Originally Posted by
Motown Andy
Back to the original question... I think the Flo situation was more about legalities rather than emotional attachments. Let's take what we know:
1. Cindy first subbed at the Hollywood Bowl April 29, she is not introduced as a Supreme. More importantly, Cindy is still under contract as a Bluebelle. I believe I read somewhere they had difficulty buying out her contract.
2. Flo was back with the girls May 7 for their performance on the Ed Sullivan Show, so while it is plausible that Jules Podell wanted Flo, it is unlikely this was even an issue, she was already back with the group.
3. Berry was making plans to replace Flo, which Flo, Mary, Berry, Shelly and Gil all acknowledged. Their next gig, two weeks at the Copa, May 11-24, was recorded to Acetate and given to Cindy to study.
4. May 22, the girls appear on the Tonight Show, which acknowledges Flo's stand-in at the Bowl.
5. Several engagments between May and June, Cindy following them at all/most performances, and Flo knows she is there. This culminates with Flo's final performance at the Flamingo. Cindy gets a contract, and Flo is released from hers.
It's sad and tragic, but I don't think any of this rested on Jules Podell's shoulders. They took the steps that most companies do to replace someone.