Originally Posted by
marybrewster
Good questions brad and all; I've been re-reading some of Martha's book and just read about when Betty was fired. I think being a Vandella was an "at-will" job, meaning they could be fired any time Martha wanted. Not sure how easy it was to be a Vandella under those conditions, knowing you could be let go at any time. I've never liked the way Martha has referred to them as her "employees" when Nettie and Roz, and later Betty, Lois and Sandra "added" so much to the group. With no disrespect to Miss Martha, if she didn't "need" these girls, then why didn't she strike out as a solo?
I've always found it interesting that the Vandellas started as a quartet with Gloria Williams, Nettie and Roz as the Del-Phis. In those days, it seems as though everyone was treated equally and it was more of a "group", but when Gloria left and Martha reformed the group as the Vandellas, she was clearly the lead and Nettie and Roz were clearly "backups" with Martha assuming control over the group. I wonder if Nettie and Roz knew that this was exactly how things were going to play out? How can one day someone be your equal, and the next, be your "boss"? That alone had to put strain on the group.
I do give Martha and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for inducting all of the Vandellas. And since it was brought up regarding the Supremes versus the Vandellas in the Rock and Roll Hall, I have one more thought: It's my understanding that any group or individual who has a demonstrable influence on Rock and Roll and have had released their first record 25 years ago can qualify for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Vandellas were inducted in 1995. Martha, Nettie, Roz, Betty, Lois [[joined 1968) and Sandra [[joined 1970) were all within that 25 year mark. The Supremes were inducted in 1988. Diana, Mary and Flo were clearly eligible, but Cindy [[1967), Jean [[1970), Lynda [[1972) Scherrie [[1973) and Susaye [[1976) were not with the group 25 years when the Supremes were inducted. Does that make a difference? I do not know. I'm not saying by any means that C,J,L,S or S didn't contribute to the group, if if you look at the qualifications, are they truly eligible? And one more thing [[sorry to get way off track with your topic, brad): but when approaching a group regarding an induction, wouldn't all members [[or "qualifying" members) have a say who is to and not to be inducted? So wouldn't Diana have as much say in the matter as Mary? Quite honestly, because Diana was so forfront in the group, it surprises me that SHE wouldn't be the one to make the decision over Mary.
Just some food for thought.
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