The Supremes 8/17/1969 San Diego, CA

[dba]

dba, I also saw The Supremes quite a bit during the same period and at the same places.

At The Carousel Theatre in Framingham, when they appeared with Stevie Wonder in 1969, I saw them three times that week. Opening night they wore the Right On gowns. It was street-clothes the following evening. I forget what they wore closing night. I remember in 1967, when they appeared there with The Temptations, they wore black tuxedos!

At BC, I think it was October 3, 1969, I saw the first show, they wore the Let The Sunshine In gowns from GIT. I was a bit disappointed because I had seen them a week or two before at UMass Amherst, where I attended school, during which they wore the same gowns, also for the first show.

I always thought they wore casual outfits for summer theater on occasion. I also figured it was for a tax write-off so they could claim some of their personal clothes as a business expense. Of the 10 times I saw them I only recall once or twice in which they wore different outfits and not gowns [[or tuxedos!).

So it sounds like you were from the Boston area. Did you attend Diana's first shows at the Caesar's Monticello in late Feb. 1970?

Didn't know they played Amherst a week or two earlier. I loved the Carousel. I too saw the show with the Temps. Top ticket price was something like $6.50.

Now I really need to spend a little time seeing if I can find those photos.

Let's keep posts like this one from being over shadowed by the usual group of hateful posters who really don't care about the music, all they care about is their own agendas.

[johnjeb]

So it sounds like you were from the Boston area. Did you attend Diana's first shows at the Caesar's Monticello in late Feb. 1970?

Didn't know they played Amherst a week or two earlier. I loved the Carousel. I too saw the show with the Temps. Top ticket price was something like $6.50.

Now I really need to spend a little time seeing if I can find those photos.

Let's keep posts like this one from being over shadowed by the usual group of hateful posters who really don't care about the music, all they care about is their own agendas.

Yes, dba, I grew up and lived in Waltham most of my life, now living in Marlborough the past 5 years.

I first saw The Supremes in 1966 in Waltham at Brandeis University. Then Boston Arena [[now part of Northeastern University) in 1968 and The Carousel Theater in 1967 & 1969. And lastly UMass and BC in the Fall of 1969.

Unfortunately I missed their appearances at Blinstrub's Supper Club in Boston the many times they were there. Being under 21, and my parents having no interest in The Supremes or in making me happy [[waaaa!), I could only read the reviews of their shows in the local papers. Although during one of their engagements at Blinstrub's there was a Boston newspaper strike and I was denied even a review.

I also missed Diana's debut solo performances at The Monticello in Framingham, was it 1970 or 1971 [[?), as I was out in Amherst at UMass attempting an education but really listening to my Motown records in the dorm. I have a friend who was lucky enough to attend one of her performances at The Monticello.

Interestingly enough, I saw The Supremes in 1974 or 1975 with Mary [[pregnant with her first child), Cindy and Scherrie at a disco in Framingham. This club just happened to be the former Monticello Dinner Theater where Diana had made her solo debut performance a few years earlier.

When theboyfromxtown visited, one time back in the late 80s, I took him to an oldies record store on Route 9 in Framingham [[where he happened to find a Jackson 5 LP rarity on Natural Resources) and we also embarked on a Pilgrimage of Framingham shrines which are now Office Parks or strip malls.

midnightjohnny, I too visited the trailers behind the tent at The Carousel after the shows hoping for an autograph and just to get close.

After the August 1967 show each of The Supremes came out one at a time. First Cindy, appreciating that I knew her name, saying that she was "not allowed" to give autographs at this time. A few minutes later a fragile looking Mary was escorted to her car. Finally Diana and her little dog came out and we swarmed her and I got her autograph on my program booklet.

In August 1969 I didn't get an autograph but I witnessed something I found a bit amusing. Mary and Cindy seemed to be packing a small sedan for their eventual departure. Diana got in an impressive black limousine. I told Diana she was "fabulous" and from behind her tinted window she mouthed "thank you" with a big smile. I was in heaven.

Just a couple of weeks ago I was just a stone's throw from the former Carousel Theater, at my doctor's office on the corner of Speen St and Route 30, having my prostate checked. Ahhhh but the old memories are still there for me, along with some new ones [[ouch!).

[the_classic_master]

wonderful pics S.S.! did the girls do any radio or tv appearences out there on the day/week of this event? the reason why i asked, there was a show out there called soultime u.s.a. do you know that show? and do you remember any other motown artists that perform on there? i have a show with blinky performing on there. if you have any info or memories of this show, please share, thanks!

[theboyfromxtown]

I ought to scan the photos I took of them at the UK press reception in January 1968. However, much better photos are already available and I feel embarrassed to show the world that I am a bad photographer!

[robbert]

The pics are really amazing! That's what we did it all for, in tose days.

I'm surprised that so many of you only saw them on stage as late as 1968. Little ole me, in Holland, also saw them in concert in '68 for the first time, in the middle of their "Talk of the Town" tour. It was their first full concert in Holland ever. In 1965, they were one of the many artists performing on the yearly tv show Grand Gala, singing IHearASymphony.
I always thought that at least USA fans must've have seen them in concert at least a dozen times at several occasions between 1964 and 1968. At least they could've seen them on tv many times. In Europe we had an occasional glimpse via Hullabaloo or Shindig or an occasional show like Sammy Davis', in b/w of course! I had to buy a copy of the Dutch Muziek Expres magazine every now and then to get me a few new pics. Later on, I started buying Rolling Stone and Ebony.
I always envied you in the US [[music-wise, that is, hehehe)!

[sophisticated_soul]

wonderful pics S.S.! did the girls do any radio or tv appearences out there on the day/week of this event? the reason why i asked, there was a show out there called soultime u.s.a. do you know that show? and do you remember any other motown artists that perform on there? i have a show with blinky performing on there. if you have any info or memories of this show, please share, thanks!

Thank you classic master. I don't recall the girls doing any radio/tv appearances promoting either show. Soultime USA doesn't ring a bell either [[though some of my bells aren't ringing as well as the used too! LOL). Locally, we had a show, TV 8 Dancetime [[our some what lame version of American Bandstand). Each Saturday a different high school was invited to participate and sometimes artists [[more often their opening acts) performing in town would stop by and lip sync a tune. When Smokey and the Miracles came to town they didn't do the show but sent Brenda Holloway [[who opened for them). That was an amazing concert by the way - the guys were great but Brenda was awesome [[she even played the violin for us). On TV 8 Dancetime she did "Just Look What You've Done".

[sophisticated_soul]

I ought to scan the photos I took of them at the UK press reception in January 1968. However, much better photos are already available and I feel embarrassed to show the world that I am a bad photographer!

Boyfromxtown, I was reluctant to post these less than perfect photos as well and look at the wonderful reception they have received [[thanks again gang!). Scan those photos and post them please. In there imperfection photos like these now have historical value and give folks more of a fan's eye view of the Motown experiene.

Oh, John, btw c'mon and do that interview for Midnight Johnny's show. You will be in illustrious company!

[sophisticated_soul]

The pics are really amazing! That's what we did it all for, in tose days.

I'm surprised that so many of you only saw them on stage as late as 1968. Little ole me, in Holland, also saw them in concert in '68 for the first time, in the middle of their "Talk of the Town" tour. It was their first full concert in Holland ever. In 1965, they were one of the many artists performing on the yearly tv show Grand Gala, singing IHearASymphony.
I always thought that at least USA fans must've have seen them in concert at least a dozen times at several occasions between 1964 and 1968. At least they could've seen them on tv many times. In Europe we had an occasional glimpse via Hullabaloo or Shindig or an occasional show like Sammy Davis', in b/w of course! I had to buy a copy of the Dutch Muziek Expres magazine every now and then to get me a few new pics. Later on, I started buying Rolling Stone and Ebony.
I always envied you in the US [[music-wise, that is, hehehe)!

Thank you robbert, yes that is what we did it all for in those days. For myself the reason I didn't see the Supremes until 1968 [[though I discovered and fell in love with them in 1963) was simply that at that time I had a very small world view. So I waited until the Supremes came to town, as oppose to going to some other city [[like Los Angeles) to see them. That simply did not occur to me or seem to be within my grasp. And San Diego at that time was not much of a concert market so the girls didn't get around to us until 1968. Regret is for the most part a wasted emotion, but of course if I had to do over again I would have hopped on a bus for L.A. and saw them there earlier.

I was a member of the Supremes fan club early on and at one point members were offered the opportunity to pen pal with members of the Dutch Supremes fan club. I applied and for a number of years corresponded with a guy name Paul de Bont. He sent me some great stuff and I would always send him the Supremes latest album when it was released here so he would have it before anyone else in Holland. I lost track of him, but it was good while it lasted. I remember he sent me some photos from the Grand Gala [[didn't it have another two words after it like du disque or something like that). I don't recall what year they were from but the girls had on off the shoulder gowns with like a ruffle thing on one shoulder. Sadly, those photos I do not have anymore. But I still have my Dutch Supremes Fan Club card! Boy those memories are lighting the corners of my mind today!

[luke]

Well I saw Diana, Mary and Flo at Villanova University in 1965-I was a mere tyke of___; The headliners were the DC5! Then the Supremes and then the Kinks!! I think the Supremes sang about 4 or 5 songs-I remember Stop in the Name of Love-they were fantastic; This could be selective memory but Im pretty sure they got the loudest applause. I had tickets to see them at the Latin Casino but that's when Diana's dogs died.

[theboyfromxtown]

Boyfromxtown, I was reluctant to post these less than perfect photos as well and look at the wonderful reception they have received [[thanks again gang!). Scan those photos and post them please. In there imperfection photos like these now have historical value and give folks more of a fan's eye view of the Motown experiene.

Oh, John, btw c'mon and do that interview for Midnight Johnny's show. You will be in illustrious company!

Ok....I will give it some serious thought...but I will need to ask for help cos when I scan the files, they are too big to post here.

Regarding MJ's show...I wish I could stay up that late but I'm old now! But I must admit it would be fun. MJ has a great crowd who are so supportive. I am sure it will happen one day and you are making me think about it how. *smile*

[robbert]

Thank you robbert, yes that is what we did it all for in those days. For myself the reason I didn't see the Supremes until 1968 [[though I discovered and fell in love with them in 1963) was simply that at that time I had a very small world view. So I waited until the Supremes came to town, as oppose to going to some other city [[like Los Angeles) to see them. That simply did not occur to me or seem to be within my grasp. And San Diego at that time was not much of a concert market so the girls didn't get around to us until 1968. Regret is for the most part a wasted emotion, but of course if I had to do over again I would have hopped on a bus for L.A. and saw them there earlier.

I was a member of the Supremes fan club early on and at one point members were offered the opportunity to pen pal with members of the Dutch Supremes fan club. I applied and for a number of years corresponded with a guy name Paul de Bont. He sent me some great stuff and I would always send him the Supremes latest album when it was released here so he would have it before anyone else in Holland. I lost track of him, but it was good while it lasted. I remember he sent me some photos from the Grand Gala [[didn't it have another two words after it like du disque or something like that). I don't recall what year they were from but the girls had on off the shoulder gowns with like a ruffle thing on one shoulder. Sadly, those photos I do not have anymore. But I still have my Dutch Supremes Fan Club card! Boy those memories are lighting the corners of my mind today!

Well, I recognize a lot of what youre saying, of course. I also knew Paul, although we never met in person. I happened to embark on the Dutch Tamla-Motown Appreciation Society [[it used te be called the Dutch Supremes Fanclub) in 1968, together with Marten Weistra from Eindhoven. We took over the administration from Eddy Rabel, who is no longer with us. We ran the club for some three years, including the magazine A Sound Supreme. I'm still in touch with Marten and with Frans de Beer, who in later years ran the Diana Ross Fanclub in Holland.

The tv show was called the Grand Gala du Disque, indeed, a yearly boost fot the record retailers in Holland. A variety of international performers. They had The Supremes [[1965), The Four Tops [[1966) and Gladys Knight & The Pips [[1967). Tops and Pips may have been in '67 and '68.
The Supremes in '65 were wearing the pale pink satin dresses with white feathers at the bottom and white feather stoles. Bottom and stoles may have been pink as well. They wear them in the pics on the pages 67 and 71 of the booklet in the 2000 Purple Box Set.

[sophisticated_soul]

Well, I recognize a lot of what youre saying, of course. I also knew Paul, although we never met in person. I happened to embark on the Dutch Tamla-Motown Appreciation Society [[it used te be called the Dutch Supremes Fanclub) in 1968, together with Marten Weistra from Eindhoven. We took over the administration from Eddy Rabel, who is no longer with us. We ran the club for some three years, including the magazine A Sound Supreme. I'm still in touch with Marten and with Frans de Beer, who in later years ran the Diana Ross Fanclub in Holland.

The tv show was called the Grand Gala du Disque, indeed, a yearly boost fot the record retailers in Holland. A variety of international performers. They had The Supremes [[1965), The Four Tops [[1966) and Gladys Knight & The Pips [[1967). Tops and Pips may have been in '67 and '68.
The Supremes in '65 were wearing the pale pink satin dresses with white feathers at the bottom and white feather stoles. Bottom and stoles may have been pink as well. They wear them in the pics on the pages 67 and 71 of the booklet in the 2000 Purple Box Set.

Yes those are the gowns. I guess I got my ruffles and feathers mixed up. As well as the off the shoulder part, I think I was remembering the way they wore the stoles. I remember A Sound Supreme - didn't they usually have a yellow background cover? I was trying to remember how long I corresponded with Paul. I know for a fact I sent him a copy of "Sing Holland/Dozier/Holland" so it was as early as 1966 [[HDH was released 1/67). And I remember the last parcel I sent him was 1972 because I was staying in San Francisco at the time. So it was for a while. My life was rather chaotic at the time and some how I lost contact with him. Small world, huh? I'm going to look for that fan club card so I can scan it in. Just for old times sake.

[sophisticated_soul]

The tv show was called the Grand Gala du Disque, indeed, a yearly boost fot the record retailers in Holland.

So robbert is it likely these clippings are from that show?

Attachment 2635

[robbert]

Yes, they are. I remember seeing them in the Dutch press, while thinking how tiresome the girls looked, even during their performance on the Gala itself. Can you imagine, they were all over Europe in a short time's notice, tv and concerts everywhere, a hectic schedule.

I myself should try and learn how to put pics on this forum, I have tons of material on my pc, which probably is never or hardly ever seen in the US. I only manage to copy&paste an url every now and then.

[dba]

More great photos and more great memories. I saw the first night of Diana at the Monticello and also attended the show when the same space was a club/disco for two of the shows with The Supremes [[MCS). Now I really do need to see if I can find some pics of these shows and post them.

Let's keep the memories and the pics coming. Maybe we will drown out the negative posters!!!

[sophisticated_soul]

Yes, they are. I remember seeing them in the Dutch press, while thinking how tiresome the girls looked, even during their performance on the Gala itself. Can you imagine, they were all over Europe in a short time's notice, tv and concerts everywhere, a hectic schedule.

I myself should try and learn how to put pics on this forum, I have tons of material on my pc, which probably is never or hardly ever seen in the US. I only manage to copy&paste an url every now and then.

Then I must have gotten these clippings from Paul. He gave me so many cool things, most of which I no longer have. Paul sent me the Supremes two singles in German when they were first released in Holland. In those pre-internet days I was all that and a bag chips having those 45's! LOL!!

I am not any kind of computer whiz but through trial and error [[lots of both) resizing scans I found that reducing the scan to 1000 pixels [[using photoshop 7) I come up with a picture that this site accepts. I found reducing by inches too confusing, reducing by pixels works for me. I would love to see some the photos and such that you have. There are so many well know photos of the girls. I'd love to see more candid photos, clippings from fan magazines of the day, etc.

Added note: And I personally had no success with posting bmp. I can only post jpeg.

[sophisticated_soul]

More great photos and more great memories. I saw the first night of Diana at the Monticello and also attended the show when the same space was a club/disco for two of the shows with The Supremes [[MCS). Now I really do need to see if I can find some pics of these shows and post them.

Let's keep the memories and the pics coming. Maybe we will drown out the negative posters!!!

Find those pictures dba! They sound great. We don't need to drown out anybody, but yes more memories, more photos please. I would love for this thread to continue as a place, for such photos and memories. It's all of the input that has made this a good and positive thread. Thanks again, gang!

[skooldem1]

I've enjoyed these pictures and stories as well. I like the candid shots, the real live shots. Thats one thing you rarely see and I am greatful that you guys are sharing these treasures.

[sophisticated_soul]

I've enjoyed these pictures and stories as well. I like the candid shots, the real live shots. Thats one thing you rarely see and I am greatful that you guys are sharing these treasures.

Thanks skooldem, I'm really glad folks are enjoying this thread, because it's been a lot of fun for me as well. So people, people, more photos, more clippings, more stories. Thanks!

[skooldem1]

Believe it or not, even the bad shots are good to me, because it still captures the moment.

[sophisticated_soul]

Believe it or not, even the bad shots are good to me, because it still captures the moment.

That was my thought, skooldem. I hoped the historical value would out way the poor quality. And it has, so potential posters don't let that discourage you. And even if you don't have any photos the stories are just as welcome.

[sophisticated_soul]

Hey robbert I found my Dutch Supremes Fan Club card. And my others as well. The Dutch card opens up. I posted that too.

Attachment 2643

Attachment 2644

[the_classic_master]

Thank you classic master. I don't recall the girls doing any radio/tv appearances promoting either show. Soultime USA doesn't ring a bell either [[though some of my bells aren't ringing as well as the used too! LOL). Locally, we had a show, TV 8 Dancetime [[our some what lame version of American Bandstand). Each Saturday a different high school was invited to participate and sometimes artists [[more often their opening acts) performing in town would stop by and lip sync a tune. When Smokey and the Miracles came to town they didn't do the show but sent Brenda Holloway [[who opened for them). That was an amazing concert by the way - the guys were great but Brenda was awesome [[she even played the violin for us). On TV 8 Dancetime she did "Just Look What You've Done".

thanks again S.S.! how long did that tv 8 show run for? who was the host?

[theboyfromxtown]

Joseph

What else do you have in your closet?

I love all that stuff. I kept all my old membership cards and newsletters too. They are stored at my parent's home because I don't have room for it all. Thanks so much for posting pictures of it all. Wonderful.

Your name now rings bells...were you one of those who contributed American news to the newsletters? Of course, that would mean you are as old as me. *grin*

[midnightman]

Great photos and story @ sophisticated_soul.

[theboyfromxtown]

One good thing about those old photos..I didn't have a bald patch.

Nowadays people recognise me by my bald patch and say...oh there he is! LOLOLOL

[sophisticated_soul]

thanks again S.S.! how long did that tv 8 show run for? who was the host?

I don't recall how long it actually ran. I would guess about 1965 - 1971. The host was Bob Howard. He was about as young and hip as TV8 got in those days, so he was young but not to hip. A nice guy though.

[sophisticated_soul]

Joseph

What else do you have in your closet?

I love all that stuff. I kept all my old membership cards and newsletters too. They are stored at my parent's home because I don't have room for it all. Thanks so much for posting pictures of it all. Wonderful.

Your name now rings bells...were you one of those who contributed American news to the newsletters? Of course, that would mean you are as old as me. *grin*

All that's in my closet is spider webs, I ditched that puppy a long time ago! LOL!!! Actually, I keep my big box o' Supremes stuff in a cupboard. Just every now and then I bring it out and remember, and find things I've forgotten about and I wonder what other unique treasures other fans have. That's what really led me to start this thread, the desire to share and maybe to see what others might want to share.

Though I kept my membership cards, my newsletters etc. are history. But yes, I did contribute American news, as my member card says I was an "American Correspondent". LOL!! Though I think I was probably not a very good one. I don't recall anything I contributed, and would probably die laughing if I read it now. I think my main job was to send new U.S. Supremes releases to Paul, as in those days there would often be a significant lag time before their release in Holland, especially albums. I think I sent some other Motown product as well. And actually I think [[from things you've said in other posts) I'm a bit older than you. I'm a hop, skip and a jump [[make that a tumble) from marker 60! Yikes!

We're survivors John. You've earned your bald spot, don't even worry about that!

[sophisticated_soul]

I'm not sure where I got these clippings. I think possibly Ebony Magazine. Love Diana's blonde wig!

Attachment 2659

[skooldem1]

Never saw those before. Those are great. I wonder if Diana has on Flo's wig? The thing I like about this picture is that it shows them seemingly getting along, contrary to all the horror stories we have read over the years.

[sophisticated_soul]

A clipping of The Supremes and Sir Duke.

Attachment 2660

And I think this one I clipped from an issue Hit Parader magazine.

Attachment 2661

[sophisticated_soul]

Never saw those before. Those are great. I wonder if Diana has on Flo's wig? The thing I like about this picture is that it shows them seemingly getting along, contrary to all the horror stories we have read over the years.

LOL! I thought the same thing back then, does Diana have on Flo's wig? As in any life story I'm sure that there were plenty of good times as well as the bad times. Just the way are own lives have been. Too much emphasis has been placed on the bad times.

[sophisticated_soul]

Haven't seen this Coke ad around for a bit. And yes I did send in my fifty cents for that 8X10 photo. But's that's gone, gone, gone.

Attachment 2664

[theboyfromxtown]

...and there was me thinking I was only one that sent off for all those extras.

My mum used to tell me I was crazy! She used to say "You don't want that, you'll grow out of it soon".....and I'm still doing it.

[midnight johnny]

WOWweeeeee-Wowwwowwowwww!! Joseph...Great photos and pics!! Diana in that blonde wig. And that photo with the shades....all I could think of is "Billie Holiday....BILLIE HOLIDAY!"

Great stuff...thank you, sir!

[Roberta75]

I'm not sure where I got these clippings. I think possibly Ebony Magazine. Love Diana's blonde wig!

Attachment 2659

Thank you so much for sharing these gems with us.

My best regards to you.

Roberta.

[sophisticated_soul]

...and there was me thinking I was only one that sent off for all those extras.

My mum used to tell me I was crazy! She used to say "You don't want that, you'll grow out of it soon".....and I'm still doing it.

My Mom said kind of the same thing to me, especially about my Marilyn Monroe fan magazines! LOL! But she liked the Supremes so with them she would just say I spent too much money on Supremes stuff! lol

[sophisticated_soul]

WOWweeeeee-Wowwwowwowwww!! Joseph...Great photos and pics!! Diana in that blonde wig. And that photo with the shades....all I could think of is "Billie Holiday....BILLIE HOLIDAY!"

Great stuff...thank you, sir!

I get that. But also to me it looks more like "Grasshopper Woman of Planet Zorgon"! But I've kept it all these years because I really like it. Go figure. Looking forward to tonight's Nightflight show, my friend.

[sophisticated_soul]

Thank you so much for sharing these gems with us.

My best regards to you.

Roberta.

Thank you Roberta, it has been my pleasure.

[midnight johnny]

JV....."Grasshopper Woman of Planet Zorgon"? Is that REAL??? What an amazing title!!! I don't know how I missed that one!

[sophisticated_soul]

JV....."Grasshopper Woman of Planet Zorgon"? Is that REAL??? What an amazing title!!! I don't know how I missed that one!

LOL!!!!!!!!!! I think the Planet Zorgon [[or Zargon) part is real, but I made up the grasshopper part. But I wouldn't be surprised if there was one of those great B-movie sci-fi thrillers with a similar title.

[the_classic_master]

I don't recall how long it actually ran. I would guess about 1965 - 1971. The host was Bob Howard. He was about as young and hip as TV8 got in those days, so he was young but not to hip. A nice guy though.

go to the main page, i posted a clip of the dyke and the blazers from soultime usa, maybe it might refresh your memory.

[sophisticated_soul]

More clippings. I thought they were from Soul magazine but I think they predate Soul.

Attachment 2684

[sophisticated_soul]

Attachment 2686Clipping Two____

[sophisticated_soul]

This appeared in a European magazine and was sent to me by my pen pal.

Attachment 2687

[midnight johnny]

This appeared in a European magazine and was sent to me by my pen pal.

Attachment 2687

Joseph...such lovely photos....thank you....

[sophisticated_soul]

Like this one a lot, don't remember where I got it.

Attachment 2690

[sophisticated_soul]

Joseph...such lovely photos....thank you....

Thank you, my friend.

[sophisticated_soul]

An article that appeared in the Los Angeles Times.

Attachment 2692

[uptight]

Haha, the girls are upstairs in BG's office, probably playing acetate discs from a QC meeting. What a hoot!

In a previous pic, yes, I believe they are wearing each others' wigs. Diana has Flos. Flo has Mary's. And Mary has Flo's. Haha!