From the MCRFB NEWS archive: 1967

IT’S STANDING ROOM ONLY AND EXCITEMENT FOR SUPREMES IN LAS VEGAS DATE

LAS VEGAS — Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, Diana Ross, known professionally as the Supremes, and the story of Motown Records, have played to SRO since their opening June 29 at the Hotel Flamingo and there’s no letup of reservations in sight.

The trio, in their second Las Vegas appearance, is a delight to hear and see. Their gowns and stage wardrobe airs excitement as their choreography and dance arrangements fall in sync as they performed here live on stage.

Included in their 55 minutes of songs and breezy conversations, are such show-stoppers as “Put On A Happy Face,” “Queen Of The House,” “More,” “Yesterday,” “Lady Is A Tramp,” “The Happening,” and sang a medley of their Motown recordings to the rousing delight of the audience’s applause and cheers.

Their rousing closing, “You’re Nobody Till Somebody Knows You,” brings a standing ovation. Gil Askey conducts the Russ Black Orchestra featuring the Supremes, regulars, Bob Cousar, drums; Jimmy Garret, bass; and Napoleon Allen, guitar.

The Supremes, originally exclusively deemed as favorites of the teen set, have upgraded the caliber and format of their stage presentation here, and are now enjoying the full success as adult nightclub favorites.

Their bouncy, fast-paced show is one of the best performances here. END

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(Information and news source: Billboard; July 15, 1967)

A MCRFB Note: Sadly, unbeknownst to Florence Ballard at the time, the Las Vegas engagement in July, 1967, was to be Miss Ballard’s last appearance on stage and as a member of the Supremes.

Rumors later persisted Berry Gordy wanted Florence removed from the trio and Diana Ross more than likely had known Florence was going to be replaced sometime soon — as the Las Vegas story later would unfold — by Gordy’s own hand.

As the on-going rift between Berry Gordy and Florence continued in the spring of 1967, it was also learned Diana had personally recruited Cindy, as a possible replacement, and for no other reason than in preparation for the coming void, with Gordy’s blessings.

Months before Florence was removed, and unknown to her, Berry had Cindy Birdsong, obviously a no last-minute understudy, in training, watching the Supremes for weeks on weeks earlier months before. Birdsong was there during the entire Las Vegas engagement as well, although she did not fully know for what reason Berry had placed her in that position at the time, Cindy later would say.

On July 20, 1967, the marquee at the Flamingo had been changed from “The Supremes” to “Diana Ross and The Supremes” by Berry Gordy’s insistence. But that wasn’t all he had done. One night Florence was on stage next to Diana and Mary. The next night Cindy Birdsong stood in her place. For good. Diana Ross was now “solo” officially and center-stage.

Nine-years later, destitute in career, financially bankrupt and on welfare assistance, Florence Ballard died on February 22, 1976. She was 33. [J.F.]

Source — see also: Where Did Our Love Go? The Rise And Fall Of The Motown Sound. By Nelson George. Published by St Martin’s Press; New York, 1985.

*Page 163, second paragraph; Where Did Our Love Go?

Florence Ballard’s last interview on You Tube