Gordy was never going to make the Supremes a priority. All things Diana Ross was first and last and every spot in between. Who needs a manager that you can't trust to ensure you get firsts, as opposed to seconds? The truth is that every act at Motown was Gordy's act. Wasn't Shelly Berger the Supremes' manager in the 60s? Gordy didn't need an official title with the group to get involved. And he damn sho didn't need Mary Wilson's permission. If he truly was interested in the continued success of the Supremes, he would've sequestered a group of songwriters in a hotel room after "Touch" failed to make any noise and demanded they not come out until they had written a hit record on his top female group. At Motown Berry Gordy was all powerful. No reason to believe that power did not extend to the Supremes if he so desired.
Don't forget, he also offered Flo a solo contract after the Supremes. I'd like to see a show of hands of those who believe Gordy had every intention of recording, releasing, and promoting Florence Ballard, soloist. Anybody? Nobody? Mmm hmmm.
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