Legends of Motown: Celebrating The Supremes
Now Open – April 2020
GRAMMY Museum Experience™️ Prudential Center will explore the enduring legacy and influence of Motown Records’ premier recording artists with Legends Of Motown: Celebrating The Supremes.
Curated by the GRAMMY Museum®️ in Los Angeles, the exhibit will offer visitors a unique look at the life and career of one of the most successful American singing groups of the ’60s, the Supremes, through rare artifacts from the private collection of founding member Ms. Mary Wilson.
On display through Sunday, Apr. 26, 2020, the exhibit features rare photographs from the personal collection of Mary Wilson; concert posters; tour books, fan memorabilia; and an assortment of performance gowns.
About The Supremes
Founded as the Primettes in Detroit, the Supremes became Motown’s most consistent hitmakers and the most popular female group of the ’60s, bridging the worlds of pop and soul with their polished singing style. Featuring original members Mary Wilson, Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, much of their success was a result of the tailor-made songs for them by Motown’s in-house writing and production team comprising Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland. At the height of the British Invasion in June 1965, the group set a record for the most consecutive No. 1 hits by an American group when “Back in My Arms Again,” “Baby Love,” “Come See About Me,” “Stop! In The Name Of Love” and “Where Did Our Love Go?” rose to the top of the Billboard singles chart.
By 1967 the trio had officially amended their name to Diana Ross and the Supremes, an acknowledgment of lead singer Ross’ rising star. That same year, Florence Ballard left the group and was replaced by Cindy Birdsong. Ross subsequently left the Supremes to launch a successful career as a solo recording artist and actress. She was replaced by Jean Terrell, and the Supremes’ hitmaking streak continued with such songs as “Up the Ladder to the Roof” and “Stoned Love.” The trio continued to perform and record into the ’70s, with founding member Mary Wilson keeping the name and the music alive. Later members included Scherrie Payne (who replaced Jean Terrell) and Susaye Greene and Lynda Laurence (who took Cindy Birdsong’s place).
The Supremes’ final performance was at London’s Drury Lane on June 12, 1977, at which point Wilson disbanded the group and retired the name. Not only did the Supremes come to epitomize the Motown sound, they earned a place in music history as performers whose popularity in the ’60s was second only to the Beatles.