BIRDSONG and JEAN TERRELL)live i fell in love all over again.Each girl who came into THE SUPREMES had her own style.JEAN TERRELL was a hit from the start.When LYNDA LAURENCE join THE SUPREMES she was so good that i didn't even miss CINDY(and i do love CINDY).LYNDA was such a pro.And then came this SHERRIE PAYNE girl who could sing her you know what off.What a great singer SHERRIE PAYNE is.After i had heard it all here comes this girl who is shorter then SHERRIE PAYNE.SUSAYE GREENE with this five octave range.And i can not leave out MARY WILSON.This was not the MARY WILSON from the 60s.This was the new MARY WILSON of THE 70s SUPREMES.It was a new day. all THE 70s SUPREMES could sing lead.And MARY was one of the best singer in THE 70s SUPREMES.I think MARY SHERRIE and SUSAYE were the best.But again i love all THE 70s SUPREMES.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, July 14, 2003 - 12:40 pm:

What do I like about the 1970s Supremes, let's see...

1) The lineups - all the lead singers were wonderful, even though I do have a soft spot for my girl Jean Terrell. Her leads on "Up The Ladder To The Roof", "Nathan Jones" and "Where Does Brown Begin" are classic. Also, we saw the Supremes mature into fine, gorgeous women (note to Mary Wilson - if you're looking for a younger man, I'm available! )

2) The songs - they had some of the better songs of any of the female Motown acts until Teena Marie hit. Writers such as Clay McMurray, Andrew Hamilton (he wrote "You Move Me" for the Right On album), Jimmy Webb and Smokey provided great material.

3) The production/arrangements - some of the most elegant soul music to emerge in the 1970s. Kudos to Frank Wilson, Smokey, Jimmy Webb and the return of H-D-H for the fine work. Can anyone imagine what the Supremes would've sounded like under Barry White's productions! (He came thisclose to signing with Motown in the late 1960s as a artist/producer...now all we can do is imagine..)

All of that together is was made the 1970s Supremes sooooooooooooo good!

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Nish (66.119.33.170) on Monday, July 14, 2003 - 01:45 pm:

One word: JEAN TERRELL!!! That woman's voice is amazing!!! The lead singers definitely improved (I like Diana Ross, and to improve upon her is saying a lot to me - what she lacked in vocal prowess she made up for with charm, style, and a compelling unexplainably good vocal style).

The Frank Wilson productions relied upon the great harmonies of Mary and Cindy, and I think he was innovative. Interesting sense of percussion and rhythm, that man had. Smokey Robinson's album with them was similarly excellent.

The flowering of Mary Wilson was also a wonderful thing to experience on the records. Her leads are classic, particularly "Touch," "Sha-La Bandit" (shared), and the beautiful, haunting "A Heart Like Mine."
The Supremes in the 70s were chic women that epitomized the era. I think they carried the style of Flo,Mary and Diana to the level it should have been carried to.

By motownboy (12.158.230.250) on Monday, July 14, 2003 - 01:51 pm:

The 70s Supremes had great vocalists.... better than Diana Ross (although I am a BIG Ross-the-Boss fan). There was a more mature direction from 1970-1973 for the Supremes. I thought that Jean Terrell's perfomances on the "Jimmy Webb" album were spectacular. Plus Mary got a chanace to really shine in the 1970s.

Scherrie Payne and Susay Green - also great vocalists were(and still are) quite a pleasure to listen to.

The 70s Supremes Anthology is one of my all-time favorite CDs.....Now, if the LPs would only be re-released on CD with bonus tracks.......!!!!!

By Scratcher (65.238.128.237) on Monday, July 14, 2003 - 02:43 pm:

KevGo, that was Al Hamilton who wrote "You Move Me" with his brother Robert, and William Garrett.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, July 14, 2003 - 03:03 pm:

Thanks, Scratcher! I just checked my record jacket and it is Al Hamilton.
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By John Barry Sheffield (195.92.168.164) on Monday, July 14, 2003 - 03:35 pm:

I just fell in love with JEAN TERRELL the first track I heard with her featured, she knocked me off my feet, both looks and voice, another posting recently asked what is SOUL, a Voice like JEAN'S - after her departure the Supremes for me! just becamse bland and no vocal character.

Last week I managed to get hold a DJ CD copy of "I had to fall in Love" Jean's only? album, and to hear those tracks so clean and crisp, before this I only had the album cassette version.

JEAN where are You Babe! miss You so much!!!

John

By marv (205.188.209.109) on Monday, July 14, 2003 - 08:39 pm:

The 70's Supremes? Simply the best Mary and Jean knocked me out during those years. I have all of the recordings from the 70's and they are definitely some of the best music Motown ever released.

By breathtakingguy (65.238.91.252) on Monday, July 14, 2003 - 09:00 pm:

The 70's Supremes...ahhh. I think they had come into their own by then and was not overshadowed by an ego the size of the Titanic. They all got a chance to shine AND BE HEARD! For once, you could actually hear Cindy! Mary got to step forth and Jean took them to the heavens! Please come back!

By Charmedes (142.165.104.90) on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 01:42 am:

I remember eagerly anticipating the group's first single release of "Up the Ladder to the roof" and promoting it heavily among friends. We all enjoyed their albums: "Right On," "New Ways but love stays," "Touch" and "Floy Joy."

Those are the albums that, in our opinion, we fondly remember as the group's finest.

By JoB (204.42.12.2) on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 03:45 am:

...they looked GREAT, sounded even better...Nathan Jones, Stoned Love, Up the Ladder...gotta lov'm :o)

By John Lester (213.123.139.138) on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 04:18 am:

I loved Jean as a lead singer too but my preference was Scherrie Payne - that voice was and still is one of my all time favourites.

By Marvel (65.42.85.28) on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 06:47 am:

I like all line ups of the Supremes but after Jean they should have dropped the name period. Unlike with the Tempatations where the fans are accepting of all line ups, with the Supremes with each new lady it seemed to cause a major divsion among fans and the regular joes who where just looking on. Each lady brought something special.

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 01:16 pm:

In my opinion, after Diana Ross, the group just got better vocally, and better looking (not that they were ever bad looking!) I loved their work with Frank Wilson (especially) where you could hear each vocalist sing her part, particularly on the song "Up the Ladder to the Roof". I also enjoyed their work with the Four Tops, and Mary & Cindy even got a chance to do a little leading on songs like "Baby, you got what it takes & Reach out & Touch (somebody's hand). My favorite song with the Four Tops is , "You gotta have love in your Heart". The song is spiritual to me, and Jean sounded like she was getting happy in the song...I felt it.
As for the other line-ups that featured Lynda, Scherrie & Susaye, I enjoyed their vocals stylings as well. I'm just sorry to see the group now defunct. The 70's Anthology is DA BOMB!

By Michael/cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 03:14 pm:

Handsome:

I have abeen a Supremes fan since 1965. I am in agreement about how much better the Supremes sounded vocally after Diana Ross (although no followup possessd her charisma). Jean could do middle, low, or high harmonies and that extended the range of what the Supremes could produce. I used to love the Jean, Mary, Cindy live performances where they would do such songs as McArthur's Park and the Way We Were in gorgeous three part harmonies. At one live performance I saw they did Stevie Wonder's Heaven Help Us All and Jean got happy and sent chills down the spines of the audience.

Basically, I loved the Supremes as far as the Scherrie, Mary, Cindy lineup. Although the Scherrie, Susaye, Mary lineup sang their asses off, to me it was not the Supremes anymore but an entirely differnt group and sound. Frankly, if the Supremes had Mary and Cindy, I loved it and if it didn't, less so. Cindy always added a class that was Supreme and together with Mary they were the foundation. Lynda and Susaye were simply not there long enough to make a deep impression.

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 04:27 pm:

Micahel/Cleoharvey, I would've loved to see The Supremes Live (even with Diana). Unfortunately I never got the chance.

Here's a hypothetical Everyone:

IF there was ever a movie on the Supremes, who would you pick to play the 8 Ladies? Here are my choices (off the top of my head), Don't SHOOT ME! ha ha!

Diana Ross-Rhonda or Tracey (her daughters)

Mary Wilson-Lauryn Hill (vocal wise)

Florence Ballard-Faith Evans (she kinda looks like her)

Cindy Birdsong-??
Jean Terrell-??
Lynda Lawrence-??
Scherrie Payne-??
Susaye Green-??

The rest I would have to think about.

By stephanie (64.63.221.81) on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 05:54 pm:

IM going to tell you the best thing about the 70s Supremes when it comes to singers its Jean Terrell!!!! When it comes to versatility I would say Mary Wilson!!! When I heard Mary singing lead and the versatility she had on songs like Floy Joy and then You Turn Me Around it was incredible.
I think that Diana Ross was great as a solo but when she left the Supremes it was great to see the harmonies of Mary and Cindy and Jean in full force and you could hear everyone... I think that what has been said here is true Frank Wilson was incredible with their voices and although Jean was the lead the contributions of the others couldnt be ignored. If anyone does not have the 70s Supremes anthology you are missing a good treat....although she was in the group for a short time it was also nice to witness the talent of Susaye Green and her Minnie Riperton like voice. If they had been promoted more I think the 70s Supremes could have had major hits beyond the Jean Terrell years they were not lacking for talent and Mary picked some good women to represent them,.
Stephanie

By P.J. (209.166.148.223) on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 08:29 pm:

What do I like about the 70's Supremes.......
to paraphrase a Motown tune.........
"I Like Everything About Them".......
Now if someone could only convince Mr. Harry Weinger and associates to release the 70's Supremes albums on cd with bonus tracks!!!!!!!!!

By Marv (205.188.209.109) on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 12:12 am:

To play Jean Terrell? Hmmm.... although she is not an actress, Magic Johnson's wife Cookie could pass for Jean Terrell's twin. But to play Jean in a film I would suggest Queen Latifah or Beyonce Knowles or even Ashanti. they would have to dubbed the vocals in for any of them as no one sounded as good to me as Ms. Jean Terrell.

By JoB (204.42.12.2) on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 03:15 am:

...that's a good question (Handsome)....if I did the casting for that movie, I'd probably go with Trinese (I don't know her last name, but it's the black girl from this last American Idol season), or Tamyra Gray (the black girl from the first American Idol season) to play Diana Ross...for one, they're both skinny as hell, just like Diana was back in the day, and they both have that charming Diana-esque charisma and stage presence (and they both seem like they could play one hell of a -itch like someone has been known to be). The part of Mary? Someone really cute and petite, who could look kind of like a sweet little pushover...maybe...well I can't think of one right now...I'll get back to you on that one...Flo's part too...she'd have to look just like her too...

By John Lester (217.40.208.43) on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 08:26 am:

Does anyone else think that Kelly Rowland looks a lot like Mary Wilson.

By Tim Young (24.30.98.236) on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 09:17 am:

Yes.I think Kelly Rowland looks like Mary Wilson too.I also think that THE SUPREMES 70s Anthology is THE 70s SUPREMES at their best.I didn't know CINDY BIRDSONG could sound so good.Her co lead on Sha-la Bandit Cindy really sounds good.THANKS HARRY WEINGER AND MOTOWN FOR THE SUPREMES 70s Anthology.

By Marv (152.163.252.68) on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 09:28 am:

I think Lauryn Hill would be perfect to play Mary Wilson in terms of look and sound.

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 10:05 am:

JoB-I didn't even think about Trinese, that's a good choice.

Marv-Thanks for agreeing with me on my choice for Lauryn Hill as Mary Wilson. And of course if Ashanti, Queen Latifah or Beyonce' played Jean Terrell, they would definitely have to dub Jean's vocals in, because none of them even remotely sound like her. I say if Cookie looks like her, let her play her. It would be a good experience for her.

How about Shanice for Susaye Green? So far this is what we have:

Diana Ross-Trinese or Tamrya Gray (from American Idol 1st & last season)

Jean Terrell-Ashanti, Queen Latifah, Beyonce' or Cookie Johnson

Florence Ballard-Faith Evans

Mary Wilson-Kelly Rowland, Lauryn Hill

Still thinking on Cindy, Lynda & Scherrie.

Let me know your thoughts, thanks.

By Michael/cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 12:43 pm:

Now this is going to seem odd, but it terms of look and vocal, I would cast:

Florence�Mariah Carey
Mary Wilson�Lauryn Hill or Kelly Rowland (excellent choice)
Diana Ross�Mya (or someone like her who has a lighter sound
Cindy Birdsong�Faith Evans
Jean Terrell�Heather Hedley

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 06:21 pm:

How about Vivian Green for Lynda Lawrence?

By Marv (205.188.209.109) on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 08:15 pm:

Rhonda Ross would be a great choice to play her mother Diane.

The lady that plays the eldest sister , the lawyer on the program "Soul Food" would be idea to play Cindy Birdsong in terms of looks.

Vivica Fox would handle the Lynda Lawrence role well. (Even though it would be a bit part. LOL)

I would love to see Lil Kim play Susaye! Whew!!!!
(they are both short).

Scherrie is going to take some time to think of the best person to play her.

By ronni (65.238.6.182) on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 08:26 pm:

I really don't care about a movie....how about the real deal performing again? Now, that's got my interest. Sadly, I'd probably be more apt to see the movie. Kelly Rowland would be a good Mary Wilson (only hope they'd dub her voice).

By supremelove (67.125.159.98) on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 08:35 pm:

My Favorite 70s lineups would have to be Jean, Mary and Lynda. and also Scherrie, Mary , and Susaye. In my opinion I always felt Cindy lacked confidence when she performed live. Although I really like Cindy, I felt Lynda and Susaye were better for the 70s Supremes. Cindy was great in the 60s Supremes though. The Jean Mary and Lynda Lineup was visually very beautiful. All the ladies were about the same size and had a wonderful vocal harmony. I only wish this lineup could have lasted longer! The Mary, Scherrie, Susaye lineup was vocally such a powerhouse!!! Scherrie to me was the Supremes best lead singer. She was a dynamite singer, a natural performer, and beautiful (still is!) Susaye with her vocal range, and Mary with her ability to harmonize with anyone made this lineup sparkle!

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 11:31 am:

Marv, you've come up with some good choices...I nominate you as the Director of the film:DreamGirls, My life as a Supreme, LOL!

Handsome

By stephanie (64.63.221.59) on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 04:51 pm:

Robin Givens - Diana Ross
Queen Latifah - Flo
Kelly Rowland - Mary
Stephanie

By dvdmike (68.72.164.14) on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 05:25 pm:

So far, no one has released their last single, "Let Yourself Go" on CD. What's up with that?

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 05:45 pm:

Hey DVDMike!

And while you're asking, let's get some bonus tracks & (unreleased) material!

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 05:46 pm:

CORRECTION: More Unreleased material! I do have the 70's Anthology!

By medusa9e2003 (66.73.11.123) on Friday, July 18, 2003 - 09:41 am:

I guess I'm one of the ones that liked Florence, Mary & Diana as the Supremes. I like them so much, that when I was N Middle School, we had a Talent show and our group performed 'Come see about me'. I liked the Supremes, because they were feminine, I like the music, they could carry a tune (from one corner 2 the next), I like the outfits they wore, I liked the BIG hair, and they made me proud they were from Detroit.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Friday, July 18, 2003 - 11:06 am:

Medusa:
The Supremes made every girl proud - my sisters can attest to that as well.
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Stephanie (64.63.221.192) on Friday, July 18, 2003 - 11:18 am:

I agree with you the Supremes were the standard for every girl group out there. No offense to the Shirelles or the Chantels because historically they really started the whole girl group genre but vocally and visually and consistenly the Supremes were the best.

When it came to the white girl group the Angels and so on and so forth the Shangrilas were the absolute best of all of them and after the Supremes as being the total opposite of rough they set the standard for that and paved the way for people like Joan Jett and Suzi Quatro and the whole biker thing.
Stephanie

By Marv (205.188.209.109) on Friday, July 18, 2003 - 12:41 pm:

Thanks Handsome,I'd gladly take the job! Just an observation: Didn't Barbara McNair and Scherrie Payne resemble each other a lot?

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Friday, July 18, 2003 - 12:58 pm:

Hey Marv: I would say there is a resemblance there..but no offense, Barbara would be too old for the part, if we have all the younger singers & actresses playing the other parts.

I have thought about Queen Latifah playing Florence. She would make a good Florence, especially when it comes to the pitter patter they did in the live shows, and when she started drinking and reading Diana, ha ha!

Vivica Fox would make a good Lynda Lawrence too.

Handsome

By Marv (152.163.252.68) on Saturday, July 19, 2003 - 05:11 pm:

No sorry for the misunderstanding. I didn't mean Barbara McNair could play Scherrie Payne today. I like Latifah or Faith Evans for the Florence part. It's just hard for me to come up with someone to play Scherrie Payne.

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 02:06 pm:

No problem, Marv.

I'm still trying to think of who could play Scherrie myself.

Handsome

By breathtakingguy (65.238.58.191) on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 03:14 pm:

Robin Givens to play Scherrie. They're both rather short in stature. Both are very attractive!

By Marv (152.163.252.68) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 05:37 am:

No offensive, but Robin Givens does not look like Scherrie Payne in any way whatsoever. Halle Berry looks more like Scherrie in my opinion (and that's stretching it some). Scherrie is a classic beauty. Robin Givens is not.

For now, my vote is for Halle Berry to play Scherrie Payne.

By medusa9e (66.73.11.61) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 09:23 am:

Mariah Carey as Florence Ballard?????I really don't think so....at all!!!
NIC(Nothing In Common)>>>>>

By R&B (138.238.41.118) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 12:40 pm:

THEY WERE SEXY!!

By Russell Walliams (24.30.98.236) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 01:42 pm:

I'm a big SUPREMES 70s fan too.I wish MOTOWN would release THE SUPREMES (MARY CINDY SHERRIE SUSAYE)7Os L-Ps on C-Ds.That was some great music.That when MARY WILSON came to center stage with her voice alone with CINDY BIRDSONG SHERRIE PAYNE and SUSAYE GREENE these 70s SUPREMES were at the top of the game.I just hope MOTOWN will release more of THE 70s SUPREMES music.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 02:15 pm:

Russell:
Motown did reissue the Supremes albums "Right On" & "New Ways But Love Still Stays" on CD in the early 1990s. When Motown was bought out by PolyGram in 1992, the label reduced their catalog reissues by several hundred titles.

You might be able to find these CDs in used CD shops.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 10:46 am:

KevGo-Do you know if those re-issues Supremes cds you forementioned had bonus tracks on them? Not that I would ever find these cds, ha ha!

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 12:09 pm:

Handsome:
The Supremes CDs didn't have bonus tracks - just the songs from the original albums (these CDs were "pre-HW" - before Harry Weinger came into the picture). The sound quality was okay, not great.
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 12:31 pm:

Thanks KevGo.

Handsome

By Reese (12.15.169.254) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 01:42 pm:

The NEW WAYS BUT LOVE STAYS cd did have a bonus track: LOVE THE ONE YOU'RE WITH. However, it was a strange choice, considering the song was actually taken from the Supremes/Four Tops album DYNAMITE.

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 02:47 pm:

Hey Reese! How have you been?

That track is now available on the Supremes 70's Anthology.

By Reese (12.15.169.254) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 04:09 pm:

Hey Handsome! Things are fine.

Despite the lack of bonus tracks and sleeve notes, the late 80s and early 90s were, in one way, the best period to get cds of Motown acts. So many albums were re-released that it was dizzying. And not just the usual ones. But real unexpected treasures like the Marvelettes "PLAYBOY" album. Or the Vandellas' "WATCHOUT!" and "BLACK MAGIC".

I remember going to Tower with just enough money to get the "BLACK MAGIC" cd (I was unemployed at the time), and then being totally shocked to see "MEET THE SUPREMES" on cd. Having to choose between the two was a major dilemma that day.

But I'm glad I was around during that time to buy all of those because the prices they now fetch on ebay are ridiculous.

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 05:36 pm:

Reese, I really enjoy the 2-fer Natural Resources & Black Magic by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas. When I was a youngin (ha ha), I had a chance to buy several of these albums & just didn't. I remember seeing the Marvelettes-Sophisticated Soul in a Hi-Low grocery store...I didn't have the money & the next week I came back to get the album, it was gone!

By Russell Walliams (24.30.98.236) on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 04:14 pm:

This Form is about THE 70s SUPREMES not THE MARVELETTES MARTHA REEVES and THE VANDELLAS or THE 60s SUPREMES.I like THE SUPREMES MARY SHERRIE SUSAYE L-P.Was it ever on C-D?

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 04:20 pm:

Thanks Russell.

I was merely responding to a post from Reese.
Have a good day!

Handsome

By THE 70s SUPREMES FAN (24.30.98.236) on Sunday, August 17, 2003 - 04:48 pm:

When THE SUPREMES MARY WILSON JEAN TERRELL LYNDA LAURENCE came to Chicago(to perform live)they were doing some songs from the Jimmy Webb album and one of the songs they introduced was MacArthur Park.What ever happen to that song?It was never on the album.I remember that show so well because all THE SUPREMES was singing leads.MARY'S can't take my eye's off you JEAN'S people and LYNDA'S you're nobody til somebody loves you.THE SUPREMES MARY WILSON JEAN TERRELL AND LYNDA LAURENCE wewe the BEST.