I think the problem would still be the same. Let's face it, the last bit of time Jean was in the group, damage was being done to the Supremes' reputation with the public. They dropped an album that nobody wanted and the last two singles went nowhere, despite both being very good, but perhaps problematic in their own ways. Jean was that voice that had become a fixture for the group, with Mary slowly coming in. By the time Scherrie arrives I really think the damage was too much to be undone
unless the group was able to luck up on a "no lose" single that becomes a major hit. Maybe at that point- and considering if Scherrie is the lead on the song- focusing on her as singles lead might have been a good idea. But honestly I'm not convinced that the public would ever jump on board the "Scherrie lead singer of the Supremes" boat, for reasons I stated in another comment. I think her voice too bombastic- and IMO that was her greatest strength- to keep with the Supremes brand.
Believe it or not, though Mary's voice is as different from Diana and Jean's as night and day, I think Mary's sound was better suited to the brand than Scherrie's. Now none of this is meant to suggest that Scherrie didn't have range and couldn't sing "lighter". I love her lead on "Seed of Love" and she doesn't cut loose on that until the fade. [[I would love an extended fade of "Seed Of Love" if the Vault Gang is reading this.
) But judging off her work as a Supreme and a member of Glass House, as well as her live performances, Scherrie love to belt and I think if she were being told to tone it down, she'd feel stifled and then that would have led to more discontent in the group. With hindsight, it may have been wise for Mary to view Jean and Lynda's leaving as her opportunity to take over the lead spot. While the 70s is fondly regarded for it's uptempo dance music, it also was full of light, mellow tunes and ballads, which was definitely Mary's strength. Pair the group with the right producer, play up Mary's original Supreme status, welcome back Cindy, get a third lady willing to primarily sing backup but also more than capable of sharing some lead duties and the story of the group might have ended a little better, IMO.
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