Born 1943 in Detroit, Michigan, American singer Florence Ballard was a founding member of the popular Motown vocal female group the Supremes. She sang on 16 top 40 singles with the group, including ten number-one hits.
After being removed from the Supremes in 1967, Ballard tried an unsuccessful solo career with ABC Records before she was dropped from the label at the end of the decade.
Ballard struggled with alcoholism, depression, and poverty for three years. She was making an attempt at a musical comeback when she died of a heart attack in February 1976 at the age of 32.
Ballard's death was considered by one critic as "one of rock's greatest tragedies". She was posthumously inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Supremes in 1988.
These vintage pics captured portrait of Florence Ballard in the 1960s and 1970s.
After being removed from the Supremes in 1967, Ballard tried an unsuccessful solo career with ABC Records before she was dropped from the label at the end of the decade.
Ballard struggled with alcoholism, depression, and poverty for three years. She was making an attempt at a musical comeback when she died of a heart attack in February 1976 at the age of 32.
Ballard's death was considered by one critic as "one of rock's greatest tragedies". She was posthumously inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Supremes in 1988.
These vintage pics captured portrait of Florence Ballard in the 1960s and 1970s.
Flo was gorgeous. Too bad Motown didn't let her shine.
ReplyDeleteIt's tragic no doubt" annoyed continue epitome. Why the demise of once popularity of renowned artist. Example yes plenty of conflict with majority of artist. Florence no better what I gather she continued endure. Embitterment due losing prestige of once popular group eventually. Diana stated new era? 70's golden girl wanted end the association of trio doesn't matter the personal squabbles. Ask yourself if Flo" gotten top acclaim would her audience. Blame her for demise of former trio, also. Diana continue her career doesn't matter whom gotten what? Flo ignored many opportunities are your ready? Solo effort of
ReplyDelete1968 ordeal ligtigation with former label" Flo wasn't reluctant. Touring obligations due, pregnancies also, former management my opinion. Was diligent upon continuing stardom ABC records wasn't going lose. Effort not to promote Flo" it was band agreement between
both parties. Media fans didn't want endure personal animosity of former label. They wanted new solo effort of Ms. Acclaimed Flo" plenty of awaited albums if distributed.
I have contacts which are valid during early 70's. Labels were interested beyond "ABC records" whom? Mercury, Atco,Polydor,Buddha and Philly Groove records such much irrelevant misinformation upon. Flo inability to retain "stardom" forgotten she continue. Get offers from artist producers eager to use. Stardom to reign when Flo became reclusive during "74-76" bought. Demise media continues to depict "poor hassled" Flo! Inaccurate Sly Stone tour Wilson Pickett,Ohio Players and Tom Jones. Bought Flo on tage when attend there concerts reintroduce Flo to audience. Forgotten Don Davis producers renowned for The Dramatics and Johnny Taylor fame eager to offer Flo.
Stardom again sadly we lost, great talent doesn't matter. Whom lead singer was for trio aftermath. They were going to break up exception of Diana the later. Mary,Cindy and Flo failed to achieve there success,whom stopped Flo? Mention Mary Wells same rhetoric former label destroyed them inaccurate. Tom Bell wanted to work with Flo so many others. Simply aspiring artist should learn the business popularity going to fad If you don't have appropriate connections this what Flo failed wasn't intentional. We lost great singer but music still among us encourage the estate. Biographical movie or exhibit of allure of Florence Ballard.
"Concur" media continues "conspiring notions" upon why Florence. Career went into demise, plenty of reason allot of assumptions. Former label didn't want Flo" to leave yes, removed from trio. Aware former label considered prior before the 70's. Say Flo" decided to become solo artist yes label "Soul" imprint this never mention! Former label wasn't going to lose interest not profits with Flo" I support. Her decision to find independence with different label, when ABC records acquire. Flo contract former label also had purchase for management deal. Inconsistency of Flo" not representing new "style" rendered gotten her into conflict. Simply Florence" had idea's as many artist wasn't business nor career savvy. Admit this fans don't care about personal squabbles among trio. Diana's career wasn't tarnish notice debut high ratings of "Evening with Diana" showed March 6,1977. Reason the sudden demise of unpopularity due Florence sudden
ReplyDeletedeath of 1976. Still tragic many "conspiracy" (theories) was Florence murders which.
Late sister Maxine (1942-2013) her late husband Milton Jenkins was. Cousin to late soulful singer "Mr. Dynamic Range" Paul Williams (1939-1973), another tragedy. Both force out of popular groups given options become solo on label. Become independent always...rationalizing content of suppose situations "Florence and Paul" equivalent. Both aspired to become prominent but former labels didn't consider this. Paul as "Florence recorded solo material event promoted the efforts. What happen? Plenty of Labels interested in "soulful voice of Paul" Stax,Mercury,TSOP,United Artist and MGM records.
"Unfortunately we lost another great talent, Paul died 1973 along Florence. Late brother in law Milton Jenkins and brother Jesse Lambart Jr (1934-1973) this doesn't effect. Purpose of Florence" success before her death many factors of defeat. Former manager and husband didn't hire the "appropriate business partners" make imprint. Never mention former label roster of artist always toured abroad yeah! Darling "Florence offered tour, France,U.K,Germany,Sweden,Brazil and Australia struggles hesitation fighting former.
Label about suppose glory it's true Diana's relevant trio. Fulfilled there legacy time move on
going solo doesn't matter. Reason "Florence" force out David Ruffin (1941-1991) if listen to his wonderful Warner Brothers titles 1979 to 1980. Fired from former group unexpected death "continued" conspiring theories someone. Killed him as Florence equivalent legacy talent didn't have business skills to survive. Sadly" David beloved daughter "Nedra died
(1962-2021) aware Hall & Oates wanted to revive talent. David and Eddy Kendricks 1984 due, unclothed "demeanor" of David they cancelled the sessions! Darling "Florence" offered to tour U.K,Holland and Germany 1975 ideal to secure a label deal? What happen continued vindictiveness of suppose reason why let go from the trio! Norman Whitfield (1940-2008) staff writer along his own label wanted sign "Florence". Estate litigation with former label as prior during, Florence tenure why? Haven't they promoted successful show cases of Florence legacy not impossible. Don't have correspondence former label does, Diana enjoyed popularity "internationally" animosity. Why didn't Florence get chance to remain in the trio? It's profound mention ordeals of Paul,Florence,David,Tammi and Mary Wells media. Using personal perception the business principles were inappropriate. Going to be 50yrs. soon of remembrance of "Ms.Refined Florence Ballard" establish.
Archive material possibly hey, musical along biographical movie best of remembrance.
Interesting the phenomenal "Mrs. Ballard" a give interrupted but how? Media continues to victimize "Florence career" plenty of factors not exclusively former label. ABC records
ReplyDeletepursuit was "mass market" Florence to wider Pop" audience listing to sessions. Error on Florence management didn't have stipulation in contracts "appropriate" song selections. No doubt listing to Florence" was gifted "versatile" singer. Eventually Florence would gotten acclaim" due appropriately produced material. Former trio only remembrance notice "Motown" seeking new acts during 70's. Retiring the former anyhow what happen to popular singers once "solo" efforts. Sudden the demise recommend listen to ABC records of "Florence produce Gregg Kerr. Criticism there not distinctive vocals mixed to low barely her, clarity of octaves. Basically ABC records wanted immediate success without promoting proper productions. Just listen decide could been improvement, Yours Until Tomorrow,It's Not Unusual (Nice Latin beat),It Doesn't Matter How You,My Heart,Stay In Love,Going Out of Head (Vocals not clear),You Bring Out The Sweetness,Everything Wonderful,Forever Faithful and Love Ain't Love. These recorded 1968 aware notice former Motown" artist always sign friendly labels. To the former anyhow Thelma Houston excellent singer debut "Sunshine Shower" 1969. Eventually Motown acquired the title due her success with "Any Way You Like it" 1976. When "triple platinum" sold abundantly internationally" now if Florence would stayed. With former label could been the equivalent of success? Florence experiencing anxiety due" no longer popular artist.
Many factors young bride also family pressure to tour. Management was factor of demise
reclusiveness not wanted to present. Declining offers to active her career whom offer. Proposals Freddie Perrin (1943-2004) Wayne Henderson,Holland Dozier Holland,Charles Stepney and Johnny Allen. Top producers seeking the acclaim of Florence but what happen? Squabbles Florence continue to worry about former did this cause denial?
Expectations to continue on with show not regression when. Florence relocated to former neighborhood Brewster Housing Projects. This wasn't taken lightly by media, show business and fans looking. Returning back your celebrity before unexpected death, Florence was depress many. Options why did Florence cease singing continued comparing to Diana nonsense. Mary Wilson (1944-2021) debut 1979 self title song Red Hot" not bad wasn't hit why? Florence assumed Supremes going to continue
after lease 20yrs. popularity decreases. Diana accurate time to evolve notice watched, Evening with Diana 1977 T.V special. Well they walked threw former "Brewster Projects" Diana wasn't disrespecting. Social accordance just fact Motown bought prosperity to those. Aspired to achieve musically careers "Florence" felt betrayed but why? Prior was Florence egotistical could she endure pressure always success? Many assumptions The Spinners former label mates when left to Atlantic records. Thom Bell whom wanted to produce Flo" Kim Weston great singer left. Roster seldom had acclaim due poor productions "Florence" influence top billing or so? David Ruffin great singer Van McCoo didn't bring out best until last title for Motown. Vocals are prominent "In My Stride" 1977 Just Let Me Hold You,I'm Jealous,I Can't Stop the Rain,Hey Woman and Rode By The Place. Sadly both artist didn't receive acclaim but why audience decide it. Hal Davis (1933-1998) head of A&R didn't want Flo" to leave offered "Soul" label. Anyhow those contributing to pity of "Florence" there efforts for those saw potential in her stardom! Sadly we lost her when listen to It's not Unusual and Forever Faithful. Florence going to make in 70's depression reclusive robbed the fans of talented artist.