Stop In The Name Of Love by the Supremes

In March 1965, The Supremes created an all-time record when their single “Stop in the name of Love” made number one. It meant that they had now become the first group in history to have four consecutive number ones. It was during their subsequent european tour that the famous hand gesture associated with their live routine was created. Apparently arriving in London with no choreography, they came up with the gesture after conferring with Paul Williams and Melvin Franklin (Temptations) in the Gents toilet!

Diana Ross has been quoted as saying that this trip was also the beginning of the discontent that eventually lead to the group splitting up.

Sample “Stop In The Name Of Love” on Motown 50 here:

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Reflections with Diana Ross and the Supremes

“Reflections” was the first record released under the new title of the group. Berry Gordy had decided that for marketing purposes, Diana Ross should be ‘elevated’ and the group renamed “Diana Ross and the Supremes”. It made number two in the US in 1967. It was also one of the last recordings made whilst Florence Ballard was a member of the group. She had been on e of the founding members of the Supremes and it is said that part of the reason that she descended into depression and alcoholism is the decision by Gordy to lift Diana Ross.

Sadly, Florence Ballard died less than 10 years later at the tender age of 32.

Sample “Reflections” on Motown 50 here:

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Baby Love by the Supremes

In late 1964, Motown released “Baby Love” by the Supremes. It was a number one for four weeks in the US and for two weeks in the UK. It was their second number one hit. Consequently, the Supremes became the first Motown group to have more than one number 1 single. It ended up becoming their most successful selling record.

Sample “Baby Love” on Motown 50 here:

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Can’t Hurry Love by the Supremes

In the summer of 1966, Motown released ‘Can’t hurry love’ by the Supremes. It became a number one hit, featuring Diana Ross as lead vocal with Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson on backing vocals. Subsequently, it was covered by Phil Collins in 1983, when it reached number one in the UK.

Sample “Can’t Hurry Love” on Motown 50 here:

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