The Supremes - I Don't Want to Lose You

[marv2]

From the High Energy album, "I Don't Want to Lose You". I have read several times that Susaye Greene was only dubbed into 2 songs, "High Energy" and "I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do the Walking". I can clearly hear her on this one as well:

[sup_fan]

yeah in the LYG booklet, it lists out recording dates and she's on much more than just the 2 songs. or at least much more recording was still going on after she joined.

[marv2]

yeah in the LYG booklet, it lists out recording dates and she's on much more than just the 2 songs. or at least much more recording was still going on after she joined.

Her voice is very unique. I do not know how someone came to the conclusion that she was only on two songs from that album.

[detmotownguy]

Her voice is very unique. I do not know how someone came to the conclusion that she was only on two songs from that album.

Maybe Susaye will chime in? MSS was such a super group. But we do know that NO non-Supreme voices were used.

[marv2]

Maybe Susaye will chime in? MSS was such a super group. But we do know that NO non-Supreme voices were used.

Those three could have made it as a group clear up through the nineties in my opinion.

[marv2]

Maybe Susaye will chime in? MSS was such a super group. But we do know that NO non-Supreme voices were used.

No, this is all, pure Supremes on this one.......hehehehehehe!

[gman]

I always thought she may be on the track too, but since it was never seen 'in print" I just assumed it was Scherrie doing a falsetto thing. Till the Boat, Teardrops, Only You & You Keep Me Movin' On are def. Cindy. Susaye's voice IS very unique...but MSC def. had a cleaner and more pleasant seamless tone in the harmony.

[sup_fan]

in the studio i think MSS might have slightly outshined MSC. both were excellent though. very strong 3-part harmony

MSC probably had a slightly better blend, as C [[who was typically singing the middle note/2nd soprano part) and M blend perfectly together and then Scherrrie just sat right on top with a vibrant 1st soprano

with MSS, often Scherrie shifted to 2nd and Susaye was 1st. the tone of the group definitely changed as Susaye and Scherrie are both more powerful singers than either M or C. I think S and S actually blended rather well together. their tones seem to merge. and of course M blends well with just about everyone. But the overall sound was very powerful and appealing on record. It's just that live it didn't work as well.

[marv2]

in the studio i think MSS might have slightly outshined MSC. both were excellent though. very strong 3-part harmony

MSC probably had a slightly better blend, as C [[who was typically singing the middle note/2nd soprano part) and M blend perfectly together and then Scherrrie just sat right on top with a vibrant 1st soprano

with MSS, often Scherrie shifted to 2nd and Susaye was 1st. the tone of the group definitely changed as Susaye and Scherrie are both more powerful singers than either M or C. I think S and S actually blended rather well together. their tones seem to merge. and of course M blends well with just about everyone. But the overall sound was very powerful and appealing on record. It's just that live it didn't work as well.

With Mary, Scherrie, and Susaye you had three lead singers. Still, they were talented enough to blend well in harmony or duet [["We Should Be Closer Together").

[Weslley Francisco]

Mary, Scherrie and Susaye sounded beautiful together on their studio recordings, a great blend. I loved all their work on the last album, but their live performances were a problem. The background was always too loud, especially when Susaye did the top harmony. They were always belting it out, and way too much vibrato when all that was needed was softness and clean harmonies

IMO, the best Supremes harmonies in the 70's were sung by Jean, Mary and Lynda. The volume was perfectly balanced, seamless tone [[clear as water), slow/even vibrato. Their "In Japan!" album is a great example.

[Bluebrock]

Mary, Scherrie and Susaye sounded beautiful together on their studio recordings, a great blend. I loved all their work on the last album, but their live performances were a problem. The background was always too loud, especially when Susaye did the top harmony. They were always belting it out, and way too much vibrato when all that was needed was softness and clean harmonies<br>
<br>
IMO, the best Supremes harmonies in the 70's were sung by Jean, Mary and Lynda. The volume was perfectly balanced, seamless tone [[clear as water), slow/even vibrato. Their "In Japan!" album is a great example.

<br>
I agree. JML were potentially wonderful. My favorite line up after the original trio. I lost interest when Jean and Lynda left.

[sup_fan]

Mary, Scherrie and Susaye sounded beautiful together on their studio recordings, a great blend. I loved all their work on the last album, but their live performances were a problem. The background was always too loud, especially when Susaye did the top harmony. They were always belting it out, and way too much vibrato when all that was needed was softness and clean harmonies

IMO, the best Supremes harmonies in the 70's were sung by Jean, Mary and Lynda. The volume was perfectly balanced, seamless tone [[clear as water), slow/even vibrato. Their "In Japan!" album is a great example.

interesting POV. love discussing our different opinions. see i think MJL struggled live. and the vocals on Japan are NOT my fav. Lynda's and Jean's tones conflict for me too much on that album. both of course are wonderful singers but IMO the M and C combo was the best for the 70s backing vocals. those two women just had a perfect blend which provided an ideal "pillow" for unique lead singers to showcase on - Diana, Jean, Scherrie.

[mwmr]

From the High Energy album, "I Don't Want to Lose You". I have read several times that Susaye Greene was only dubbed into 2 songs, "High Energy" and "I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do the Walking". I can clearly hear her on this one as well:

best vocal line up MSC
sorry but I’ve always found Susaye’s vocals tooo shrill and high

[marv2]

You have to admit, Susaye added some spice to the Supremes sound. I remember being blown away when I first dripped the needle on "High Energy". That high, 5 octave voice made me think that there was some serious Supremes business going on here! LOL! Say what you want about Pedro Ferrer, but it was pretty clear that they were not messing around. They were very serious about keeping the Supremes fresh.

[sup_fan]

You have to admit, Susaye added some spice to the Supremes sound. I remember being blown away when I first dripped the needle on "High Energy". That high, 5 octave voice made me think that there was some serious Supremes business going on here! LOL! Say what you want about Pedro Ferrer, but it was pretty clear that they were not messing around. They were very serious about keeping the Supremes fresh.

agreed! i know there are lots of opinions about the timing of the personnel change, conflicts with Pedro, etc. But just looking at the talent of MSS, it's an incredible lineup. And Susaye brought such an amazing new tone, style and sound. You're right that her sky-high vocals were so unique and different. She also had some beautiful similarities to Minnie Ripperton. I don't think she was properly utilized during her Sup years. of course it was a short period and who knows what might have come out on the next lp or two.

[Bluebrock]

agreed! i know there are lots of opinions about the timing of the personnel change, conflicts with Pedro, etc. But just looking at the talent of MSS, it's an incredible lineup. And Susaye brought such an amazing new tone, style and sound. You're right that her sky-high vocals were so unique and different. She also had some beautiful similarities to Minnie Ripperton. I don't think she was properly utilized during her Sup years. of course it was a short period and who knows what might have come out on the next lp or two.

Internal conflict was also a factor in the rapid demise of MSS. Twas ever thus.

[sup_fan]

Internal conflict was also a factor in the rapid demise of MSS. Twas ever thus.

agreed. the irony of the group, talent-wise, being pretty much at the peak and yet totally incapable of being a working unit. of course, we know the reason why

[Bluebrock]

agreed. the irony of the group, talent-wise, being pretty much at the peak and yet totally incapable of being a working unit. of course, we know the reason why

Yes we do! The same person who caused conflict in every line up of the Supremes.

[daviddh]

Agree...Jean ...Lynda n Mary were a good team.

[midnightman]

That's a cute version, I prefer Phyllis Hyman's cover though.



Susaye's addition on the Supremes' version was not necessary.

[Bluebrock]

That's a cute version, I prefer Phyllis Hyman's cover though.



Susaye's addition on the Supremes' version was not necessary.

I agree. Phyliss did a lovely version, but of course this deeply troubled lady had the voice of an angel. The anguish and heartbreak in her voice was so moving. It may even surpass the Spinners version.

[midnightman]

I agree. Phyliss did a lovely version, but of course this deeply troubled lady had the voice of an angel. The anguish and heartbreak in her voice was so moving. It may even surpass the Spinners version.

Yeah I actually can't stand to hear the Spinners' version lol

She gave the song what it needed. Like I said, the Supremes' version was cute but definitely should've been sung by Scherrie. No Susaye lol [[I don't mind Mary's voice in this though)

Phyllis was such a musical genius.

[marv2]

Yeah I actually can't stand to hear the Spinners' version lol

She gave the song what it needed. Like I said, the Supremes' version was cute but definitely should've been sung by Scherrie. No Susaye lol [[I don't mind Mary's voice in this though)

Phyllis was such a musical genius.

No. Only Mary Wilson could have sung that song that nice. She is the Supreme Queen of ballads! LOL!

[sup_fan]

No. Only Mary Wilson could have sung that song that nice. She is the Supreme Queen of ballads! LOL!

i do like Mary's version, although my fav ballad of hers on HE is Don't Let My Teardrops.

And i don't argue that mary was strong on the ballads in the MSS era. but both S and S were very versatile and talented singers. to limit them ONLY to the dance tracks wasn't right. Mary certainly did [[for better or worse) her share of dance leads. if nothing else it would be interesting to hear the different interpretations.

Scherrie we know would have been sensational on a ballad like this. and i'm super intrigued with what Susaye would have done. there's a stunning version of her My Funny Valentine floating around on youtube. amazing! you might need to redo the arrangment of I Don't Want To Love You to better accommodate her style and approach. but damn!!

[Bluebrock]

Yeah I actually can't stand to hear the Spinners' version lol

She gave the song what it needed. Like I said, the Supremes' version was cute but definitely should've been sung by Scherrie. No Susaye lol [[I don't mind Mary's voice in this though)

Phyllis was such a musical genius.

Yes she was. It is such a tragedy that she was unable to find true happiness. She gave us so much and left us with a wonderful legacy of recordings.

[RanRan79]

Yeah I actually can't stand to hear the Spinners' version lol

She gave the song what it needed. Like I said, the Supremes' version was cute but definitely should've been sung by Scherrie. No Susaye lol [[I don't mind Mary's voice in this though)

Phyllis was such a musical genius.

Phyllis was a vocal beast. I really don't care for the song "I Don't Want to Lose You" by anyone, but if I have to sit through it, it would be Phyllis' version.

[sup_fan]

it be so interesting to know what the Hollands would have done with the Sups next. you def get the feeling that Susaye was an add-in for the HE sessions. it definitely works - her vocal parts to Walking are great and of course her lead on HE.

with MS&S you get a sense that they're starting to explore what the 3 unique voices can you. You have Scherrie delivering mega-power on the heavy dance tracks, mary's sultry ballads and Susaye's unique voice on Come Into My Life and then the haunting dueting on We Should Be Closer.

it's a shame we never got to hear S or S doing a full ballad. would have been lovely

[detmotownguy]

[QUOTE=sup_fan;554757]it be so interesting to know what the Hollands would have done with the Sups next. you def get the feeling that Susaye was an add-in for the HE sessions. it definitely works - her vocal parts to Walking are great and of course her lead on HE.

with MS&S you get a sense that they're starting to explore what the 3 unique voices can you. You have Scherrie delivering mega-power on the heavy dance tracks, mary's sultry ballads and Susaye's unique voice on Come Into My Life and then the haunting dueting on We Should Be Closer.

I agree Sup Fan. If they could have hung on for another album with the Holland Brothers to regroup internally so to speak. There was so much talent w/MSS. I have always wondered if there were any cuts or discussions for a 3rd album. Sounds funny saying album these days.

[marv2]

it be so interesting to know what the Hollands would have done with the Sups next. you def get the feeling that Susaye was an add-in for the HE sessions. it definitely works - her vocal parts to Walking are great and of course her lead on HE.

with MS&S you get a sense that they're starting to explore what the 3 unique voices can you. You have Scherrie delivering mega-power on the heavy dance tracks, mary's sultry ballads and Susaye's unique voice on Come Into My Life and then the haunting dueting on We Should Be Closer.

it's a shame we never got to hear S or S doing a full ballad. would have been lovely

Motown was just stupid at that time. The Emotions ended up scoring with the type of songs The Supremes were doing. The perfect example was "Don't Ask My Neighbors" that came out in 1977 a year after The Supremes magnificent, "We Should Be Closer Together". The same style of music with the Supremes song being better. Motown They should have listened to the fans and the DJ's and not Suzanne DePasse!

[sup_fan]

Motown was just stupid at that time. The Emotions ended up scoring with the type of songs The Supremes were doing. The perfect example was "Don't Ask My Neighbors" that came out in 1977 a year after The Supremes magnificent, "We Should Be Closer Together". The same style of music with the Supremes song being better. Motown They should have listened to the fans and the DJ's and not Suzanne DePasse!

there are so many "what if's" with the MSS era. the talent was absolutely there in the studio and the Hollands seemed to be really onto something. then *poof* it was over

it wasn't solely a motown problem. yes the company did plenty of stupid moves but so did mary. the first being having Pedro manage the group and the second was using the group as a platform to launch her solo career. had motown been managing the group and mary actively working to maintain/lead the group rather then busting out, things might have been different

[Bluebrock]

there are so many "what if's" with the MSS era. the talent was absolutely there in the studio and the Hollands seemed to be really onto something. then *poof* it was over

it wasn't solely a motown problem. yes the company did plenty of stupid moves but so did mary. the first being having Pedro manage the group and the second was using the group as a platform to launch her solo career. had motown been managing the group and mary actively working to maintain/lead the group rather then busting out, things might have been different

Mary and Pedro were more interested in launching her solo career at this point in time. Scherrie and Susaye were underused when in all honesty they had vocal versatility Mary could only dream of. I wish they had been given more of a chance on the ballads just as Mary had been given several chances on the uptempo material where she sounded uncomfortable and unconvincing . Little wonder Scherrie and Susaye became so disillusioned. They deserved better and so did we.

[marv2]

there are so many "what if's" with the MSS era. the talent was absolutely there in the studio and the Hollands seemed to be really onto something. then *poof* it was over

it wasn't solely a motown problem. yes the company did plenty of stupid moves but so did mary. the first being having Pedro manage the group and the second was using the group as a platform to launch her solo career. had motown been managing the group and mary actively working to maintain/lead the group rather then busting out, things might have been different

Uh, uh, no you are wrong. It was Motown that created "problems", not Mary Wilson and Pedro Ferrer. I was around and more than just passively involved back then. We didn't have the internet then, but I remember the weekly updates we got on what was going on. People that don't really know like to say it was Pedro, it was Mary, it was the changing members, etc, etc. when I know and remember that none of that was the case.

If it weren't for Mary and Pedro, the Supremes would have ceased to exist after Jean Terrell left.

[RanRan79]

there are so many "what if's" with the MSS era. the talent was absolutely there in the studio and the Hollands seemed to be really onto something. then *poof* it was over

it wasn't solely a motown problem. yes the company did plenty of stupid moves but so did mary. the first being having Pedro manage the group and the second was using the group as a platform to launch her solo career. had motown been managing the group and mary actively working to maintain/lead the group rather then busting out, things might have been different

Mary's dumb move was certainly allowing Pedro to take over the group. This is something I would imagine 1965 Mary Wilson doing, not 1975 Mary Wilson, a seasoned veteran in the game. But I've never bought the idea that Mary used the group to launch a solo career. She was not the majority lead singer on the albums or in the shows. You can't launch a solo career from the background for half or more album cuts and show repertoire. I think she did what most group members do at a certain point and that's grow up and move on. Remember, she had been a Supreme [[Primette) since she was 14 years old. At some point you expect adults to figure out a way to the next "rung" of the ladder in their career as opposed to staying in the same place forever. Some folks can do it, especially when you have a true soulful connection with one's groupmates, as the Tops seemed to do, but Mary was in a group with two younger ladies who probably got her nerves [[and vice versa). There's only so much a person can take.

And then of course there's the Otis Williamses of the music world, who can regroup time and time again without even considering a solo turn. But I put Otis in the same group as Cindy Birdsong: they can obviously sing, but they aren't necessarily lead singers by any stretch of the imagination. Otis Williams definitely aint no Mary Wilson.

[sup_fan]

Mary's dumb move was certainly allowing Pedro to take over the group. This is something I would imagine 1965 Mary Wilson doing, not 1975 Mary Wilson, a seasoned veteran in the game. But I've never bought the idea that Mary used the group to launch a solo career. She was not the majority lead singer on the albums or in the shows. You can't launch a solo career from the background for half or more album cuts and show repertoire. I think she did what most group members do at a certain point and that's grow up and move on. Remember, she had been a Supreme [[Primette) since she was 14 years old. At some point you expect adults to figure out a way to the next "rung" of the ladder in their career as opposed to staying in the same place forever. Some folks can do it, especially when you have a true soulful connection with one's groupmates, as the Tops seemed to do, but Mary was in a group with two younger ladies who probably got her nerves [[and vice versa). There's only so much a person can take.

And then of course there's the Otis Williamses of the music world, who can regroup time and time again without even considering a solo turn. But I put Otis in the same group as Cindy Birdsong: they can obviously sing, but they aren't necessarily lead singers by any stretch of the imagination. Otis Williams definitely aint no Mary Wilson.

see i disagree - i do definitely think she was attempting to launch her solo career. She was doing 50% of the leads AND then all of the "leading" in their interviews and performances. she was attempting to position herself as the focal points and spokesperson for the group.

[mwmr]

Mary's dumb move was certainly allowing Pedro to take over the group. This is something I would imagine 1965 Mary Wilson doing, not 1975 Mary Wilson, a seasoned veteran in the game. But I've never bought the idea that Mary used the group to launch a solo career. She was not the majority lead singer on the albums or in the shows. You can't launch a solo career from the background for half or more album cuts and show repertoire. I think she did what most group members do at a certain point and that's grow up and move on. Remember, she had been a Supreme [[Primette) since she was 14 years old. At some point you expect adults to figure out a way to the next "rung" of the ladder in their career as opposed to staying in the same place forever. Some folks can do it, especially when you have a true soulful connection with one's groupmates, as the Tops seemed to do, but Mary was in a group with two younger ladies who probably got her nerves [[and vice versa). There's only so much a person can take.

And then of course there's the Otis Williamses of the music world, who can regroup time and time again without even considering a solo turn. But I put Otis in the same group as Cindy Birdsong: they can obviously sing, but they aren't necessarily lead singers by any stretch of the imagination. Otis Williams definitely aint no Mary Wilson.

we need to remember that Mary was in an abusive relationship with Pedro, in A lot of abusive relationships there’s a degree of coercive control which may have been the case here.

[sup_fan]

it seems they simply re-purposed much of their existing orchestral charts for Susaye when she joined. rather than exploring new songs to showcase her abilities. Jean did both People and He Ain't Heavy. and of course the Marilyn number in the Genie segment. They did HE during the Europe tour in spring 76. Wonder what improvements they could have done to the show to better spotlight her?

only other song she sang lead live [[that i know of) was Knocks Me Off My Feet

[daviddh]

I think in many ways the Supremes did end with Jean leaving.
The 75 album was good but needed tweeking. They left off a few gems..imo.
HE
I like the Russ mixs better.more pop..soul.....with A dance feel but the released version was a bit to ... disco.
The last album...good but I would have dropped Driving Wheel.
The live shows were a mess...over top singing...rushed medleys....to many Broadway tunes....but a lot of talent

[benross]

For me, the end of "The Supremes" came in stages:

First, Jean, Mary and Cindy appeared in unintentionally cheap-looking white dresses [[short in the front, with a tail hanging down in the back) when I saw them in concert in Autumn 1971 and seemed to lack the elegance and polish the group had demonstrated previously. On this occasion, Jean was disciplined and did have stage presence, but it was less compelling than Diana's; Mary's energy and smile still seemed genuine. The studio albums began well, but each was less rewarding than the one before, and much of the material on the Four Tops-duets albums was second-rate. So I lost some interest in the group as time went on.

Second, there was the photo of Lynda on the Smokey-produced album; in the pre-Internet era, I had no notion that Cindy was gone, and I wondered what was going on.

Third, there was the departure of Jean and the addition of Scherrie; the rotating door concept was fine for The Rockettes, where substitutions did not affect the overall appearance or performance level, but the comings and goings were not acceptable in a group that I'd come to think of as individuals over the prior dozen years or so.

Fourth, there was a disastrous appearance on the Merv Griffin[[?) show where the women wore hideous, mismatched green dresses and sang, I think, The Boy From Westchester County and/or some other silly song, and the group seemed less than special. At this time, also, Mary and the others began engaging in frantic dancing, trying to distract us from the dismal quality of the songs they were performing and/or trying to persuade us that the music and the group were still exciting.

Fifth and finally, except for the songs featuring Mary, the last two albums seemed to come from a completely anonymous group, and I did not particularly like t Scherrie or [[especially) Susaye; their voices seemed to grate, and the material itself was nothing like the Motown Sound. It could have come from any group, from any studio, and there was nothing appealing or memorable about any of it. Too, the women looked pathetic, whether they wore incredibly ugly new costumes or altered costumes from the glory days as they tried to pretend that they were the group that had all the hits.

[Bluebrock]

For me, the end of "The Supremes" came in stages:

First, Jean, Mary and Cindy appeared in unintentionally cheap-looking white dresses [[short in the front, with a tail hanging down in the back) when I saw them in concert in Autumn 1971 and seemed to lack the elegance and polish the group had demonstrated previously. On this occasion, Jean was disciplined and did have stage presence, but it was less compelling than Diana's; Mary's energy and smile still seemed genuine. The studio albums began well, but each was less rewarding than the one before, and much of the material on the Four Tops-duets albums was second-rate. So I lost some interest in the group as time went on.

Second, there was the photo of Lynda on the Smokey-produced album; in the pre-Internet era, I had no notion that Cindy was gone, and I wondered what was going on.

Third, there was the departure of Jean and the addition of Scherrie; the rotating door concept was fine for The Rockettes, where substitutions did not affect the overall appearance or performance level, but the comings and goings were not acceptable in a group that I'd come to think of as individuals over the prior dozen years or so.

Fourth, there was a disastrous appearance on the Merv Griffin[[?) show where the women wore hideous, mismatched green dresses and sang, I think, The Boy From Westchester County and/or some other silly song, and the group seemed less than special. At this time, also, Mary and the others began engaging in frantic dancing, trying to distract us from the dismal quality of the songs they were performing and/or trying to persuade us that the music and the group were still exciting.

Fifth and finally, except for the songs featuring Mary, the last two albums seemed to come from a completely anonymous group, and I did not particularly like t Scherrie or [[especially) Susaye; their voices seemed to grate, and the material itself was nothing like the Motown Sound. It could have come from any group, from any studio, and there was nothing appealing or memorable about any of it. Too, the women looked pathetic, whether they wore incredibly ugly new costumes or altered costumes from the glory days as they tried to pretend that they were the group that had all the hits.

I agree with everything you say with the exception of the quality of Scherrie and Susaye's voice which i thought were both versatile and distinguished. The final line up consisted of three individuals rather than a united trio. They looked at odds with each other, and the obvious tensions between the three of them was there for all to see. It was a very sad end to the greatest female trio of all time.

[gman]

Cindy's return solidified the line up....she was extremely recognizable as a Supreme from the vast DRATS exposure. She had many fans in the camp. I came along after Flo left, so for me Cindy and Mary were the Supremes. They had the best vocal blend.

Scherrie was the best replacement for Jean....Talented and gorgeous, she upped the energy and the sparkle...and, she was a DETROIT native.

The group did not need a 3rd lead singer...MSC had a beautiful blend, nothing sounded forced or restrained... with Mary developing her skills, and being a featured vocalist within the group and Scherrie as a main lead, coupled with giving Cindy solo lines was all we needed.

Both Lynda and Susaye were fine vocalists...but Lynda had too much power and Susaye had a tendency to display too much range within a group setting....particularly live. Both short term Supreme ladies that are better as soloists than group performers.

[RanRan79]

Cindy's return solidified the line up....she was extremely recognizable as a Supreme from the vast DRATS exposure. She had many fans in the camp. I came along after Flo left, so for me Cindy and Mary were the Supremes. They had the best vocal blend.

Scherrie was the best replacement for Jean....Talented and gorgeous, she upped the energy and the sparkle...and, she was a DETROIT native.

The group did not need a 3rd lead singer...MSC had a beautiful blend, nothing sounded forced or restrained... with Mary developing her skills, and being a featured vocalist within the group and Scherrie as a main lead, coupled with giving Cindy solo lines was all we needed.

Both Lynda and Susaye were fine vocalists...but Lynda had too much power and Susaye had a tendency to display too much range within a group setting....particularly live. Both short term Supreme ladies that are better as soloists than group performers.

I disagree about Lynda, but I'm with you on Susaye. It's actually a shame that Susaye didn't leave the Supremes with a successful solo career, aside from her writing. But a soloist was probably better suited to her talents than a group. I can't remember who, if anyone, Mary may have said was up for the spot when Cindy left again. I think she said one of the Honey Cone and Merry Clayton auditioned to be Supremes at some point, but I can't recall if it was for Susaye's spot or not.

[blackguy69]

Thelma Houston was up for Cindy’s spot. Shelly Clark was up for Jean’s spot and Merry Clayton auditioned to be one of Mary’s background singers.

I disagree about Lynda, but I'm with you on Susaye. It's actually a shame that Susaye didn't leave the Supremes with a successful solo career, aside from her writing. But a soloist was probably better suited to her talents than a group. I can't remember who, if anyone, Mary may have said was up for the spot when Cindy left again. I think she said one of the Honey Cone and Merry Clayton auditioned to be Supremes at some point, but I can't recall if it was for Susaye's spot or not.

[marv2]

Thelma Houston was up for Cindy’s spot. Shelly Clark was up for Jean’s spot and Merry Clayton auditioned to be one of Mary’s background singers.

Thelma was mentioned when Mary went solo. You are right about Merry Clayton auditioning for one of Mary's background vocalists in 1977.

[marv2]

I disagree about Lynda, but I'm with you on Susaye. It's actually a shame that Susaye didn't leave the Supremes with a successful solo career, aside from her writing. But a soloist was probably better suited to her talents than a group. I can't remember who, if anyone, Mary may have said was up for the spot when Cindy left again. I think she said one of the Honey Cone and Merry Clayton auditioned to be Supremes at some point, but I can't recall if it was for Susaye's spot or not.

Stevie Wonder recommended Susaye to Pedro Ferrer.

[PeaceNHarmony]

After The Spinners masterpiece it was unwise for a weak vocalist to attempt this particular song.

[sup_fan]

yeah this medley of Boat/I Don't really doesn't add much to the lp. it makes for a huge block of ballads which pulls the "energy" down from the album entitled High Energy

[marv2]

yeah this medley of Boat/I Don't really doesn't add much to the lp. it makes for a huge block of ballads which pulls the "energy" down from the album entitled High Energy

It was one of their best albums of all time. Side two with Mary's ballads got more play especially during those special moments with my girl! LOL!

[sup_fan]

also it would have been an interesting concept to have MSS do a full album of quiet storm. now i'm definitely a fan of the girls' hot disco songs. but imagine an lp of lush ballads, some moderate tracks like HE or maybe You're what missing.

[sup_fan]

^yeah i can see the value of having one side fast and one side slow lolol