A Man Hailed as Cindy Birdsong's Rescuer Is Accused of Exploiting Her

If I may make a suggestion guys, could we put a lid on Cindy and Flo's income levels?

I say this because the world is crazy. If anyone reading this stuff, and we don't know who really does or doesn't, should think Cindy has a lot of $, well a person not in his right mind might do anything to get to her or her son or to Flo's daughters.

I'm saying this putting myself in their places. I would be offended, and would feel insecure, knowing people, though well-meaning, were making open estimates of my income. Guys, it's just not a safe thing to do.

Can we just pray for Cindy? I pray for her release actually. I listen to her and Flo's music and just marvel over the the magic they made in the Supremes. I leave business matters to the privacy of their families.

Not trying to offend any poster on her, just making a suggestion.

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Originally Posted by BayouMotownMan

If I may make a suggestion guys, could we put a lid on Cindy and Flo's income levels?

I say this because the world is crazy. If anyone reading this stuff, and we don't know who really does or doesn't, should think Cindy has a lot of $, well a person not in his right mind might do anything to get to her or her son or to Flo's daughters.

I'm saying this putting myself in their places. I would be offended, and would feel insecure, knowing people, though well-meaning, were making open estimates of my income. Guys, it's just not a safe thing to do.

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As far as I can see, no one here is explicitly referencing dollar amounts, or making open estimates of income. If this is a concern, you may want to advise the family to call the NY Times, as they had published how much Cindy is receiving per month from royalties in this latest article. Gman was asking an innocent question based on the information already published, as he was wondering how it is possible that she is still receiving royalties, considering the fact that she signed a release with Motown in 1976. This is not new information and has been discussed here in the past. I see that he did ask about how much Jean or Scherrie would be receiving in royalties these days, but there's no way that any of us would even know an accurate answer to this, nor do I care to know the answer.

I'm sorry to say that their families have already been, and may possibly continue to be targeted by financial leeches [but hopefully not], just by nature of who they are related to. We've seen this time and time again. It's sad, because they all deserve better, whether it be Cindy and her family, Flo's daughters, or any other artist who has struggled in the wake of Motown's 'business practices' and 'the wolves' that have followed. I wish them well.

The story is long in the public domain. Cindy can’t even communicate.

Just because Cindy and Flo were Supremes doesn’t mean they are well heeled; they may make a basic retirement income. Cindy’s care could wipe out lots of money within a year. I can’t imagine there will be anything left.

Cindy made choices with Rochelle. That’s who she chose to be her first attorney, confidant and caregiver. Why is not our business but hers.

These were public people to a degree - but not the degree of Mary and certainly not to the degree of Diana. Diana would have no expectation of privacy which is why she says nothing.

The family then made choices with Brad Herman. I’m sure there are signed agreements. Those guys don’t work for free. And all of that became public.

I’d question where Cindy’s son was in all of this.

These people aren’t in any more danger of being scammed than your regular Person out there - but we all are at risk of getting scam calls from overseas and giving out too much information.

It amazes me that 50 years after Florence got poor professional assistance, Cindy chose to rely on a church friend. But perhaps with limited funds as someone earlier pointed out, you make strange choices

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Originally Posted by gman

did I miss something somewhere along the line about Cindy receiving royalty payments? I thought she signed away everything for a lump sum a long time ago? if not, exactly what recordings is she being paid for? Do the other 70's Supremes receive royalty $? how much can Jean and Scherrie be earning from royalties these days?

I pray Cindy is being made comfortable....I never heard her son referred to as anyone but David...Her former husband Charles thumbs up FB posts from time to time...

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From the article:

Although Ms. Birdsong did not retain significant royalty rights, the records indicate she was receiving regular payments — monthly checks between a few hundred dollars and more than $10,000 — from SoundExchange, which distributes payments to musicians.

I’d question where Cindy’s son was in all of this.

Like most people, Charles David has probably been busy raising children and supporting a family. He's an only child, so he doesn't have the luxury of siblings to help navigate an ailing parent. We also don't know the dynamics of their relationship. I've seen many stories about "religion" getting in the way of family. Scientology, anyone?

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Originally Posted by marybrewster

I’d question where Cindy’s son was in all of this.

Like most people, Charles David has probably been busy raising children and supporting a family. He's an only child, so he doesn't have the luxury of siblings to help navigate an ailing parent. We also don't know the dynamics of their relationship. I've seen many stories about "religion" getting in the way of family. Scientology, anyone?

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I’ve wondered about this as well

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Originally Posted by jobeterob

I’ve wondered about this as well

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There was a story in the Twin Cities a few years ago of a woman "prophet" that created her own religion and got several people to follow her in her beliefs. These people eventually turned their finances over and cut off all ties with their families. I'm not suggesting this is the case with Cindy, but these things DO happen, so anything is possible.

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Originally Posted by marybrewster

There was a story in the Twin Cities a few years ago of a woman "prophet" that created her own religion and got several people to follow her in her beliefs. These people eventually turned their finances over and cut off all ties with their families. I'm not suggesting this is the case with Cindy, but these things DO happen, so anything is possible.

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For those interested:

https://www.fox9.com/news/family-for...innetonka-cult

Cindy and her could easily have provided emotional and spiritual support and used some of the money that came in for expenses - and then Cindy’s health deteriorated and the absent family resurfaces

You also see that scenario occur

Sometimes the Rochelle’s go - ok, you do it; I’m outta here

I think we need to consider the option that a person like Rochelle could be manipulative and take advantage of all parties involved. Being a wedge between someone like Cindy and her family/friends...

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Originally Posted by bradsupremes

I think we need to consider the option that a person like Rochelle could be manipulative and take advantage of all parties involved. Being a wedge between someone like Cindy and her family/friends...

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Brad I think you may be on to something when it comes to Rochelle and the wedge between family and friends
I recall that Steve Weaver was in the process of recording Cindy and her management [[ie Rochelle) pulled the plug
Something also tell me that Cindy may have been in the process of joining FLOS when Freddie Poole left but the plug was pulled on that as well. Not sure if it was Cindy's handlers or the start of Cindy's health challenges [[just speculating on the FLOS part).

You pretty much have to be a party to the situation to absolutely know what happened

This is why I say it’s important to do your estate planning and be very cautious

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Originally Posted by rod_rick

Brad I think you may be on to something when it comes to Rochelle and the wedge between family and friends
I recall that Steve Weaver was in the process of recording Cindy and her management [[ie Rochelle) pulled the plug
Something also tell me that Cindy may have been in the process of joining FLOS when Freddie Poole left but the plug was pulled on that as well. Not sure if it was Cindy's handlers or the start of Cindy's health challenges [[just speculating on the FLOS part).

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I do know that during RTL, all the major media networks were looking to interview Cindy and she initially agreed to do them but then pulled out at the last minute. I suspect Rochelle had a role in that.

I’m aware of some other things that isn’t my place to say but I do believe Cindy was taken advantage of and people who loved and cared for her were not always welcomed. As incredibly heartbreaking as it is to see what’s happening now, I’m glad to see she is now properly being taken care of.

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Originally Posted by bradsupremes

I do know that during RTL, all the major media networks were looking to interview Cindy and she initially agreed to do them but then pulled out at the last minute. I suspect Rochelle had a role in that.

I’m aware of some other things that isn’t my place to say but I do believe Cindy was taken advantage of and people who loved and cared for her were not always welcomed. As incredibly heartbreaking as it is to see what’s happening now, I’m glad to see she is now properly being taken care of.

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As I suspected. It's always a red flag when someone tries to prevent family from accessing their loved one. But it is a comfort to know that it appears things are being righted for Cindy. Her son is in control and her family has access to her.

I wonder how much work Cindy put into her proposed autobiography before her health took a turn? Might be a good idea for David to look into possibly taking whatever Cindy did and turning it over to a professional writer who could turn it into a definitive biography of a very unique lady, having sung "alongside" two of the most iconic singers ever, Patti Labelle and Diana Ross. Any money made could help with her expenses and also the book would be a written testament to her life.

Prayers to Cindy .