Your analysis give us a deeper appreciation toward the music we like and to appreciation talent as a whole. I agree Mary and Florence voices where a big part of the Supremes. thanks for this one Fil.
The Group the hits with the Supremes with out Flo Voices in the Background wouldnt sound like Nothing Cindy can Sing but Flo voice was Powerful help made the Songs hits just listen Diana couldn't Close a Song like Flo
Otis Redding! That famous version of "I've been loving you too long" from the Monterrey Pop film. There are also a couple of black and white videos of "Tenderness."
Thank you for discussing in depth the beautiful and essential contribution of Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard. You've highlighted their mastery as artists, which is often overlooked. Much appreciated!
Dylan Kopff never fear. It’s never too late to give up the guitar. I picked it up again after a 50 year lay off. Hopefully I’ll make it to my 80s when I can quit guitar again.
10:15 Pro mic technique by Diana to create a fade into Florence and Mary's lines. Also: with all that discussion of the cool 2 note melody at the end, credit needs to be given to Leonard Bernstein, who wrote it.
The Supremes were extremely talented singers. Towards the end, I like the way Diana Ross backed up so the background singers could shine, and then she acted as part of the background singers before her voice belted out again. I think your song analysis is the best on the Internet.
Diana probably wasn't the technician of the group, but she was the passion and this was recognized early on. To go from a contemporary hit (actually reactive to things like the Rolling Stones) to a standard like that required some chops.
Florence Ballard was a gem. Gone to soon in her 30's. The Supremes were a big inspiration to Destiny's Child...each singer had the ability to be the lead, but gave way truly to the more dominant personality.
Flo's always been my favourite. I remember reading Mary's book and she said Florence would have to stand a mile from the microphone recording her vocals because her voice was just so much stronger than Mary or Diana's. Her story is so sad though.
Ummmm......if by "dominant" you mean the one that slept with Barry Gordy and gave him allllllllll kinds of good "feels" shall I say and had a child with him, then yeah, I guess you could call that "dominant". Ross' voice was thin and kittenish and coquettish at best. Florence could sing her off any stage if you want to talk about a woman with a TRULY strong and beautiful. But real talent was, isn't and never will be necessary to be a huge success & become absurdly rich in pop music here in the divided states of America.
@@greeneyedwarlock882 You know any golden age record producers or movie producers who didn't promise their starlets the moon, for playing "peek-a-boo...I do you?" You can ask people like Bill Cosby how that comes about...not me.
Our marching band this Somewhere in 1981. I was a flagline chick but played the alto sax. I never knew they sang this!! I love their matching gowns.... I love Motown. Great analysis!!!! Lord, I thought she was gonna fall!
From the "Get off of my lawn" department, here's what I think. Now and then I think that someday great African-American influenced pop/jazz music and musicians (Nat Cole, Four Tops, Stylistics, Temptations, etc., etc., etc.) will make a comeback in popular culture and push rap/hip-hop back into the dustbin of musical history where it belongs.
R&B transitioned when funk artists such as James Brown and even Miles Davis ("On the Corner") began to emphasize a repetitive groove over melody, utilizing a relatively simple melodic structure to enhance the rhythm. Hip-hop took it even further, virtually eliminating melody. In essence, removing European music tradition from modern black music. You can see a similar transition in Jamaica from calypso, to reggae to dancehall.
@@joebikeguy6669 That's pretty sweet - I would have been a tad too young to appreciate that at the time. If you have a few minutes, and if it's of interest, burningambulance.com/2014/03/24/miles-davis-in-1970/
In July of 1965 the band I was in was playing at The Peppermint Lounge. If you were performing for at least three nights in NYC you had to get a cabaret license. We walked into the office and stood in line. I noticed that right in front of us in line were Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard of The Supremes. Diana Ross was sitting on a desk leaning against the wall and signing a few autographs looking bored. Mary and Florence were very friendly to us. They were performing at the Copacabana and invited us to the show. We said we were also playing in the city, but certainly could not afford to go to the Copacabana anyway, and thanked them so much for the invitation. We wished each other good luck. When it was their time to get the license, Diana got up and walked right in front of them having to be first, as she was the star.
I used to live in Cleveland and I walked in the snow to Music Hall to see The Supremes in the mid sixties. I've seen them two more times when I finally married with the hubby. 1966...the same year I saw The Beatles when they played Cleveland.
I have been watching you all day. I even have my 16 year old grandson listening to your videos. He has a great appreciation for all kinds of music and we have so much fun..
We had great girl groups back then. Supremes , Crystals , Ronettes etc. When female singers were artists, not half dressed , or in their underweir to be noticed.
" And there ain't nothing I can do about it!"😀 I just luv that part! My mom had The Supremes Greatest Hits I played constantly w/ my 70s grooves! growing up~
These 3 ladies of song were phenomenal Fil! Such gifted vocalist and with the ever amazing voice of Diana Ross they soared.....putting their rivalry aside! One of my favourites songs of theirs was Love Child! Great analysis Fil! 😀🤘👌
Love Child was not recorded by Florence, Mary or Cindy, although Mary & Cindy had to learn their backup parts as if they did record it. Love Child & Someday We'll Be Together, were two number 1 hits that Mary not Cindy backed Diana on. Those two records were effects to push & promote Diana on her upcoming solo career. The background singers for those two hits were The Andantes, studio singers.
Florence Ballard was actually the founder of The Supremes. She also had started a solo career after her departure from the group. Her solo tracks are on CD & are on other platforms. This performance was on The Hollywood palace!
I'm glad you touched on that unique phrasing that Diana had, truly unique amongst singers in that era and maybe ever since, you'd sit by the TV mesmerized, fascinated, the only lead singer I've heard since with that same quality is Shane Filan of Westlife he has that similar pronunciation with the long tongue sounds.
Yes, the background singers were very good. Yes, the Funk Brothers were amazing. But make no mistake, the main reason that they had 12 #1 songs and many top 40 songs in 5 years was because of the voice, face and showmanship that is the Legend Diana Ross. She was the lead singer for a good reason.
Mary Wilson & Florence Ballard,, very underrated singers.. Interesting when you see The Original Supremes on television clips, they are so repressed with their vocal parts and pulled back from the lead singer, but when you watch or listen to their famous concert performances, especially with the famous standards,, they have more creative vocal liberty freedom, and Miss Wilson's sexy alto filler voice & Miss Flo's soulful soprano sound so great. They ARE SUPREME.. Miss Wilson today gives the BEST concerts & Miss Ross is great too.
Phil, your killing me here I love ❤️ music and your doing so much variety of music. I actually shed tears of joy. Hell I grew up back then when music was music. Rock or brother love to here you play sometime I bet you can rock a guitar or two. ❤️❤️❤️☮️☮️❤️☮️🙏🏻🙏🏻☮️❤️❤️❤️❤️
One of a kind. I cried hearing this. Love this music. I lost 3 older siblings. They had their music. I grew up hearing so much music because of my beautiful Sisters Love the Supremes. Thank you ,Thank you, Fil. All you said of the Supremes are so true. 🎶🎶🎶
Loved the Supremes.. I had a couple besties and we’d sing Stop in the Name of Love really badly. Lol. Hand gestures and all. What a fun time. Motown has always been some of my fave music... thanks, Fil.......
Diana was not just selected to be the face, or the star quality; she also is and always was 9,000 times as talented and mesmerizing. After Diana went on to a phenomenal superstar career on her own, the other two singers spent their days scorning Diana for "not taking them along" as they feel that they were always partners and Diana left them high and dry. I find their disdain absurd and shameful, by the way; IMO they were incredibly lucky to have landed next to Diana at all, and whatever B-level fame and income they did later achieve (which they did expoit) merely deserved gratitude on their part.
I'm guessing that you mistyped "exploit." At any rate, your assessment is very accurate across the board. Brace for hate, though, because there's a legion of Ross haters out there who are entirely unhappy with her success.
Lies you tell. Florence never made any such claim about Diana. In an interview Flo said most of the issues between the girls were like issues of sisters (of which Flo was an authority as she had several sisters). She spoke highly of Diana, though she believed there were dirty things that Diana had done, and Flo also thought Mary had some dirty hands too. Flo also felt she didn't handle things the way she should have. Remember they all were in their 20s in the 1960s and no one is perfect in their 20s. It's also well documented that Flo and Diana spoke shortly before Flo's death with Flo expressing interest in getting back into the biz and Diana offering to help. While I have my own criticisms of Mary in regards to Diana that I don't feel like going into, I will say there's a lot more negativity in that relationship. But you have never read nor heard of Florence Ballard speaking negatively about Diana Ross "not taking her along". Please clear that up. Thanks.
@@Musicball So they did not acerbically talk about "Miss Star" in undeniable hostility? Do I need to find the actual interviews, where they talked about Miss Ross "leaving them behind?" You're saying that never happened? Many times? I saw that on camera; do I need to spend my time locating it?
I will admit that Mary made backhanded compliments in writing and interviews, simultaneously expressing resentment yet saying "but I still love her as a sister". That her "aggressiveness" disturbed her, "but that may have been the source of her strength." In later life Mary was very calculated - I would call it clever - in her interview appearances - smartly so - so I may have a task finding her blasting the "D" word unless I can find something specifically from the late 70s, where both of them lashed out with the term - "Miss Diva" as I recall. Flo, with her tragic emotional maladies, was not so reserved, so the bulk of my impression is likely from her, particularly in one of her states.
@@Bill_Woo Yes, you will need to locate those sources. I can save you the trouble by informing you there is no interview of Flo Ballard blasting Diana Ross. As a Supremes fan, I love Mary but I'm not a fan outside of her place in Supremes history. I am a Diana and Florence fan, so I won't bother with a conversation about Mary. I'll let someone else get in on that. But there is no source for Flo calling Diana "Miss Diva" or anything else like that. The closest you will come is probably one of Tony Turner's books, which are historical fiction at best. But I'll wait patiently on you to produce sources for your ideas that Florence held so much resentment toward Diana in the 70s. I'm too well researched on the Supremes to expect it, but I'll wait just the same.
Nice... it's Friday Fashion night a Fils ! Great but they do sing "You Keep Me Hanging On" abit fast for me but still.. WOW ! Amazing... performance(s).... those days are long gone ! Look-out viewers the guitar is out... that means it's time we all learn something,nice work "teach" 😉 Another rockin' night at Fil's....... thanx mate 😆🤘
Singing such heartbreaking lyrics and smiling all over the place. Whoever she was singing to shoulda been worrying about a knife appearing from outta nowhere, much like the shower scene from Psycho. I love their music, thx for analysis
Fil, Thank you ! After a long awful day imagine my joy when this Detroit girl saw that you were analyzing the Supremes. My life is good again! When I was an older teen or early twenties, I received Diana Ross tickets and I only went to be polite. I couldn't even get anyone to go with me. By the end of the show when she sang "Ain't no Mountain High Enough", the crowd was going crazy and the hairs on my arms was standing straight up. I've never had that happen before or since. She was more amazing live than recorded. Hope to see more of her and the Supremes! Thanks for bringing a hard week to a great close.!
It's cool seeing the US's second biggest pop act of the decade (after the Beatles!) cover a tune from West Side Story, which just a few years prior was a HUGE hit on stage, on film, and dominated album sales for over a YEAR. The Supremes were very talented
Leonard Bernstein, was a composer of some of the most glorious music of all time. West Side Story is a truly remarkable musical that transcended all the music styles of that era and is an amazing show, on stage and as a movie. A 'modern' retelling of Romeo and Juliet with racial overtones. Nothing like it today. The Motown sound crossed all musical boundaries as well. Amazing talent throughout from composing to production to recording to performance.
The Supremes were constantly on the radio and tv when l was a boy. 12 Number One hits it's no wonder. Catchy melodic memorable classics. Vocally pleasing to the ear with the combined 3 voices and Diana's unmistakable great lead vocal. Diana of course went on to be a mega solo star. Thanks for another knowledgeable Analysis my friend! Enjoyed it.😎🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦
Fil: Kenny Rogers passed away yesterday. Any chance to do an analysis on him? Some of his hits: The Gambler; Through the Years; Islands in the Streams (with Dolly Parton, written by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees); Lady (written by Lionel Richie); Coward of the County; You Decorated My Life; We've Got Tonight (duet with Sheena Easton). Cheers.
OMG this brings me back. Poor Florence died destitute. There’s a great documentary about female background singers from this era called Twenty Feet From Stardom (Amazon Prime). Great analysis, Fil.
Thank you, Fil. Love the Supremes - right from the start. Imagine - in the space of six years they had 12 Number One hits. In the 60's, only the Fab Four had more.
Once the trio changed to “Diana and the...”, the press started having a field day with rumors of strife and jealousy between the members. Very sad. I didn’t get to see them perform together, but I did see Diana perform her solo act. Touch Me In the Morning showed her voice off to best advantage. Unfortunately, she spent half her time in wardrobe changes. While her gowns were lovely, I would have preferred one dress and many songs.
Disagree. When you've got it, flaunt it. If you think she didn't do enough songs in her shows, watch Central Park. And man oh man, how many people could flaunt it like her?? It would be a travesty not to play that card hard.
Bill Woo 🙂 We do disagree and that is okay. I’m comparing my experience with the concert I saw and paid for with my own money. It was frustrating to wait 15 minutes or more between songs with the star attraction being off stage. I love music...fashion shows not so much. When she was on stage, she gave 110%. She just wasn’t continuously on stage showing off her lovely voice. Peace.
@@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore 15 minutes between songs? That sounds extraordinary. Really? I wouldn't think she could stay in business if it was actually that bad.
I always thought Diana Ross's affair with Motown's Berry Gordy was the main reason "The Supremes" became "Diana Ross and the Supremes" .... All three were beautiful and very talented!
Lots of people thought that including myself . It wasn't until a few years ago that i learned that The Supremes turn into Diana Ross and the Supremes around the same time that The Vandellas turned into Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and the Miracles turned into Smokey Robinson and the Miracles for the reasons that are discussed in the video. Diana seemed to get a lot of flack from some of the public ( and probably from her bandmates) whereas Smokey and Martha did not.
@@fundies2 yes Motown turned them around the same time with the other bands you mentioned but I'd say it's pretty obvious that Gordy's affair with Ross was the real reason she was chosen as the front singer, she certainly wasn't the most talented of the group. It could have been Florence Ballard and the Supremes.
Ross easily had the most charisma and the most distinctive, romantic, feminine, suave and 'chic' sound: you recognize it out of thousands. (Incidentally, the female sound - ánd look - of Chic was, to my ears, inspired by Ross). If any of the other two had been able to become superstars on their own, they would've gotten there in the seventies, or even eighties. But they didn't. And while all where beautiful, surely, Ross - again - had a truly unique look, arguably the first 'black' barbie. She had a model's figure, a cover girl's face, and a fabulous fashion sense. (See Mahogany). It also didn't hurt that she was extremely level-headed and clever (not insinuating the others weren't).
I had the same idea. I honestly prefer the other gals voices. I love supremes records, but was never huge fan of Diana's voice. They did some great songs. Their version of I want to hold your hand is hilarious. The lead vocal comes in during the middle of a poorly timed drum fill. I'm thinking stop tape. Run it back and start over. So funny.
Wow what a stunning performance!! Their rendition of "Somewhere" gave me goosebumps. It's already a magnificent song on its own, and they took it up to the stratosphere. Fil thank you for your analysis. I was reminded that I was lucky enough to see Diana Ross performing in Melbourne in 1989. That was her final tour downunder and she was absolutely stellar. I finally arrived back into Australia last night and on the flight I watched "Judy", a film about Judy Garland. The film studio worked her hard too (even as a 14 year old playing Dorothy) with ridiculously long hours and her food consumption was constantly being monitored so she didn't put on weight. Lots of pills... diet, uppers, downers, etc. Such tough conditions, especially for female artists.
Your commentaries are always so detailed and spot on. A lot of people underestimate the Supremes, but the only group that sold more records in the ‘60s was ithe Beatles.
Not to take anything away from Diana, but sleeping with Barry Gordy didn't hurt her career. It's a shame what Motown did to Mary and Florence. They were great talents in their own right.
So, as solo artists, when Diana became a superstar and the others did nothing, that was due to Barry too? And not her overwhelming talent? Motown didn't do anything to the other two. They just didn't have "it" and Diana did. Lesser people are always so resentful of successful people. Sheesh. Just as they vote for Bernie Sanders too. Pffffffft.
@@Bill_Woo I'm sorry you don't understand how the real world works. If Barry Gordy, with the power he had, didn't want Mary & Florence to succeed, they wouldn't. I've seen video of Mary performing at The Apollo, & she was very good.
@@MadisonD941 And you don' t understand that there's something called a free market in the recording business. You don't/didn't HAVE to go Motown. If you had something that would sell, and it was clearly true, no fool would turn away the golden cow. I hate to strut but I'm going to play the Beatles card here, and there are a million other cases. All those session musicians that never "got their due" didn't have one iota less of an opportunity than Glen Campbell did, and it would be absurd to challenge that point. Moreover, with your logic, little Stevie Wonder shouldn't have be showboated and headlined because it would displace other performers. I'm being obtuse because you a bit dicklessly strutted that I don't know how the world works. Try another tactic. Bottom line: Flo and Mary had the most amazing opportunity that others dreamed of. The had played on Sullivan, performed for royalty and were recognizable around the PLANET. Unless Barry Gordy put out a memo to squash those girls at the risk of his wrath, and said "hey, agents, if you take on these two, you'll never work in the industry again", AND - even if that absurd possibility existed, it actually worked - no, you're living in la la land. Flo and Mary were B level also-rans and that was the opinion of BOTH the PUBLIC, as WELL AS other labels and talent managers. They did not have "It" and Diana did. Grow up and admit it. Everyone else did, which is why they never became anything, even with their opporunities and existing fame.
@@Bill_Woo OK you won the argument and made some good points, but why do you have to keep attacking the person as well? IMHO Its only a debate, you should focus on the argument.
@@bighill8272 As I clearly pointed out, I was mocked. Since I returned the favor, you're going self-righteous about me and not her. Not your finest moment, huh? Did you actually read before posting, or just superficially seize an opportunity to signal your own virtuosity :) Thanks for the cool post.
As a little kid watching the Ed Sullivan show , the two acts I most wanted to see were #1 Beatles and #2 The Supremes . They seemed to be a head and shoulders above ALL the rest .
Hi Fil, Their singing "somewhere" from the Broadway musical "West Side Story" was part of a greater effort of Diana to become a "standards" singer. she latter showed that she could do that when she played "Lady Day" in the Oscar winning movie. Creating a musical career is a n effort that requires lots of thought and planning...not just a catchy tune and a good voice. From what I've learned about you, Fil, you are deeply involved in planning your own career.
Love your work. Please consider doing one of your videos on the Knickerbockers performing their song “Lies” in 1965. It is uncanny how much it sounds like the early Beatles particularly imitating John Lennon’s vocals. Is it merely derivative or is it something special? Supposedly, when John heard it he is said to have remarked “I don’t remember recording that“.
Yeah - The Supremes are captivating singers because of the contrast between, and combo of, the sharp sassy voices modulated by the softer tones. To me, the contrasts are what make music so interesting to listen to.
Ok Phil! I saw the orginal Supremes! In Ny. My jazz teacher Chet Cruley played guitar for them! I meet him years later. When I started playing guitar. How about this! Chet broke the color barrier. He was playing with Fletcher Henderson. Had to put on Black makeup! No white guy was playing with a black jazz band in the 40's! That is what Chet told me. And I read that in some books! Dianna Ross was going to headline Sunday night at Glastonbury this year!
If I was allowed only one era of music it would be Motown. Aretha, The Supremes, Gladys, Martha and the Vandellas, Smokey- I could go on and on about the talent Straight outta Detroit. Amazing songwriting, amazing voices. I would love for you to dig a little deeper into that world. I just want sing along and dance, dance, dance!
This was around the year that I first saw the original Supremes - but I was only 10 years old! We have a big State Fair in Massachusetts every year (I grew up in Connecticut) and my parents took me and a friend out of school every year to go. They always had pretty big entertainers. I remember I heard them sing "Reflections" and loved that song ever since, and was stoked to hear it used as a theme song on the TV show some years ago about Viet Nam!
Back about 1967, the Supremes gave a concert at Ohio University when I was a student there. The show was great and we really enjoyed it. Maybe a couple years after that, I read that the Supremes were lip-syncing at their live shows. I always wondered if they were lip-syncing at the show I saw. If they were, I couldn't tell. They sounded great and the show was fun. so "no harm, no foul" as they say in basketball.
To each their own, but if I want to pay money for a live show, I want a live performance and hear their voices live. Otherwise I would stay home and put on their record and save the effort & the money.
@@catsofsherman1316 He may not have thought it at the time as they were good but it was not a well kept secret that they did back then, but they weren't the only ones. They did to preserve the singer's voice as well as they could still perform if she was not feeling well.
@@HamiltonRb Oh, I agree. I wouldn't want to pay good money for a lip-synced show. However, back then the school would bring in these acts and only charge the students a few bucks. They may have been singing live to a backing track, like on Fil's clip. Best show I remember was the original Temptations and Jr. Walker and the All Stars. That was great.
Fred Hinckley You are bringing back memories for me with Jr Walker and the All Stars. My second year of high school we had a year end concert in the gym. This was 69 and Chuck Berry played with the opening act being Jr Walker Good memories
Well done. I’m encouraged by the younger folks appreciating these talented women. They were the soundtrack of my childhood, and I’m still learning anecdotes about their careers and stardom.
Another video where I kept thinking, "Ohhh, no WONDER!" Love when you bust out the guitar and clear things right up for this musically untrained mind of mine....understanding really increases enjoyment every time. So, thanks!
Hi Fil! Wow! The Supremes! You really are taking me back to my music! We knew Diana wasn’t the best singer of the group, but she was the one promoted...or at least we heard the rumor! It was interesting to hear you talk about how that happened! Florence didn’t handle it well when Diana was the Chosen One! I do remember reading a book on Florence, and her downfall. It was sad, and lots blamed Diana for her death. Diana was booed big time when she entered the church for the funeral. Funny I still think of that when I think of these ladies! Thanks for taking me back to that time! They sure were a huge part of my teenage years! ✌️
Diana was a victim of Gordy’s obsession. She managed to survive, but I’ve always thought it was less ambition on her part, and more that she was following the directions Gordy gave her at the time. Her strength allowed her to survive the changes and then thrive with the hand life dealt her.
"I Hear A Symphony", "Love Child", and a couple of others are favorites of mine by The Supremes are favorites of mine. Great job as always Brother Fil. 👍👍
Enjoyed! Fil, I'm sure you know about American Bandstand with Dick Clark but do you know about the show> Where the Action Is from 1965-1967, a spin-of of American Bandstand.
Diana Ross, The Queen of the 60's, i have always loved her, what a performer, she is still performing @ different venues, when they introduce her the crowd goes wild, what a show she puts on..... With all her children and grandchildren in tow, in the front row, her 14 year old grandson introduced her on a Christmas show one year, she always makes one hell of an entrance, fabulous! One concert i will always remember was in New York, it started pouring down rain , and the stage hands were trying to get her off the stage, they were afraid she was going to get electricuted, she just kept going, she sang 'Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand' The whole audience held hands and sang with her, the sky opened up, what a site to see, just electrifying! It was in 1983, the year you were born,Filip... I also liked the movies she was in 'Mahogany' 1975 and 'Lady Sings The Blues', in the 70's too, i think? Can't wait for the next video you do on her!
While 'Hangin' On' is evidently a 'Motown' backing track, 'Somewhere' appears to be using the 'live' in-house orchestra - always present for these Hollywood Palace TV Shows.
The second song came to me via flaming arrow to my heart for myself! Thank you for that confirmation to never give up,to finish the race triumphantly ❣
Really? Might as well stay home and listen to the record, then! Live, you know you'll recognize the song, but I prefer a version that's informed by the audience, their feelings that night, and maybe just a little creativity in the arrangement. For my ticket money, I'd prefer something other and more than just a parroting of the record....but, that's just me.....apparently.
@@polyprinz wrong Barry stage that by telling writers producers Camera Men to Forus on Diana Flo an Mary had the looks an Talent When the Group first came out Diana was Ugly Pop eyes Skinny no Sharp big Lips Daina no Flo an Mary had it going on Flo was fine look good her her outfits an Gowns Diana did like that BARRY YOU GOT TO GET RID OF FLO THEY KEPT PICKING AN PICKING FORCING OUT THE GROUP SHE WASNT GOING FOR THAT SHIT BARRY WAS PULLING DIANA WENT ON FUCK HIM
@@thatgirlteateagang9193 You can’t even spell or put a decent sentence together. What did you just write? Even a blind person can’t read what you just wrote! And stop getting your info from Dream Girls!
Just woke from a wild dream of rescuing them from the sweat shop music industry and bringing them to my secluded lake cabin for a vacation. Going back to sleep hoping the dream continues : )
Also, the whole Motown sound was great. I didnt appreciate it back them. I was a rocker at heart but as i got older i learned to appreciate the talent. Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gay and the rest.
Great review of one of the true class acts of the 60s, Phil. Not least of all, can you imagine singing at that level of confidence and quality in those tight dresses? Thanks also so much for commenting on the lack of vocal gymnastics. I've always thought that it was an insult to the composer to use excessive frills when singing (like you know who) when the singer just can't seem to settle on one note. The art has to focus on the beauty of the music, and these chicks nail it.
I wish I could have seen Diana, Mary and Flo in person, best group ever, during a time of such great turmoil in this country with the Civil Rights and Vietnam going on, then these three beautiful girls come out on stage and tv, sparkling full of glamor. Thank God we still have these videos
