40 Fascinating Color Photos of The Supremes in the 1960s

The Supremes were one of the most successful and influential musical acts of the 1960s, often regarded as the quintessential Motown girl group. Their rise to fame epitomized the Motown Sound, a blend of pop, soul, and R&B that reached across racial boundaries and dominated the charts.

The Supremes originated in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959 as The Primettes, a sister group to The Primes (later known as The Temptations). The original members were Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard, and Betty McGlown (replaced by Barbara Martin, who later left, leaving the group as a trio). Signed to Motown Records in 1961, they were renamed The Supremes by Motown founder Berry Gordy.

Initially, The Supremes struggled to find commercial success. Between 1961 and 1963, they released several singles that failed to chart significantly, earning them the nickname “no-hit Supremes.” Their big break came in 1964 with “Where Did Our Love Go,” their first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. This marked the start of a string of hits, making them Motown’s premier act and one of the best-selling groups of all time.

The Supremes were groundbreaking for their polished image, coordinated outfits, and sophisticated choreography, which appealed to audiences worldwide. They paved the way for future African American artists and girl groups, influencing acts like Destiny’s Child and The Spice Girls.

In 1970, Ross left to pursue a solo career and was replaced by Jean Terrell, and the group’s name was reverted to the Supremes. During the mid-1970s, the lineup continued to change with Lynda Laurence, Scherrie Payne and Susaye Greene joining until the group, 18 years after its formation, disbanded in 1977.