HOME > The Original Supremes Names
Introduction
The Supremes were one of the most successful Motown groups of the 1960s, with 12 number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100. The group was originally formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1959 and went through several lineup changes before becoming the trio that most people know today. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the original members of The Supremes and the meanings behind their names.
Florence Ballard
Florence Ballard was one of the founding members of The Supremes, along with Mary Wilson and Diana Ross. Her name means 'flourishing' or 'prosperous', which is fitting considering the success that The Supremes would go on to achieve. Ballard was known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, but she struggled with personal demons throughout her life. She left The Supremes in 1967 and passed away in 1976 at the age of 32.
Mary Wilson
Mary Wilson was another founding member of The Supremes. Her name means 'bitter', but she was anything but bitter when it came to her time with the group. Wilson was known for her sultry voice and glamorous stage presence, and she remained with The Supremes until they disbanded in 1977. After the group's breakup, Wilson continued to perform and advocate for musicians' rights. She passed away in 2021 at the age of 76.
Diana Ross
Diana Ross is perhaps the most well-known member of The Supremes. Her name means 'divine', which is certainly fitting given her talent and charisma. Ross was the lead singer of the group and went on to have a successful solo career after leaving in 1970. She has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once as a member of The Supremes and once as a solo artist.
Conclusion
The original members of The Supremes all had unique names with interesting meanings. Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, and Diana Ross each brought their own talents and personalities to the group, and together they created some of the most iconic music of the 20th century. Though the group went through many changes over the years, their legacy lives on through their music and the impact they had on the music industry as a whole.
