The Supremes

The Supremes were the second most successful group of the 60s, after the Beatles. They first shot to superstardom when they enjoyed five No.1 singles in succession from 1964-65: "Where Did Our Love Go?", "Baby Love", "Come See About Me", "Stop! In The Name of Love" and "Back In My Arms Again". "Baby Love" topped the chart in Britain too. After a short break of comparatively disappointing singles (No.11 is a flop after five No.1's), they returned to the top in 1966 with "You Can't Hurry Love", "You Keep Me Hangin' On", "Love Is Here And Now You're Gone" and "The Happening". The group's incredible success and popularity helped break down racial barriers and paved the way for other black performers to succeed with white listeners.

In 1967, Motown boss Berry Gordy re-named the group Diana Ross & The Supremes. The move wasn't appreciated by Florence Ballard or Mary Wilson, and Ballard was dismissed from the group after sinking into alcohol dependency and depression. She was replaced by Cindy Birdsong. Several of the singles that followed didn't even feature Wilson or Birdsong on backing vocals, and the group's success began to dry up. "Love Child" topped the charts in 1968, as did 1969's "Someday We'll Be Together". Diana Ross left in 1969 to pursue a solo career, whereupon the group reverted back to their original name. The Supremes, with regularly changing line-ups, achieved modest success in the 70s with the coming of disco, before finally splitting in 1977.