By longgonelover (65.238.154.38) on Wednesday, May 21, 2003 - 10:38 am:

Does anyone know why Lynda Laurence and Scherrie Payne hooked up with a non-Supreme to form/reform that group? Why not Cindy or Susaye? I think I read where Cindy was originally in that group, but, left? I heard Jean was in the group at the first, which made it a little more real. I image that group sounded pretty good.

By Randy Russi (169.139.180.100) on Wednesday, May 21, 2003 - 11:04 am:

Probably because they needed a third member and
Jean and Cindy didn't want to do it.

By Michael/cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Wednesday, May 21, 2003 - 04:20 pm:

Although Jean was originally in the group and recorded with Lynda and Scherrie, and Cindy was in the group for a very short time the level of the Former Ladies of the Supremes was not what Jean and Cindy were used to. It was a great come down for the ladies and eventually wore them down (especially the wonderful Jean Terrell). Cindy and Jean also remain very friendly with Mary Wilson. And I don't want to be attacked for saying this because I have heard it from the horse's mouth, but Lynda Laurence has been a bit of a problem for the other ladies. This is not personal because I do not know Lynda, but it is what I have heard over and over again. I have a friend who was involved with the Return to Love Tour and overheard Diana Ross remark (referring to Lynda) "Who does that chick think she is...me!" As I said, I do not know her and she could be an absolute doll and the victim of gossip. (Which it appears I am spreading...sorry) Scherrie Payne is liked by everyone, including Miss Wilson.

By ..... (207.241.96.10) on Thursday, May 22, 2003 - 06:42 am:

"Former ladies" sounds so weird.
hehehehehehe

By Edgar (200.46.132.228) on Thursday, May 22, 2003 - 08:31 am:

We have a saying in Spanish, that more or less translates like this: "When the river sounds, it's because it's got stones".

By ROSS (24.30.98.236) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 03:42 am:

I'm a big SUPREMES 70s fan and i know the former ladies of THE SUPREMES(SHERRIE PAYNE LYNDA LAWRENCE with FREDDIE POOLE)these ladies have a great show.SHERRIE PAYNE AND LYNDA LAWRENCE have been SUPREMES with MARY WILSON and they also did the return to love tour with DIANA ROSS as SUPREMES.Also SHERRIE and LYNDA were with MOTOWN RECORDS as SUPREMES.I wish you fans(or other singer)stop with the b.s.They never said that FREDDIE POOLE was a SUPREME.I like all THE SUPREMES(MARY WILSON DIANA ROSS FLORENCE BALLARD CINDY BIRDSONG JEAN TERRELL LYNDA LAWRENCE SHERRIE PAYNE and SUSAYE GREENE)A TRUE FAN.

By ..... (207.241.96.10) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 08:43 am:

Freddi mentioned she was accepted as a Supremes in a recent Chatbusters' interview.
Many people didn't accept Scherrie and Lynda as Supremes in Diana's tour.

hehehehehe

By Soul Sister (65.43.150.250) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 10:48 am:

Ive just read this thread. I've done quite a bit of booking lately and I can tell you that most clubs have a certain limit or budget, that goes for festivals too, they simply can't afford the big commercial artist that can fill the big arenas and can command the top dollar. I agree with what was said in reguard to seating capacities. With all the expenses an artist has, they still don't make a large profit that the public thinks they do. Its like image too, what they see is not neccessarily reality, mostly its not!
As far as seeing the 60s acts at a theater or club I personally feel the intimacy is better than going to a large stadium where if you can't get up close seating the artists look like ants on stage and the crowds are too much. Besides seeing the acts at a theater takes me back to the chitlin'days, its kind of nostalgic and good for listening to those love songs that a large arena is not condusive too, and a visit backstage is not that far.

By Randy Russi (169.139.180.100) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 11:34 am:

I totally agree with you SoulSister!

By Mike Sku (64.9.11.62) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 02:02 pm:

You're right. A true fan likes all aggregations of the Supremes. Whether as a trio or solo performers, all those girls have great gifts to offer the music world. No one could ever compare to them.

By longgonelover (65.238.58.146) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 03:04 pm:

It would be great to see Cindy, Jean and Mary once again. Surely, Mary must have heard that plea before?!

By Randy Russi (169.139.180.100) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 03:27 pm:

For me, my favorite line-up of post-Diana Supremes
was the one of Mary, Scherrie, & Cindy! Scherrie
is a dynamic vocalist & performer and was very
good looking & sexy too.

By STONE LOVE (24.30.98.236) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 03:57 pm:

Yes MARY WILSON has heard that before.It was some people in Los Angeles who had THE SUPREMES 70s C-D signing party for the release of THE SUPREMES 70s ANTHOLOGY C-D.All THE 70s SUPREMES showed up CINDY BIRDSONG JEAN TERRELL LYNDA LAURANCE SHERRIE PAYNE and SUSAYE GREENE.But MARY WILSON did not show.They were trying to put a SUPREMES 70s TOUR together but again MARY WILSON was not having nothing to do with the tour.All these former SUPREMES CINDY BIRDSONG JEAN TERRELL LYNDA LAURANCE SHERRIE PAYNE SUSAYE GREENE. LOVE and RESPECT MARY WILSON.I just wish MARY WILSON would stop putting the former ladie of THE SUPREMES down or any of THE SUPREMES.THERE'S ROOM AT THE TOP FOR EVERYONE.STONE LOVE

By ..... (207.241.96.10) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 05:42 pm:

The 70s Supremes proposed tour isn't related to Mary's refusal to participate and-or so called absense at a cd signing.
The 70s Supremes tour was cancelled (in the trial balloon stage) because of Lynda's demands that the women only sing Supremes songs.

By Marv (205.188.209.109) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 07:27 pm:

Mary Wilson has not put down the Former Ladies of The Supremes. I've never seen an interview with her where she's even mentioned them. To be frank, hardly anyone in the USA even knows about the FLOS as they do not perform here much, they are never on television or in print media and none of their recordings are played on radio or in clubs. I liked all the groupings of the Supremes from 1960 -1977. I have very little interest in this group called The FLOS.

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 09:16 pm:

Marv u are absolutely right. Lynda recently critiicized Mary again in an interivew. If I were Mary I would never have gone to the 70s signing as she was devastated per RTL. Mary-as Berry Gordy himself said in his autobiography is" the heart and soul of the Supremes"--though Mary said Flo was the soul. When I say Mary while the RTL tour was going on,even then she let someone in audience have it for yelling"Diana who?" as Mary was so good in performance,as usual. Mary is class and talent. Her star just keeps shining brighter.

By Marv (64.12.97.7) on Sunday, May 25, 2003 - 06:45 pm:

Lynda Lawrence should thank Mary Wilson! If it were not for Mary hiring her to be a Supreme, we wouldn't even know who Lynda Lawrence is today! She needs to shut up and be grateful that Mary saw any potential in her in the first place!

By ronni (65.238.6.235) on Sunday, May 25, 2003 - 11:19 pm:

Let's just see Mary join together with Jean and Cindy for a tour/recording. They were the best! At least we have their wonderful recordings for their legacy. Let's see them again before it's too late.

By ronni (65.238.6.235) on Sunday, May 25, 2003 - 11:27 pm:

Let's just see Mary, Jean and Cindy together once more. What a group!

By Marv (205.188.209.109) on Monday, May 26, 2003 - 03:21 am:

Mary, Jean and Cindy were phenomenal! I have very good memories of their recordings and tv appearances. They were the Super Supremes if you ask me.

By ..... (207.241.96.10) on Monday, May 26, 2003 - 05:50 am:

Scherrie and Lynda are funny. Instead of looking in a mirror with Diana, they blame Mary for RTL's cancellation.
hehehehehehe

By Randy Russi (169.139.180.100) on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 08:42 am:

Both Linda & her sister Sundray sing duets with
Bobby Womack on his United Artists LP-Check It
Out. Sundray for a time sang with Gladys Horton
as a Marvelette.
Both Scherrie & Linda & maybe Sundray (I'll have
to check my video) sing backups for Mel Carter
at a performance taped in Hollywood, which is
available on Mel Carter's website.

By FLOY JOY (24.30.98.236) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 08:48 pm:

Hi SUPREMES FANS.
You are in the dark(with MARY WILSON).MARY has put all THE SUPREMES(FLORENCE BALLARD DIANA ROSS CINDY BIRDSONG JEAN TERRELL LYNDA LAURENCE SHERRIE PAYNE and SUSAYE GREENE)down.MARY is saying that former ladies of THE SUPREMES are taking work from her.(that's not true)MARY work's all the time.Just this year former ladies has had maybe five jobs.And again MARY WORK'S ALL THE TIME.I love THE SUPREMES 70s Anthology C-D.I even went to HOLLYWOOD for THE SUPREMES 70s Anthology C-D signing(i'm from New York)it was the best party i ever went to.Meeting SUPREMES CINDY BIRDSONG JEAN TERRELL LYNDA LAURENCE SHERRIE PAYNE and SUSAYE GREENE was the best.MARY WILSON did not show was her lost.That go's to show how much she think's about her fans.THE SUPREMES 70s TOUR MARY WILSON CINDY BIRDSONG JEAN TERRELL.You fans really don't know these ladies.THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN.I know you fans are thinking that he dosen't like MARY WILSON.Not true.I saw MARY WILSON in SOPHISTICATED LADY and it was the best that i ever seen her(she was great).You know Mary got you FANS thinking that LYNDA LAURENCE some kind of monster.(what a joke)MARY dosen't want to give the other SUPREMES any credit.MARY is always saying MARY DIANE and FLO.What about CINDY BIRDSONG JEAN TERRELL LYNDA LAURENCE SHERRIE PAYNE and SUSAYE GREENE?Again what a joke.

By ..... (207.241.96.10) on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 11:33 am:

Globally when "The Supremes" are mentioned (via print and Internet), DMF and DMC are the lineups that receive the most coverage and album reissues.
This was true in 1974 when the (gray cover) "Diana Ross and the Supremes Anthology" (1974) was released.
If Motown felt all lineups were of the same caliber, that anthology would have been released much later.
On the reunion tip, Mary, Cindy and Jean aren't under legal obligations to reunite. They're doing their own things and it's their decision to say yay or nay.
hehehehehe

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 12:09 pm:

Floy Joy:
Have you read our posts? Mary does not have any of us "brainwashed" as you describe. If anything, a lot of our information regarding the Supremes have come from sources other than Mary. If you read the archives on this matter you will see what I mean.
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Marv (152.163.252.68) on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 12:14 pm:

Hey Floy Joy, Mary Wilson must have you "brainwashed". Why else would you name yourself after one of her biggest hits? LOL!!!

"Ya real name may be Smith or Jones,but not your claim to fame..... " LOL!

By BABY LOVE (24.30.98.236) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 09:42 am:

I think the other SUPREMES worked as SUPREMES should get the name too .After all MARY WILSON is not the only SUPREME.Remember what DIANA ROSS said about MARY WILSON on 20\20.Also SHERRIE PAYNE and LYNDA LAURENCE were SUPREMES with DIANA ROSS.

By Sue (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 09:59 am:

What did Diana Ross say about Mary W. on 20/20? Don't be cryptic.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 10:37 am:

Baby Love or Floy Joy or whatever...
Mary Wilson, along with Florence Ballard & Diana Ross were the original Supremes. If anyone should have the rights to that name, it should be those three.

Mary is not the only one who (should) own the rights to her group's name. Take a look below:

The Classics Four (IV) - Dennis Yost (lead singer since inception)

The Byrds - Roger McGuinn, David Crosby & Chris Hillman (members since inception)

Dave Clark Five - Dave Clark (leader of band since inception)

Blood Sweat & Tears - Bobby Columby (drummer & member since inception)

The Four Seasons - Frankie Valli & Robert Gaudio (lead singer & keyboardist/chief songwriter respectively since inception)

If I was any of these folks would I want later members of these groups to own the rights or to have access to the name? Maybe not, for it would create confusion of you have a dozen or so groups using the same name. This is why Mary filed for, and was rightly granted ownership of the name.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By ..... (207.241.96.10) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 01:38 pm:

"Diana Ross & The Supremes 2000" was bascially just "The Former Ladies of The Supremes 2000".
hehehehehe

By stephanie (64.63.221.222) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 01:46 pm:

I do have to give credit to the FLOS for saying they know they will never have as many gigs as Mary and if Mary gets the right to the name I hope that she continues to let them perform. To Marys credit I didnt know until recently a few months ago they tried to apply for the trademark name in England so I dont know how she feels about that or if it would stop her from getting gigs in England
Stephanie

By xxx (198.53.94.32) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 01:56 pm:

I hope Mary does stop them from using "The Supremes", that whole incident was a slap in the face to Mary..

I lost all respect for Lynda after that.. I don't know what role Scherrie has in this. I respect her talent, but I don't buy that she's totally innocent in this either.. She thanked Mary in her recent solo show, and seems to show gratitude to her at various times, yet at the same time being involved in essentially taking the name away from Mary.. I'm starting to have mixed feelings about her too...

At first I didn't realise why Mary was upset with the FLO's but now I understand completely.. I hope this goes through for her so justice can be served at last..They should be allowed to perform, but I hope they get what they deserve after what they did..

and baby love (ROSS, JOHN-JOHN, FLOYJOY ) if you have no goddamn clue what you're talking about, maybe you shouldn't say anything.. hows that for a new concept?

By Michael/cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 02:01 pm:

Stephanie:

The English trademark thing is a bit funky because they have copyright and trademark laws that are different from ours and cannot be challenged the same way as in the States. Mary has been more successful in foreign courts than in the States and has cut down the work of FLOS and Sounds of the Supremes in Europe and Asia. I think if you check FLOS schedule you will see some "ship" and private foreign gigs which has been explained to me as keeing FLOS away from running into legal problems.

Mary has been very clever in that she has trademarked the name in several major foreign markets. Motown owns the name in US but Mary is on the books as owner in several foreign countries. This may be the reason why Motown is ready to negotiate with Mary about giving her complete power over the name. Some times the situation is misunderstood. I don't think Mary has a problem with FLOS working (she is very fond of Scherrie Payne). However, she does mind when FLOS or Sounds of the Supremes (this group irks Mary) are billed as "The Supremes," which they have been on recordings, articles, and tours in the past.

By stephanie (64.63.221.59) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 04:05 pm:

Mary and Scherrie still talk to each other it seems so there must not be any hard feelings between those two. I know there are times Mary and the FLOS have no control of how these people are promoted and then fans run off at the mouth with the wrong information as such. I dont want to see the FLOS run into any legal problems or Mary both of them have had enough of that in their lives amongst themselves and with Motown. I hope they both continue to make a good living..
Stephanie

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 10:04 pm:

I agree with u XXX. Please- I seriously doubt Mary and Scherrie are close at all. The one time we know they saw each other recently was during Mary's SL tour and Scherrie complained Mary was in a hurry and couldnt talk. Mary was devastated by Scherrie,Lynda's and Diana's behavior w/RTL and Mary has been suing Scherrie and Lynda for years. Let be real. Mary IS friendly with Cindy--the only Supreme she communicated with by phone per the possible reunion of the 70s Supremes. After what Mary has been through with these women and RTL I hope she does put FLOS out of business for good--her MAIN issue is those women who have toured and have NEVER been Former Supremes(Freddie,Sundray. Scherrie has been just as responsible as Lynda--it's just harder for Supremes fans to admit it. PS Lets remember to keep it respectful here of EVERYONES opinions and not tell each other to "shut up".

By now run tell that (24.30.98.236) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 12:51 pm:

SHERRIE and LYNDA did not take the name(SUPREME)from MARY WILSON.MARY can use the when ever she want.They just saw a chance and took it.They (SHERRIE AND LYNDA)would never tell MARY WILSON she could not use the name(SUPREME).Because they RESPECT her.

By : (198.81.26.231) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 12:58 pm:

If they respect her then stop usuing the name Supreme!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Get ya own name!

By westwinds (65.238.6.232) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 01:48 pm:

Good Lord. I think "this fight" will be going on long after the demise of all the Supremes!

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 02:48 pm:

Westwinds:
There is no fight out here - just folks who follow Mary & Supremes closely & are well informed about the matter debating with those who use capital letters to scream, grab attention and show us how much they really don't like Mary Wilson for whatever reason they choose.

Vandelron:
Thanks for the comment regarding "shut up". No matter how ignorant someone may sound, let's try to be somewhat respectful to all folks out here.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By can can (198.53.94.32) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 03:09 pm:

oh yeah RESPECT.. somebody call aretha honey..sure they do.. If Lynda for one respected her, she wouldn't be spouting off about Mary all the time.. Mary has definitely put her stuff out there, but at least she's fair and tries to give people their due.. Lynda just comes across as tacky, bitter and opportunistic..

Scherrie and Lynda themselves can't take the name away or stop Mary... but they can make other people (ie the courts) stop Mary from using it..

You're right vandelron, it's harder for Supreme fans (including me) to accept Scherrie's part in all this. I respect her wonderful talent and her immense contribution to the group.. I don't think Mary dislikes her, because she praised her as recently as on that last "happenings" letter on her website, but I'm sure she's disappointed and a little less than close.. I'm not surprised she probably didn't feel like chatting too much at the time.. (just wondering btw.. where did you hear Scherrie talk about meeting Mary on her SL tour.. not refuting it, just wondering where you found it)..

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 09:56 pm:

can can--there are pics of it on FLOS website-Scherrie,Cindy and Mary together after the SL show-and possibly on Mary's site-not sure.

By can can (198.53.94.32) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 11:14 pm:

Oh yeah i've seen the pics.. It's really something to see the pictures from 75 back to back.. I just don't remember her (Scherrie)actually saying anything about it before..

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 11:35 pm:

Oh I hear u--I think it may have been in Chatbusters--Im pretty sure it was there--about 2 issues ago she made the comment about Mary not having time to talk.

By love F.L.O.S. (209.221.222.22) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 02:05 am:

I love all of the Supremes too. One former member of The Supremes has chosen to try to rewrite history. She is trying to make the general public believe that there were only 3 Supremes. I don't understand this! The 70s Supremes released some great material and and had hits that She still performs in her show today. Lynda Laurence and Scherrie Payne were Motown signed, recorded and performed members of The Supremes. Today they perform with Freddi Pooole (who never claims to be a Supreme) as The Former ladies Of The Supremes. In their show introductions they mention all 8 former ladies of the Supremes, and who they replaced in the group. They are not deceiving anyone!!! Former Ladies of the Supremes have a fantastic show and give audiences what they love- Supremes songs, Supremes style, Supremes choreography, all done with Supreme class. Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence are and will always be "Supreme" They are talented, beautiful, and sophisticated. F.L.O.S. are a class act! and I support them 100 percent!!!!!

By John Lester (217.40.229.148) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 06:19 am:

Barbara Martin was also a Supreme....an original one too. I feel a bit sad that this lady's contribution to the dream is often not mentioned.

By marv (64.12.97.7) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 08:19 am:

The FLOS DO try to deceive the public with CD's that bear the pictures (sometimes) of Diana,Mary and Florence. The use the type of billing where you can barely see the part " former ladies of" and all you see is THE SUPREMES. They unsuccessfully tried to rewrite history with Diana Ross' assistance by claiming that Lynda had been a Supreme for over 25 years and Scherrie over 20 years leading the uninformed to believe that they have been Supremes all those years consecutively , when we all know that is not true. You can love The FLOS if you want. I do not care for their recordings or their "business practices".

By ..... (207.241.96.10) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 01:16 pm:

Freddi Poole has deceived people "with her being accepted as a Supreme" comment in Chatbusters (the same issue featuring Lynda's interview).
Barbara Martin was original member of The Supremes. Except for fans and some Detroit people, she's unknown because she's not shown on 'Meet The Supremes' and hasn't spoken much about her time in the group.
hehehehehehe

By ..... (207.241.96.10) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 01:22 pm:

The general public is mostly interested in the 60s Supremes. Those are The Supremes that had the most hits. While DMC had less hits than DMF, DMC was seen on tv a lot more. DMF and DMC had the most print media interviews too.
Fans followed The (70s) Supremes, while the general public followed other artists.
hehehehehe

By SUPREMES FAN (24.30.98.236) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 07:30 pm:

To heheheheheh every time somethig comes out of your mouth about THE 70s SUPREMES is always something bad. If you don't stop with the bull i'm gonna let the fans know who you are.I LOVE ALL THE SUPREMES.p.s I KNOW WHO YOU ARE

By ..... (207.241.96.10) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 09:11 pm:

I haven't said anything bad about The 70s Supremes.
hehehehe

By SUPREMES FAN (24.30.98.236) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 05:04 am:

hehehehehe you have said bad things abiut SHERRIE PAYNE AND LYNDA LAURENCE.They were part of THE 70s SUPREMES TOO.

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 09:47 am:

u go Marv;; Ive often felt the same about Barbara Martin not getting enough attention. SHE was an original. We keep it respectful here and don't "threaten" people based on what they write and their opoinions. PS Initially it was stated that Barbara was going to attend the Girl Groups stamp event at RandRHall of Fame and then nothing--Ive also wondered why Cindy didnt go as a Bluebelle--just Sara was there.

By marv (205.188.209.109) on Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 03:01 am:

I had the rare opportunity to see Barbara Martin in person, in Detroit. This was in June 1994 when Mary Wilson performed at Chene Park as a part of a tribute to Bean Bowles and the Motown Jazz Society and Mary's homecoming (remember her tragic accident in Jan. 1994. Well Mary surprised the audience by introducing Barbara from the audience, she stood and they sang a little of the old Supremes song "He's Seventeen".That was the song that Barbara sang lead on in early Supremes shows. Ms. Martin looked very nice as I recall and seemed happy to be there.