I remember Florence saying that in the book LOL I wonder did Martha and Patti have more money than the Supremes did at that specific time? They were the paupers then before they became the "Princesses" lol
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I think Miss Birdsong would be embarrassed by this thread. Shame on us.
No offense to Cindy I am sure she is aware of all the drama that surrounds this post which is suppose to be about her but, I have yet been able to get anyone to confirm what is going on with her and her lack of finances regarding her health. Since t here are other resources that could be probably available to her.
On the subject of Patti and others in regard to their outfits I asked Mary Wilson once regarding this during her Supreme collection display. I was hoping she would say they had been stolen or too worn out to show but her response was more like she didn't have any idea what I was referring to. With that being said I thought I had bad information, drama or had read the wrong book. Also, I am sure Cindy would have insight to this as well but I have never heard her deny or confirm it being true.
I couldn't agree more, MaryBrewster. People have a way of digging up non-existent issues, creating hypothetical ones, or ones otherwise completely imagined and turning them into the cat-fight of the century. I love the Supremes, Vandellas, Tops and Temps and all of Motown, but I can't imagine how shallow the lives of those who obsess on the slightest details, real and imagined, must be. And then to turn it into on-going and long standing fights. I guess it is merely a symptom of hyper-obsessed fandom. My guess is that the stars who are the subject of these types of threads are by now long used to this type of behavior from their fans and they simply ignore it.
I thought the Apollo finale was a wonderful example of how a stage full of egos can make some musical magic ~ Patti was specifically called over by Diana and Diana seemed to have no issue with any showboating by Patti; all Patti did was sing like Patti sings. And the 2nd microphone that got sent over went all over the stage on it's way to Diana, in a very professional way. And the performances were great.
I think this thread is kind of an embarrassment to Cindy Birdsong; I have never understood the need to go public when someone needs assistance. If you need to go public, it immediately comes across as "about your ego". You can help quietly without a press release.
If the person in need of assistance consents to the publicity, that is one thing. If they don't or if they are deceased, sober second thoughts should be taken before going public.
On the subject of the rivalry, no doubt there were rivalries and hard feelings between the various groups when they were young, ambitious, up and coming performers fighting for a piece of the pie, but one would hope as they get older and find their place in the business they’re able to set aside some of the hard feelings and at least appreciate the talent and hard work their one time rivals had and put in to make it in the music business.
I’m reading a book about the song “Hallejujah” and how it made the journey from obscurity to standard in the last 30 years. The author interviewed the singer Rufus Wainwright who covered the song for the Shreck soundtrack. At first he resisted the song because it was most associated with a singer he considered a rival back in their up and coming on the local NYC scene days, Jeff Buckley, who many considered to have recorded the definitive version of the song. Buckley died in the late 90s. Wainwright finally listened to Buckley’s version of the song and was blown away and now regrets being jealous and resentful of Buckley and he realized that by avoiding Buckley’s shows, he was deprived himself of watching and hearing someone he realized was a very special talent. With maturity hopefully comes wisdom and a realization of how silly rivalries can be.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThBCpO-HHqQY you might like this.
I can see how some might think that Cindy wouldn't like her business out here like this, but the way I look at it, if CIndy needs help as much as she has given to the fans with her talent and spirit of love I don't see it as a slight but as a way the fans can send their love, prayers, and financial assistance if she needs it. I don't have a lot but I would like to donate something to help out to Cindy who is such a jewel in my eyes.
A bit more of Sarah Dash in great voice from earlier this month:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCZTDTOv8Sc
God Bless you, Sister Cindy.
I certainly hope many of those in her inner-circle, like that one MotownGuy [[?) that's always posting pictures of him and the Supremes [[Cindy, Scherrie) is able to step up and repay someone who has obviously given him so much joy over the years.
More importantly, I hope Miss Cindy is able to heal from whatever ails her.
This is sad and very, very strange. I'm sorry Cindy is ill, however what kind of crap is this? If Cindy is needing funds, why on earth is she being made to wait 5 months to get them? I applaud Mary for talking to Janie Bradford, but remember: Mary is not what you'd call camera-shy [[anyone recall Mary Well's attached-at-the-hip-in-front-of-cameras bff Mary Wilson?) Now Mary has agreed to present Cindy with this check publicly?????? Geeeeesh! I'll match how much Mary gives and, if like with Mary Wells, Mary's "donation" is publicity, I'll be proud to stand with her at The HAL Awards and give it to Cindy. I'm sorry, I don't mean to make this an anti Mary thing, but doesn't this stink like a month old Apollo Theatre radiator hot dog? I will personally write to Janie to see if there isn't a more immediate and direct way to contribute. I'm certain B of A would be happy to set up a fund.
Also, why is this Berry Gordy's problem? Mary & Pedro fired Cindy 37 years ago - Cindy was in her mid 30's - she had more than enough years to become solvent. I think Cindy may be sweet but not too bright - how ignorant to sign away your royalties? Why did she quit at all? Who was stopping Cindy from writing her book or being a Flo or a dentist even? It's easy to blame Motown and Berry or Mary, but Cindy, like everyone, is responsible for herself. Anyone who has a job and is not being paid correctly has the option to find other work. Cindy chose to come back. Cindy chose not to take 7 figures from RTL. She later regretted it, but my point is her situation is nobody's fault. I'm sure Miss Ross has continued to assist Cindy as needed. They never stopped being friends since they met and Miss ross does not publicize her generousnosities [[new word!) as a rule. I know of several low key, on going charitable programs she has going that are not publicized.
Anyone in need is in need, I'm happy to contribute to Cindy, but I agree with the masses that there must be a better way.
supremester I understand what you are saying~~~~~~~~~~
She should have in place AFTRA-SAG Health & Pension Plan, getting a couple checks from them a month plus many yearly checks. Along with the usual music checks from BMI, EMI, UMG, Sound Exchange, etc...etc.... Royalties from her records and Residuals from any Acting roles she's had. The Supremes have big royalties from their records such as their albums with [[Jean, Mary, & Cindy) she recorded on.
There are legitimate organizations in place that may help if she or her rep contacts them, such as:
* The R&B Foundation [[which biggest share of aid goes especially for Motown Artists).
* Music Cares [[Elton John & a lot of big earning stars donate too).
* Society of Singers
* The Jazz Foundation of American [[for Jazz Artists & Jazz Musicians, is a great one for those Artists).
Perhaps her fellow Motown Artists [[besides Dinana & Mary) & Berry Gordy would all chip in a little to go a long way.
There are "hundreds" of Artist & Musicians in need "everyday" for medical reasons and lack of work, that contact these organizations daily.
Being a former Bluebell and especially a Supreme [[singer and has done a little acting), Cindy should be able to get some help.
I wish her a full recovery.
S.S.
***
An optimistic post Soul Sister, but Cindy, like so many other Motown artists, signed away all rights to future royalties in the 70s. To my knowledge only Diana and Mary receive royalties
If, in fact, she did sign away her royaties to Motown....that has nothing to do with AFTRA-SAG or Sound Exchange [[there's good money from Sound Exchange).
S.S.
***
Now what I don't get is that Bradsupremes started this thread and he hasn't posted since.
Midnight Johnny, I started this thread in hopes we could help Cindy out, but since the thread kind of went off topic about who's friends with who and people were not all receptive of this then I felt it was best to just let it go. I didn't do my research like I should have because I knew Janie Bradford and Mary's hearts were in the right place. I was just putting the information out there.
You did a good deed Brad, with good intentions. In today's over media'd world, you never know for sure what is real anymore. But we all know your intentions were the best.
Hey Brad
I thank you for bringing Cindy plight to our attention. I just lost a dear friend and believe that the death could have been prevented if there was more assitance given to the situation and if others knew the real condition their circumstances. I believe most of what happen was from stress. If you give the ok on this thread I will make a contribution to the HAL award for Cindy Birdsong.
Even if that was done Penny, there is still no guarantee of what would reach Ms. Birdsong or anyone in need. A lot or all of it could go to costs, fees, rentals, hotels, travel, managers, accountants and even lawyers!
There was a lot of criticism of Dionne Warwick for many of her apparent philanthropic ventures and for all the costs that went off the top of them.
The real way to get money to those in need is to see them face to face and give them cold hard cash.
God bless Cindy Birdsong, I hope it improves his illness :[[