logo
Getty images
Getty images

Inside 'Supremes' Singer Florence Ballard's Years of Poverty, Despair before Death at 32

Oyin Balogun
Jun 11, 2019
06:01 A.M.

Founding member of the "Supremes'" Florence Ballard's life was cut short from the world at the young age of 32 after creating a "life" for herself despite the odds that were built against her.

Advertisement

The singer was born into a large family on the 30th of June 1943. Florence popularly known as "Flo" or "Blondie" was the 9th child of her poor parents who later proceeded to give birth to 6 more, bringing the total to 15 children.

Her father died of cancer when she was only 15 years old. Flo began to sing during her teenage years and would attend auditions at talent shows.

Florence Ballard was a prominent member of one of the most successful girl's band in history, "The Supremes." | Photo: Getty Images

Florence Ballard was a prominent member of one of the most successful girl's band in history, "The Supremes." | Photo: Getty Images

She was later noticed by a music manager (The Primes' manager) by the name of, Milton Jenkins, but Milton had other plans for the singer; he wanted to create a group. He asked her to find more band members, and that was precisely what she did.

Flo called on Mary Wilson, whom she met at a talent show and also young Diane Ross who was her neighbor to join the group. The last member was a young girl called Betty McGlown, who was in a relationship with a member of "The Primes."

Advertisement

The group was called "The Primetes," which was the female version of "The Primes." The girls performed all around Detroit, at talent shows, parties, and many other events when given a chance to.

Their hard work later paid off and got them in the same room with Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records. Berry told the girls how brilliant they were and how much he loved their sound, but he did not give them a contract to sign. Instead, he informed them they are still very young and advised them to stay in school.

Advertisement

Years later, Berry came back for the girls but then decided to replace their old name with a new one; "The Supremes," which was picked by Florence.

The grohttps://twitter.com/MWilsonSupreme/status/629864989533171712up struggled for a couple of years before finally tasting success. “Where Did Our Love Go” was their breakthrough track as the single went on to top the charts and within a year, "The Supremes" were arguably the next big thing after "The Beetles."

Advertisement

After the group started achieving lots of success, Florence began having issues with Diane Ross who she thought to be Berry Gordy's favorite. One time Diane ( now Diana) had to sing lead on Florences' signature song, “People" which Berry later gave to Diana.

All these got Florence depressed, and she sprang to drinking excessively hence started to gain weight. After a series of drunken issues before the start of shows, Berr decided to remove her from the group.

Advertisement

After leaving, She decided to have a family, so she got married and later gave birth to three children. Florence was also raped at a young age, and according to Mary Wilson, the rape caused her depression and fear for the rest of her life.

Florence Ballard died of Coronary Artery Thrombosis at the age of 32. Her funeral was attended by former members Mary Wilson and Diana Ross.

Unfortunately, fans of the singer still held on to some grudges and Diana wasn't welcomed at the funeral as the fans resulted to booing her as soon as she stepped out of her limo.

Rest in peace Flo!

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Frances Glandney & Her Husband Smokey Robinson Share the Same Birthday

November 03, 2023

Chudney Ross' Husband Joshua Faulkner Joked That She 'Petted' Him on Their First Date

November 07, 2023

The Shangri-Las Singer Mary Weiss Passes Away at 75 – Details

January 21, 2024

Adris DeBarge Is Married to an Actor - Facts about El DeBarge's Daughter

November 25, 2023

4 Stories of Couples with Jaw-Dropping Twists No One Saw Coming

February 23, 2024

Joyce Bulifant Learned She Had Disorder in Her 40s – Decades Later, She Is Still a ‘Lovely Lady’ Enjoying Family Life

December 20, 2023

Rafaela Pugh Is the Youngest among Her 4 Siblings - More about Florence Pugh's Sister

November 30, 2023

Olympic Star Sanya Richards-Ross, 38, Gives Birth After 'Scary' Miscarriage & Thanks Fans for Prayers

December 21, 2023

Diane Addonizio Became Howie Long's Wife in 1982 & Is a Mother of 3

January 11, 2024

Sam Elliott's Daughter & His Wife Are Best Friends despite Previous Conflicts – Inside Their Relationship

February 15, 2024

Inside Olympian Mary Lou Retton's House Where She Fights for Life with Support from Her 4 Daughters

January 12, 2024

Prince Charles Realized He Loved Diana after Her Death — She Was the 1st Woman Who 'Showed Him Real Love'

February 07, 2024

This Woman Is the Partner of a Famous Actress & Came into Her Life after 'Years of Hell'

February 20, 2024

My Sister-in-Law Tried to Ruin Our Lives - My Wife and I Taught Her a Lesson Instead

February 09, 2024