Music
Cindy Birdsong
born 1939 · singer
Former Bluebelle who was flown to Detroit in 1967 to replace Florence Ballard in the Supremes and sang with the group through 1976.
- Born
Mount Holly, New Jersey
age 86- Birth name
- Cynthia Ann Birdsong
- Detroit years
- 1967–1972
- Field
- Music
01 / The Detroit story
The Detroit story
Birdsong grew up in New Jersey and Philadelphia and was a founding member of Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. In April 1967 Berry Gordy summoned her to Detroit without her bandmates' knowledge; she was met at the airport by Motown executives and driven to a meeting with Gordy and the group, which was replacing co-founder Florence Ballard. She first appeared as a Supreme that spring and sang on the late-1960s Diana Ross & the Supremes records, including "Reflections" and "Love Child", and then with Jean Terrell and Mary Wilson in the 1970s lineup that scored "Stoned Love" and "Up the Ladder to the Roof", recording with the company while it was still based in Detroit. She left in 1972, returned from 1973 to 1976, and later worked for Suzanne de Passe at Motown. She rejoined Wilson and Ross on stage for Motown 25 in 1983.
Highlights
- Replaced Florence Ballard in the Supremes (1967)
- Sang on the Diana Ross & the Supremes hits of 1967–1969
- Member of the 1970s Supremes with Jean Terrell and Mary Wilson
- Founding member of Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles
02 / Their Detroit places
Their Detroit places 1
Where they lived, worked, performed and liked to hang out. Closed and demolished places stay here too, because they are part of the city's history.
Recorded here · 1967–1972
Motown Museum
The Supremes recorded here in Studio A.