Florence Ballard (of The Supremes) - "Oh Holy Night" [A Motown Christmas: Vol. 2]

[EHDROCK]

Florence Ballard, how beautiful she sang this. R.I.P.



[HandsomeSoulbrother1]

What a very beautiful rendition, boggles my mind, that Barry did not see / recognize the upside that sistar flo possessed. Rest peacefully Sistar flo, EYE know that you are not dead, but you simply made yourself invisible.

[swampzoid]

gorgeous voice.

[Covellos1]

It's too bad (more) people didn't hear this while she was alive.

[Vincent50]

Listen to this voice. This was a voice that was naturally gifted, strong, and range. Florence had it but being beaten down by Berry for the sake of making Diana the star, well we know the outcome. Yes, Diana had the charisma and all for she worked hard to make it happen because she knew she didn't have the vocal fire Mary or Flo possessed but she was determined. ABC records didn't know what to do with Flo's voice but had ass whole Tommy searched deeper she would've gone elsewhere.

[jrmelmer]

very very sweet and pure

[fefebabes2]

She sang!!!!!!!!!!! the hell out of that song. The girl was so talented..so sad that its only now that people really take an interest in her. People r so curious about her now..if only theyd taken more interest later. I like DR but she was a real bitch.. I hear anyways.

[UNWakisha]

It's amazing how beautifully both Florence and Mary sang, as opposed to the kitty-cat sounding diana!

[PalmerWhit]

This is a truly beautiful rendition of O Holy Night, flawlessly executed. My favorite rendition of this song is one I heard Donna Summer perform on television in the early 1980's. Remarkable.

[Yabbadabbawhat100]

Not that Diana Ross wasn't great, but only Florence could have done this song justice. It's a beautiful, difficult song, and she sounds incredible. Thanks for posting this! :-)

[RareMusicalGems]

Glorious! Thank you for sharing this! God bless Florence Ballard!

[ramona2400]

@meetthesupremes - you are indeed right about the production of Ms. Ballard at ABC. However, with her hands against the wind, Ms. Ballard gave it her very best - vocally Flo still sounded great amid, wrong keys, weak musicians, bad arrangements and deranged producers. As at Motown, and with The Supremes, Ms. Ballard gave them vocal supremacy, and her talent as a singer is evident - as usual Flo sung her heart out! ON O HOLY NIGHT you basically have a Supreme singing great opera!

[ramona2400]

MeetThe Supremes thank you, what many fail to understand is the unreleased ABC material was not finished and likely under debate. As we listen to it keep that in mind. However - still with bad production and arrangements. Flo still fought the good fight. The songs show how versatile Ballard's voice was. In the end the cruelty of her firing from Motown and restrictions put on her by Gordy ruined her. I am sure he is shocked at the interest FLO still gets. Still the dog sleeps well.

[MeetTheSupremes]

@ramona2400 I have always thought the ABC production and musician ship was actually very, very good...but the arrangements - for the most part - weren't suitable for Flo's voice and range. Many of the songs are simply picthed too low for her to have really shown potential.

[ramona2400]

Damn an amazing strong and crystal clear voice - flawless delivery of an extremely difficult song - in an arrangement that suits Flo's voice and style. This shows that Motown knew what to do with that Ballard voice and how to showcase Flo and ABC did not. However, the history and horror of what Flo Ballard suffered at and after Motown is well known, What is not well known is displayed right here for all to hear. Magnificent and in all aspects. Bravo and R.I.P. Ms. Ballard !!!

[MeetTheSupremes]

@ramona2400 I could not agree more. What brilliantly-written commentary!

[proverbs1824]

@ramona2400 I couldn't agree more! Flo was a diamond left in the background, but she still shined. And, here she is, now center stage proving to the world that the Supremes were more than just Diane what's her name!

[knobylob]

flo and mary were so beautiful.

[SSoulbrother]

thank you so much for this , this really touched my soul

[awarren92]

I can listen to this even when it's not Christmas =) so beautiful

[terrybigteekemp]

Every time someone says something derogatory about Mrs. Ballard makes me love her more and more. Her life is a living testimony that you can overcome. She is so beautiful inside and out. People always want to point out her problems, but "he that is without sin cast the first stone". I am simply thankful we were blessed with her angelic voice.

Anyways, thanks for posting this song, and the pics, especially 1:10. She is SUPER cute.

[msjayelbee9]

I was always a Florence Ballard fan. I was never a Diana Ross fan, especially after Florence began to have trouble at Motown. Florence goes off pitch on this song, but she will ALWAYS be my FAVORITE Supreme.

[stereo1967]

This is no background singer! This is Lincoln Memorial (Marian Anderson) singing.

Just suppose Motown had given Florence just a little bit more attention.

I mean the Beatles featured mostly Paul and John, but George Harrison and Ringo had success after the split. What a waste Berry....what a waste!!!

[HAYxYOU]

A voice from heaven. R.I.P.

[supremes1964]

love Miss Florence Ballard (RIP).....this sounds so SUPREME. What if ....HDH would worked with her voice......what if ?

[desert3347]

I find this interesting that everyone has some sort of an opinion about the Supremes, some negative some positive. After all these years, why can't we all just enjoy their MUSIC!

[kurtsupreme]

@desert3347 ....................because Diane is still out there displaying her lies, over inflated ego, and she is trying to claim the legacy of the legendary trio as her own.................that's why we just can't enjoy the music. When Diane finally gets what is coming to her, maybe Flo can rest and we can "just enjoy ther music!!!!!!!!"

[desert3347]

@kurtsupreme yea, i totally agree. Too bad "one bitch" spoils the whole show!!

She was very rude at Ms. Ballards funeral!! I've been listening to Flo's interviews concerning her "removal" from the Supremes.....very tragic!!!

[DetroitLives313]

A truly blessed and amazing performance. We miss you Flo!

[supremebuddy]

The past can never be relived and those who live in the past fail themselves. We are remanded to live in the "now" the present, all of this is a mute point. No one will ever know what truly happened and all this bickering gets one nowhere and is extremely dysfunctional and immature!

[MrMannM1]

Flo was a lovely Goddess enhanced with ravishing beauty. She had a angelic voice and graced the stage like no other. Truly the SUPREME of the Supremes.

[terrybigteekemp]

@MrMannM1 I couldn't have said it better my friend. She epitomized beauty, class, grace, elegance, and had sense of humor to boot.

[BossLadyWhite]

The video you made paid an honorable tribute to Florence Ballard..not bad at all...Blessings to you

[d1nonlystarahhh]

beautiful...



[sierria64]

oh she had a beutiful voice ... rip unsung queen spreme

[soulsista1220]

What CD is this on? Beautiful!!! I'm a Flo fanatic. This is powerful like "People." I like

[kurtsupreme]

@jazzscherzo That's what I'm talking about...what COULD have been! We all know that Flo has been dead for nearly 35 years, that Mary carries on the legacy of the legendary trio, and that Diane continues to try to make THEIR legacy her own as a selfish, nasty bitch! I'm talking about how it MIGHT have been! Who wants to talk about today...Mary is overweight, Flo is dead, and Diane's voice is in deterioration (although her ego seems to be intact!). "Could have been" is more interesting!

[Vincent50]

The pictures are awesome along with this beautiful cover sung by Florrence. Had she stayed focused she would've gone far. Too much bullsh** encountered her life including the man she married and made her manager. A wasted talent.

[kurtsupreme]

@jazzscherzo Florence was never coached and rehearsed like Diane; therefore, she never got to evolve her vocal style as Diane did. HDH wrote the Supremes songs with Diane's lead in mind and worked with her diligently to get the sound they wanted. This version of "Oh, Holy Night" was probably a one shot take. It is also unfinished. Mary and Diane''s background vocals were never added. It just shows Flo's potential. Wih the right song and the right producer, Flo COULD have sung lead easily.

[marshell55]

@kurtsupreme Flo WAS the original lead singer.

[marshell55]

@kurtsupreme Flo WAS the original lead.

[kurtsupreme]

@marshell55 She certainly was the original lead singer of The Primettes; however, by the time the name was being changed to The Supremes, Diane was singing most of the leads.

[BAREBACKER]

a fantastic vocal by the fabulous FLORENCE BALLARD, the most under rated singer of the century

[raramama]

Thank god for the internet and youtube so that Florence can live on. I've never heard this before - she sounds beautiful - great voice! Thank you for posting.

[supremes1964]

LOVE MISS FLORENCE BALLARD.....RIP blondie!

[brbgal]

Florence was so underrated as a member of the Supremes. This version she sings brings tears to my eyes. My family listens to it every holiday season.

[soulsista1220]

@brbgal I don't really think Flo was underrated. "They" just did a good job of pushing her further and further into the background so Diane could continue to stand out.

[pannoni1]

Sadly, if you feel like Thanksgiving gets overshadowed by Christmas, think back to Flo in her role to Diana. The number of Christmas vs. Thanksgiving ads/promotions in November is similar to the ratio of Diana vs. Flo lead vocals when you think about all things. But enjoy what you're watching/celebrating!

[pannoni1]

@pannoni1 And Veterans/Rememberance day is like the Lynda Lawrence of holidays for that matter!

[pannoni1]

@pannoni1 Plus, in a more politically correct world, calling it "the holiday" is akin to calling la diva "Miss Ross" instead of "Diane" or "Diana".

[Maxqstl]

i know i am gonna get some flack for this , this was an amazing verson of Holy Night i ever heard and i will say it again Florence had the best voice ever may God rest her soul

[spintation]

WOW! Mary said Flo sounded like Aretha but I thought it was an exaggeration until I heard a not Flo hits near then end of this--Mary is right! What a shame GordyRoss even denied her one solo in the act. Talk about insecurity!! I concur with comment below. Geez Flo founded the Supremes, held them together --not ambitious???

[pigmonkeyandsuzi]

This is a wonderful version of my favourite christmas carol

also how bad is Diana Ross' posture in the video? is she trying to look sexy or has she got something wrong with her?

[MeetTheSupremes]

@pigmonkeyandsuzi I think her weight contributed to her posture, you ever notice how tall, skinny people tend to hunch over? Though she wasn't especially tall I think her small figure encouraged her posture....it just looks especially bad next to Mary and Flo who look very statuesque and poised :)

Thanks for commenting.

- JLG | JonathanLGardner

[soulsista1220]

@pigmonkeyandsuzi I think Diana Ross thought that shit was cute. Artist Development worked on that with her forever, along with that ugly eye-popping u c her do in earlier clips

[tubeyouuser]

Sing your song, Flo!

[BAREBACKER]

she was the most beautiful and talented of all the supremes

[carolinaguy321]

Damn, this girl had a range!!! Diana obviously felt threaten by Flo's talent, and that is why she did not give damn when "People" was taken away from Flo. Mary said in her book when it came to Berry Gordy and Diana, she could not figure out who was directing who, I think this shows that Berry and Diana wanted what was best for Diana, and Flo was in the way of that. Flo had the natural vocal ability; Diana's had to be groomed over many years.

[faye5515]

Amazing! I don't think anyone has ever or will top this version of "O Holy Night". It's a shame her voice wasn't exposed more when she was one of the Supremes. Diana was a good lead, but all of three of them should have rotated lead every now and then.

[MeetTheSupremes]

@faye5515 I agree :) there was room for all of them on the albums :D Thanks so much for commenting, I'm glad you love this performance as much as I do.

- JLG | JonathanLGardner

[chewerboy]

beyonce - diana (popular and overrated)

kelly - mary (living under the hot chick's shadow and underrated)

michelle - florence (underrated backup singer)

i hope DC will not end up like the supremes coz kelly/michelle's coming out with new albums. :)

[MeetTheSupremes]

@chewerboy I can see that but Destiny's Child can't be compared because Michelle (though I love her sooo much and have met her twice) would actually be the Cindy figure because she and Farrah replaced LeToya and LaTavia when they were removed from the group...another thing is, as time went on, leads were shared more often (such as on the Destiny Fulfilled album) also, Beyonce, Kelly, Michelle and LeToya have all had very successful solo careers...

[MeetTheSupremes]

@chewerboy KELLY has sold over 3 million albums worldwide, one US #1, two UK #1s and six UK top ten hits (as well as charting in many other countries).

MICHELLE's debut album shot to #1 on the US Gospel chart, #15 US R&B and #55 (or 57) on US albums chart and became the biggest selling gospel album of the year, her next album reached #2 Gospel, #3 Christian and #28 R&B. Then her first pop album became her highest charting, reaching #42 US and #11 R&B

[MeetTheSupremes]

@chewerboy ...it also spawned her first ever solo single to chart...We Break The Dawn peaked at #4 US Dance, #1 US Dance Airplay and even crept to #47 on the UK Singles Chart, its followup The Greatest managed to reach #1 on US Dance and was listed on Billboard's End of the Decade US Dance chart at #39 (ironically one spot behind Lose My Breath by DC - lol).

Now LETOYA, two #1 US R&B albums, a platinum-selling debut and one #1 US album too...do I need to say much more?

[ReddzVoice]

WOW! That was AMAZING. I love FLORENCE BALLARD.

Peace and love...

[MeetTheSupremes]

@ReddzVoice So do I =D Thanks so much for commenting =) Have a nice day.

- JLG | JonathanLGardner

[evemelanie]

I wish I could see her singin this

[MeetTheSupremes]

@evemelanie Could you imagine her totally blowing everyone away on one of the christmas specials The Supremes did on tv! =D

Thanks for commenting.

- JLG | JonathanLGardner

[inflatableboo]

I love Florence and her voice was amazing Beautiful woman. I see her sister many times we have crossed paths. Perhaps one day I will get the nerve to say hello.

[MeetTheSupremes]

@inflatableboo You haven't said hello? omg lol. Then again, I probably wouldn't know what to say...thanks for commenting =)

- JLG | JonathanLGardner

[DEMRNBBOYZ1]

I first heard this during Christmas 2002 when Mary Wilson played it on her national radio show "The Motown Show". I had to pull the car over, park near a bridge here in NYC and just listen. Magnificient!

[MeetTheSupremes]

@DEMRNBBOYZ1 Oh that's great. I didn't know Mary had a show! Such a shame though, I probably wouldn't be able to hear it in the UK anyway lol

[Branner]

. Obviously, if you have ears, Ballard had a large, trained voice. It isn't that it should have been a choice between her and Ross-on the pop front Ross was the most marketable--it's that Gordy wasted Ballard's (and Wilson's) talents. That's a shame and a loss for the world--and it obviously cost her everything. Why waste this kind of talent? All he had to do was to develop it. On some level, he wasn't confident enough in Ross's talents to give Mary and Flo their due.

[TonygMus2]

@Branner Well said Branner!!!!!!!!!!

[RedRoosterRoad]

@Branner

Well said! 

[usspike]

After listening to this, I cannot hear anyone else sing it and enjoy it.

This is Florence's song.

It gave me chills!

[TheMidcoast1]

WoW...I've never heard her really sing like this b4. She had a voice. I've heard earlier recordings and to be honest, I though at one point, that maybe Mr. Gordy made the right decision. Some recordings from earlier yrs were less than good. So ironic how she really had the voice to reach a more universal audience but according to earlier reports, only wanted to remain a local lead singer. What if it was her limited aspirations range that hindered her ability to go futher at Motown? rip flo

[MeetTheSupremes]

@TheMidcoast1 Yes. In her lower range she had more of an Etta James style but many don't know about her soaring soprano - that can be heard on her lead on People (which I think is her best), also her lead on Silent Night. Thanks for commenting.

Merry christmas.

- JLG | JonathanLGardner

[diepiriye]

@TheMidcoast1 I think it's all about Dreamgirls. FLo was soulful, and that wasn't 'crossover' enough for dear Berry, who wanted the wider/whiter American to buy his music. And guess what, he succeeded!

[MeetTheSupremes]

@diepiriye I think the point Midcoast was trying to make was that Flo was diverse and her big range - in particular her operatic soprano - would have allowed her to 'crossover' into different genres had it been utilised properly. Thanks for commenting.

[supremes1964]

Florence Ballard....sang this song with all her heart..and sounds amazing! But Berry Gordy was scared she will outshine Diana Ross......he prolly right!

this track ROCKS!

Florence Ballard also has ten #1's...was SUPREME too.

RIP Blonde

[MeetTheSupremes]

@supremes1964 Yes. I love how controlled yet powerful the performance is. Most certainly one of Flo's best =D Thanks supremes1964 =)

- JLG | JonathanLGardner

[bholyway]

I wish Florance had fought them dogs Gordy and Diane smarter. She was ten times better than both of them in every way. We remember you Florence. We give you your props. Diane is fake. Berry Gordy is a jerk

[elraheem]

Dogs? I like Miss Ballard's voice more too but by everyone's account, Miss Ross was the "go getter" of the trio. Berry Gordy was a shrewd businessman. Before he let Florence wreck the product, he removed her. Jerk?

[bholyway]

" go getter?" there is a clear and distinct difference between ambition and whore. The difference is ambitious people achieve successful careers through honest hard work, whores achieve successful career and a baby with the boss and that's by everyone's account. I'm just saying.

[elraheem]

Wow! You obviously feel strongly about it. Personally, I think your choice of words is disreapectful. The Supremes were successful long before Rhonda. On UNSUNG, Miss Ballard's relatives said Mr. Gordy HAD to replace her.

[mitchking2006]

Quite right. Gordy was a struggling black businessman. His achievements are hard to apprecite today. Also, people shouldn't believe all they read!

[TonygMus2]

Amazing this is done with THE SUPREMES, and she does it without the background vocals of Mary and Diana! GO FLOOOOOOOOO!

[paultinsel]

great editing...beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!­!!!

[MeetTheSupremes]

@paultinsel Aw thanks. This is one of my most favourite recordings by Flo - hence the effort gone into the video lol =)

Thanks again. Have a nice day.

- JLG | JonathanLGardner

[BARBIEDANCER1323]

love her EARRINGS!!!

[BARBIEDANCER1323]

What a voice

[dynamite8503]

superb vocals.

[BAREBACKER]

bitch with an alcohol problem? i think that was your mother you useless shit.. flo is still adored worldwide over 30 years after her tragic death. crawl back into your pit and just die you evil twisted cunt.

[paul51]

gostridr2012, Tom, Tom, Tom . . .let's keep Miss Ross out of this one.

[timmy841212]

Nothing is more trashy and disrespectful than talking trashy about someone who died so tragically.

[MeetTheSupremes]

@gostridr2012 No one is building her a shrine. I am just posting her music for people to enjoy. If you have a problem with that, please go elsewhere. The only person building her a shrine is you by commenting so damn much =P

Have a nice day.

[MeetTheSupremes]

@gostridr2012 I'm not making excuses, her death certificate states she died as a result of cardiac arrest. Flo was getting off drink at the time of her death. Her sister believes she was murdered. If you have so much for hate for a woman who is responsible for the creation of THE most successful female group EVER then why are you even bothering to waste your time watching and commenting on her videos?

- JLG | JonathanLGardner

[heartandsoul22]

Man just ignore him. Don't put your energy in places it doesn't have to be. Just block him. God bless all haters!

[MeetTheSupremes]

@gostridr2012 She sang "I Am Woman" by Helen Reddy and the crowd cheered and begged for an encore at which point she sang a Supremes song.

Flo did have her problems but she never spoke badly of Ross or Mary Wilson or any other Supremes and even performed with Scherrie, Mary and Cindy (The woman who replaced her in 1974).

Flo didn't die of a drug overdose, she died of a heart attack. She was a little overweight (but not obsese) and she had a bloodclot which caused her to have a heart attack

[MeetTheSupremes]

@gostridr2012 Flo then had the first 2 of 3 children and so she decided to settle down.

However, the little settlement money she did have was being dryed up by her and her husband's management company. Tommy left her after she had her third child and Flo lost her house. After filing for welfare, Flo recieved some money from a settlement and got a new house and car and started plans for a comeback (at which point Tommy returned). Flo performed at the Ford Auditorium in Detroit in 1975...

[MeetTheSupremes]

@gostridr2012 No. Flo's lawyer stole her settlement money that she recieved from Motown which dissallowed her from receiving any royalties.

Flo let her husband be her manager (big mistake), she signed with ABC Records and although there was a few great songs much of it wasn't catered to her voice and singing style. ABC didn't promote or distribute the singles properly.

Flo moved on from ABC and still went out promoting herself and her voice...

[MeetTheSupremes]

@gostridr2012 This video has NOTHING to do with Michael Jackson or OJ. So HOW dare you come here and DISRESPECT THE LATE FLORENCE BALLARD by filling the comment section of this video with such comments!

[Bok97]

He did NOT molest anyone. It takes a freak to know a freak!

[feeleffect]

Were you in he bed to see this? Don't be so DUMB and believe everything you read!! He was AQUITTED of all charges in03' So shut up FOOL!

[dianamaryflorence]

Florence was truly amazing. Even though she is not with us now, she is with us in the messages in her songs and internally. She is a true Supreme Dream Girl that we will always remember.

[MeetTheSupremes]

Yes, you are so right there =)

Thanks for commenting.

- JLG | JonathanLGardner

[Shiftyeyes516]

Simply  Beautiful!!

[MeetTheSupremes]

Most definately =)

Thanks for commenting.

Have a nice day.

- JLG | JonathanLGardner

[Individuell83]

no it was only released on a motown christmas volume 2

only silent night by flo and the supremes was released on the re-issues of their christmas album :)

[tayishere202]

I cried when i first heard this song which was last year:)

[Individuell83]

yes it's the best version of the song I know

so touching

it's a F * * * * shame that the song wasn't on the original christmas LP

[tayishere202]

I so agree with you wtf were they thinking not to include it

[Individuell83]

lol yes

but I mean it's normally that it wasn't incuded I mean

imagine what would had happen when the public would have noticed that flo was the better singer... :D

[MeetTheSupremes]

Well I'd say Flo was better on some songs and Diana was better on others =P

[Individuell83]

blablabla jon you should go out and enjoy your nice holiday xD

[TonygMus2]

You got the right! This is some shit! That was awful not to include that! Motown was a m-------f-------- wasn't it!

Damn Flo sang the hell out of this!!!!!

[Individuell83]

yes she totally rocket it :D

also on silent night :)

[tayishere202]

you have truly made my Day. Thanks so much Jonathan

[MarvelettesDude]

Thanks for the upload my favorite Supreme (or semi supreme if you dont count the Andantes) Christmas song - it should have been on the Merry Christmas Album with Slient Night

I would love to see a live performance of Flo singing this but it i highly doubt it exists

[MeetTheSupremes]

Thanks for commenting. A live performance of Flo singing lead (apart from the one of People in The Supremes In The Orient posted on YouTube) would be a treat in itself LOL xD

[MarvelettesDude]

yes that is a pretty good performance and would have been better if Diana was turned down a bit

[WithMyLittleSpoon]

Bellissimo belllo:):):) I love this song it is sooo tutta bella!!! Cinque stelle***** + :):):):):) Miss you, and youre wonderful uplifting music and numero uno video's!!! Grazie for thinking of me and sending me this spiritualy enduring masterpiece, Rest In Peace always Florence Ballard*** JLG Have a super, safe holiday!!! Hear from you soon my kindred friend!!! "Chin Chin" Chente Anni Salute Ciao:):):)***:):):)

[MeetTheSupremes]

Thanks soooo much =)

- JLG | JonathanLGardner

[MyOldiesButGoodies]

Just beautiful so beautiful.

[MeetTheSupremes]

Truly. Thanks for commenting.

- JLG | JonathanLGardner

[timmy841212]

Sweet vocals. =D

We miss you Flo! =*) RIP

Thanks for sharing, Jonny. :)

[MeetTheSupremes]

No problem =)

I have wanted to put this song back up for a long while =)

- JLG | JonathanLGardner

[BAREBACKER]

everything about florence was beautiful

[MeetTheSupremes]

So true mr use a c ondom lol - just teasing.

Thanks for commenting.

- JLG | JonathanLGardner

[tayishere202]

Amen to that!

[paul51]

I think this is the best vocal Miss Ballard ever recorded . . . thanks much for the share.

[MeetTheSupremes]

So do I. Thanks for commenting =)

- JLG | JonathanLGardner

[Individuell83]

one word

WONDERFUL

makes me speechless

sorry

just wonderful

the best version of the song I ever heard

[MeetTheSupremes]

Thanks ever so much for commenting Marvin. =D

Have a nice day.

- JLG | JonathanLGardner

[Individuell83]

enjoy your holiday honey

[coolsweetgroovy]

this is cool thanks

[MeetTheSupremes]

No problem, thanks for commenting =)

Have a day.

- JLG | JonathanLGardner