Today's musical landscape would be much different if not for the
Supremes, and particularly, Diana Ross. The Supremes were the
most popular "girl group" of the 1960's, and the most successful
vocal group of the period after the Beatles. The Supremes
released hit after hit, charting a dozen number one hits between
1964 and 1969. Ultimately, in 1969, the original group split
up, with Diana Ross going more or less solo, touring as Diana Ross
& the Supremes, though without Florence Ballard and Mary
Wilson.
The influence of the Supremes was vital in shaping the Motown sound
and R&B. Similarly, the influence of Diana Ross and her solo
work on R&B and Disco cannot be understated. The sounds
they pioneered can be found throughout today's music, and modern
musicians, both female and male, owe them a debt of gratitude for
their groundbreaking work. This week, DJDeedle salutes the queens
of popular music, both as a group and in their solo careers, the
supremely special Supremes.