In her own words Flo Ballard is telling here own story - it seems to be just the same story Tony Turner told twenty something years prior to this interview being discovered and released. It now appreas that TONY TURNER'S ALl That Glittered My Life With The Supremes , was on tarfet and way before it's time. While Turner's account differs from Diana Ross's and Mary WIlson's it is the same as Flo Ballard's. This young lady was robbed by Motown, and we now all know it!!!!!
i found out something that would make you all fall out your chair.i was just skimming the net one day.so i asked the question to wikipedia who was the most sucessful female group of all time.they said the spice girls i fell out on the floor.they are going by record sales.i dont believe that shit! thats what i get for asking
So sad....but, while Flo had a strong and decent voice, wasn't Diana's "light and pop sounding voice" the overall "sound" of The Supremes? If Flo could have somehow hung in there, until Diana went off on her own, wouldn't the Supremes then have consisted of Flo, Mary and maybe another gal singer? There really SHOULD be a true movie about the Supremes, and not just Dreamgirls, (which was ok, but not really the whole Supremes story) -
Barry Gordy was so wrong for trying to throw his "own kind" in the trash- this is what I called black on black crime; I don't call this shit business, like some individuals would call it. What Gordy did was bullshit! to do this sista like he did! I don't give a crap how big he is; if he's done a wht. person this way, he would not be able to maintain his title of "bigness"! lol
I have this theory that holland dozier holland (the songwriters for the supremes) quit motown over this "flo" thing.....they saw all this going on and they must have thought "we are getting screwed by motown too"; when they quit in 67 thats when motown got it back in spades; LOL
@racer83racing the work slowdown began around the beginning of June 1967. Their complaint was they wanted the publishing rights to their songs and creative control over their careers. They practically wanted to run Motown. Their contracts were lucrative for the times. It was coincidence that the slowdown and Flo's demise happened at the same time. When H-D-H left, The Supremes only put out 2 #1 hits in the 2 1/2 years prior to Diana's departure, with them it was 10 in 3 years.
Her sister actually mentions in the documentary that she saw her physically abused sometimes, such as having a black eye.. no doubt it was Tommy. Nothing uncommon back then and now but I don't think he was the best fit for her caliber. There were definitely better choices for her around I feel.
Ramona, I dont deny that they got played by Motown yet they still honor Gordy whenever they win an award. Why is that?
I love Flo as a singer but perhaps she thought she was important in the group than she really was. She wasted all that time trying to correct her past foolish decisions instead of focusing on singing.
@PrelaE The thing is we all make foolish decisions in life. Not one of The Supremes was perfect. Flo's biggest mistake was not in marrying Chapman, but making him her manager with absolutely no prior experience on the business end of music. Also signing all of her hard work away with that awful severance contract. She let her emotions get the best of her. As far as Tommy, Flo never had a bad word to say about him. It's hard to determine the nature of that marriage.
@terrybigteekemp He left her when she was left with nothing and came back when she won the settlement money. And later he sold her memoirs for $10,000 and spend all the funds Diana created for her children when she passed.
The money that she collected by the way was not that bad considering Diana only got a paltry 250k when she left Motown. It was in their contracts that individually they only made about $1 for every $100 worth of records sold, Mary explains this in her book.
@PrelaE In "The Lost Supreme" Tommy was around even when she was broke. Tommy had a job (can't remember where) and he was taking care of Flo and the girls. Then he got hired by Invictus (H-D-H's record company) and Flo thought it ridiculous of him to take less pay. She stated she kicked him out a few times then let him back in. So, he was really there, and even when he wasn't physically there, when he was employed, he sent them money. Either Flo is protecting him, or Tommy just gets a bad rap.
@PrelaE It was more an on and off thing. When they were separated, Flo said they went out a lot. They would go to concerts, movies, or out to eat. She never mentioned any physical or emotional abuse, though I don't believe she would mention it if he did do those things. Unfortunately, after Flo's death Tommy left the children fatherless. As far as the money she got after Motown in 1968, she never saw a dime of it. Her attorney, Leonard Baun, took off with it. She and Tommy fought to get it back.
APrelaE Flo DID NOT make the decision to leave The Supremes. Gordy fired her with the consent of Ross / Wilson Motown put Flo through hell, dogged her, DID NOT pay her what she earned. Flo made mistakes but in the end Gordy scammed Ross/Wilson as well. Flo fought a good fight against Gordy. Diana and Mary's books show them as stars plagued with there own sad issues.The Supremes got played, used and financially raped within one sided contracts at Motown. it is foolish to think otherwise. OK!
@terrybigteekemp Mr. Gordy can't believe his initial press release about Florence Ballard's ejection from The Supremes held water. There has been enough written by Ross, Wilson, Turner, and others that shed various degrees of light on what really MAY have really occurred. HOWEVER in these tapes Miss Ballard has spoken her OWN WORDS and made the reasons very clear. Flo's firing was one of the most underhanded examples of wickedness in show business to date. Listen to her pain clearly.
A movie about Flo Ballard has long been desired - however it will likely never be made while Diana Ross and Berry Gordy are alive. If you listen to Flo's statement here you will understand why. Her dislike of Gordy is documented here in her own words. Flo wanted to sue Berry Gordy and she says so here. Flo was abused by Motown and was treated horrible by all concerned including Ross, and Wilson. Flo was mislead and duped by all of them.
@ramona2400 Very true. There is no way that Gordy wants her story to get out. I just wish he would move on and let her voice be heard. What is he trying to cover up? Why did he push Flo, who was so talented, further and further into the background while she was with the group? People want answers but I'm sure Gordy doesn't care as long as he's living. Hopefully Peter Benjaminson will release the tapes in the near future. I most certainly will be getting them.
@ramona2400 All these things that you say are probably due to Flo not being smart enough to control herself and the other many issues she had. Just read Mary's book. Yes she was a wonderful singer and she could have had a very successful career singing. However the decisions she made in life sucked! She should have played her part in the group until Diana and NOT marry that loser Chapman. Come on she married far below her league...perhaps she thought she was there herself??
I think her mistake was signing all those papers without reading them or having someone break it down for her. That's sad how people swarmed around her when she was down.
I wish someone would have been there who really cared about Flo to help her make these settlement decisions. It seems everyone involved was only out for their best interest and not Flo's.
they shouldve gotten someone else to play flo in the upcoming movie. faith is ok for someone else but not her. but thank GOD they are not putting beyonce in it. omg... thank you
@MaryRSaunders What's wrong with Faith...not only does she bare a striking resemblance to Flo...she also has the life experience to play such a role, oh and she's easily one of the best R&B singers still out today! Her name will also help promote the film and in turn bring more light on Flo's life and legacy...
@MeetTheSupremes I don't have a problem with Faith. In most films based on real life characters, they do use voices of the actor imitating the real life figure and Faith's voice is nothing like Flo's. Her voice is way too soft and to me personally has nothing to offer Flo and her memory. And I really do not see any resemblance. I've seen many pictures of Flo and of course I'm familiar with Faith and there is no match there.
@MaryRSaunders Well then you must be one of a few because a lot of people have always mentioned Faith when thinking of people to play Flo (me being one) and so I was overjoyed when I read the news. Secondly, Faith's voice is very powerful - nothing like Flo's - but she has a very gospel-influenced sound and she can really saaang! I would like it if Flo's recordings were used, but Faith is a great singer and I'm looking forward to this movie.
@MaryRSaunders i think Faith is a food choice, she does favor flo but i'm not sure about the acting though tha'ts what concerns me i think Alexis Fields would've been a good choice but i just hope everything turns out well
smh, flo gets mistreated by her groupmate and boss, then fucked over by her attorney, not to mention marrying a punkass, i can't wait for the movie, Faith would do great as Flo
@DetroitLives313 I agree that Florence wasn't treated fairly. However, you don't show up at a gig drunk, just because you are pissed off. Florence did a lot of stupid things that helped to destroy here career. Sure Diana Ross was ambitious, but so what? That's show business. She worked hard for her success and I'm sure she took her share of shit during the process. Florence was the first to go solo and flopped.
@solovoyager You have bought the propaganda and I am sorry. You are not alone. Motown concocted that story about Diana Ross working so hard, goal driven etc etc. Florence did not drink half as much as Diana Ross does now and in the past. Florence was a threat to both Ross and Gordy and had to be GONE! Explain why they short changed her in income after leaving the group?
@DetroitLives313 I think you are the one who "bought the propaganda". Do you honestly believe Ross just sat on her ass and became famous? Do you honestly believe Gordy let Ross make company decisions? No one held a gun to Florence's head to sign a contract that was not in her best interest. Why didn't she hire an attorney to go over the fine print or get her a better deal. Especially if she believed Gordy was out to get her. She just made stupid decisions that came back to bite her.
@solovoyager Look don't fuck with me. I am not looking to debate. Diana Ross was a mother fucker and everyone around Detroit knew that about the bitch. She fucked everything moving to get what she got. So no more messages from you ok? They'll just be deleted unopened.
@solovoyager Flo had an attorney...in fact the settlement she got in 1975 that she used to buy a new house and car as she started to make her comeback came from the company that her attorney worked for. He had stolen A LOT of her setttlement money from Motown and she - after quite a few years - was able to successfully sue him and win compensation. Read Peter Benjaminson's book on Florence to get the full picture on her decline and comeback.
@MeetTheSupremes Flo didn't have representation when she was fired from Motown. She obtained legal counsel after the fact and after she signed her rights away. As for the large settlement; some of the money was a result of a slip and fall acccident years later.
@DetroitLives313 , LOL! Flo "fucked" herself. Perhaps if she hadn't focused on being an insubordinate, smart-aleck, loud mouthed, drunk ass cunt, she could have rode the wave like Mary did. At least Diana Ross fucked the right people, If it hadn't been for her, there would have been no Supremes as the world knows them. Regardless of what you think, Berry making Diana the figurehead of the group, changed their trajectory.
@SpazChat wow ''spaz chat'', is that ALL that comes out of your one-sided mouth, VENOM?!?!? It seems like that's all you SPEW when somebody has an opinion different from your own, now you slander DEAD PEOPLE. CONGRATS to you! You've now established a LOWER opinion of yourself for all to see
(cont) and listen to the superb lead vocals on "Keep Me Hangin' On" ... No amount of Flo, Cindy, Mary, Susaye, Lynda, Scherrie or Jean, would have made that a hit record.
@DetroitLives313 Diana Ross' oldest daughter was fathered by Barry Gordy. Florence Ballard is who got screwed by Gordy. Ross drank heavily and no doubt had plenty to drink about.
i seen Flo Last night she was singing live at Pipers in Newcastle !!.. Bloody great show , she sang all the old hits> Venus ,I want you Back , Robert DeNiro is waiting , Shy Boy , Karma Chameleon and Love in a first degree !!!!!
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Sorry, but listening to this woman speak shows she was not only illiterate but a fool. Who but a fool would sign something without first reading and understanding it?
@tommary1962 She did make a foolish decision, however, she did trust her lawyer and remember, back in those days the artists were always shielded from the business side of things - one example is Motown itself. The artists never got a chance to find out those things.
You also have to remember she just wanted out of Motown and clearly thought her lawyer was looking out for her - when he was really just trying to steal her settlement money (which he did)
You knew who I was addressing when the question was asked the first time, stop playing dumb..Or are you dumb? Just because you can insult someone from the safety of your computer screen (I suspect you have cowardly tendecies) does not mean you have the most remote idea why I ask that of you. But I'm going to tell you in the most basic manner so you can grasp it. Ready? Here we go... Since you aren't a lawyer, you don't know whether Miss Ballard could read or not. You weren't there, were you?
It amazing how people on youtube delude themselves into thinking they can second guess someone's actions of events that happened decades ago as if they were there when it happened. Those youtubers who insist on doing that are showing utter stupidity. My suggestion to you is to stop disrespecting someone who is famous from her music career but isn't here to defend her actions. Just be a fan like everyone else here, and stop trying to pontificate.
No. Only a fool does the same stupid things over and over again during their lifetime. And anyone who trusts people they hardly know - as did Flo - is indeed a fool. As is someone who cannot separate the person from what they do.
Telling the truth about an artist does not constitute disrespect. But if those of you who seem incapable of thinking would know that - IF you were any less foolish than she.
@tommary1962 Flo was not a FOOL, as you said like everyone does she made a mistake a foolish decision one the costs her dearly but at the time though alot of artists did not know the business if she's a fool then i guess everyone on motown was cause by the 80's everyone on motown was pretty much broke, so no need to judge her harshly though
I am the one trying to promote the great music of The Supremes. How dare you disrespect me like that.
I was just pointing out that she is very talented and shouldn't be disrespected like that for no reason. A lot of freedom is sacrificied when you reach Bey's level of fame.
Peter Benjaminson has the interviews as he recorded them with Flo in 1975. However, he has not yet released the whole few hours that he has. I believe that he is looking for a distribitor/producer interested in releasing the tapes.
Go to thelostsupreme[dot]com
Thanks for watching and commenting SoulfulTimez =)
Sort of - except DC are yet to have 12 US #1 hits (they've had four). ALSO, the 'Flo' figures in the group (LaTavia and LeToya) are doing well for themselves - LeToya in particular whose debut album debuted at #1 in the US (her new one comes out August 25th). Another point is, leads are shared very well in DC between Bey, Kelly and Michelle and even in the LeToya days they were at least shared with Bey and Kelly.
However, Flo and Mary rarely got to sing leads - live or on albums
i always figure the similarities because of the major control issues there i mean beyonce pushed michelle off stage on purpose and didnt even care and it's nice to that latavia and letoya are doing well they really deserve better after berry i mean matthew lol kicked them out of the group and nobody really knows except a few people that flo had a album of her songs release like 10 years ago and you can listen to them on here on youtube actually also thanks for replying your videos are so nice
However, I still think all the members of DC has it alot easier - simply because of the time we live in.
If The Supremes were now, news of Flo being kicked out would be worldwide (thanks to the internet). ALSO news of her solo career would spread quickly and widely thanks to technology nowadays and I doubt she would have flopped had things had been how they are now in 1968
this is for the daughters of Florence Ballard they need to tell their mother's story the real story of how their mother struggled with her career and family life. This would be a great family project an this would clear up and also cleanse any mixed emotions.
It's so sad that childhood friends who shared a dream got torn apart from their Hollywood exposure. Diana didn't have to be so mean to Mary and Flo. During the Motown 25th Reunion, she was very mean and distateful to Mary. I'm glad she finally got scrutinized in 99 when she was terrible to Mary too while organizing another reunion show, only offering her 2 mil, while demanding 15 for herself. Her attitude is terrible and, to me, tarnishes any idea of a singer I would look up to.
Times have changed too. Flo would have done better in today's environment where stong minded independent woman are admired instead of undermined. She agreed not to hold Dianna's career back, but unfortunately it was she that was held back and not able to blossum to her real potential.
Well, today, even if she left Motown how she did - it would be ALL over the press. PLUS, I could imagine Flo on YouTube posting vlogs and giving fans updates on her album and promoting her singles. I doubt she would have flopped in today's world - just look at LETOYA Luckett of Destiny's Child (her debut album released in 2006 debuted at #1 in the US and even charted here in the UK and now she is getting ready to release her second)
Ever so slightly. I'm glad that Kelly and LeToya are both doing amazing in their solo careers =D
eToya's new album comes out soon and is amazing and Kelly's most recent single with David Guetta - When Love Takes Over - recently peaked at #1 in the UK =D
Good for her, in the U.S. they don't give her a chance, she tries, but it's just not working, she needs to revamp and come back out strong, she's not really a dancer, i don't know what will work for her (Kelly). I like LeToya, i wasn't feeling the lead single off of the second Cd but i will support her, i hate Pappa Knowles for trying to sabatoge her career, i hope her 2nd CD does well. Also I HATE Rowland on "The FAshion Show" that is not a good fit. They should have asked Verionica Webb.
Kelly's album seems to sell well in the US...but the singles....such a shame as she has had 5 top 10 hits in the UK - 2 being #1!!!
NOT ANYMORE is a good song (I covered it on my channel THEJLG) however I think she needs to start promoting the new one SHE AIN'T GOT now as it's very up-tempo and is H O T (take a listen - it's very good!).
Mr Knowles needs to let Michelle Williams get some shine!!!
Michelle Williams needs to just find new mgmt, becuase pappa knowles does not have her best interests at heart as you can see by how far her career is going, Kelly FINALLY left him. I'm sorry i bought her cd, (Kelly) but it's a bore, she bores me, bless her heart . . .
I don't have MS KELLY but I know her new album is gonna be a m a z in g when she actually makes one. Could you imagine more great songs like WHEN LOVE TAKES OVER =D
I agree about Michelle needing new management - her latest album UNEXEPECTED was praised by many reviewers yet it wasn't promoted!
It's nice to know that Michelle is promoting herself in the UK though - doing quite a few interviews on day time tv talking about her role as Roxie Hart in CHICAGO on the West End
Well i'm glad she's getting some attention over in the UK, here she's not getting any. It's sad, for her to compete here she has to really come out of the box with something differnt/catchy to grab people's attention, and sadly she hasn't done that yet :-( Americans are so fickle/critical.
A big shame as she has one of the most distinctive and unique voices in the business today and she is so fun and down-to-earth and like I said "Unexpected" is a great album.
it is sad, you have to be a performer (dancer) and a singer to catch people's eyes these days, they want the whole package, and you don't have to be a stellar singer, just come out half naked and that'll get everyone's attention (not mines of course).
Its clear that Dianna, Barry, and Motown were threatened by the talents and assertiveness of Flo. Otherwise they would not have treated her so maliciously - there would be no need to. Not allowing to say she was a Supreme was rediculous. There is no place for that kind of disrepect, especially with the Superstardom she had acheived.
I agree. At least let her mention her past if nothing else. Then maybe she could have had a hit on the R&B charts - there was potential in songs like Love Ain't Love, Forever Faithful, Like You Babe, Everything Wonderful and My Heart
Gordy was a Master Strategist. In time, D. Ross, became just as adept. Every move they made seemed to have had a larger purpose in view. It certainly didnt hurt that Diana Ross had that , hard to put your finger on hypnotic It quality about her. Flo and Mary didnt stand a chance! They chose to "go with the flow". In the end, this cost both of them. Had they both joined forces to become more astute businesswomen, the story may have ended quite differently.
they were kis's and in that time there was no one to set that standard for them.Sure it's easy to say these day's.There's a lot of examples,But Not so much then.But overall you're right though.Alot of things would be different if folks banded together.Devide and concor.
If Flo and Mary didn't go along the group would not have reached the heights they did and Diana wouldn't have gotten as big as she did - she needed the group to launch her solo career.
When Flo got fed up of "going along" she was booted.
I think by lost the author was referring not only to her death (lost/gone from the world) but also the loss in what could have been for Florence had she not passed away when she did
first time i have heard a thing about this,,i think its terrible and the royalties from that movie should definatley be handed over to the daughters and family its outrageous,, diabolical actually!!
Well yes. It is particularly saddening because Flo tried to do the right thing by getting herself proffessional representation concerning the settlement yet was still undone and cheated, (the attorney stole some of the settlement money).
with motowns 50th aniversary here, and all their emphasis on "family" they need to make it right, and give Flo's royalties to her children, all the money they screwed her out of.... it's not too late to make things right, Motown.
AND they need to release Flo's ABC album in STEREO and with a disc full of ALTERNATE TAKES and REHEARSALS as I heard that Motown has the master tapes from Flo' ABC sessions.
Well I helped with a bit of that - I didn't re-write anything BUT I added the picture as I think it's a beautiful one of Flo and people need to see how pretty she was. I also added - the rather messy looking - section that has a list of Flo's leads as a Supreme.
I also added more on The Supreme Florence Ballard album page on wikipedia. I added the producers on the album, the song lengths, the song writers and 2 more links to reviews of the album =)
I wish Flo would have lived. She would have had a good second solo career, and who knows, today she could have been touring alongside Mary and Cindy doing her own Supremes reunion as the lead.
Flo was beautiful. She always had a mature sounding talking voice PLUS she was just over 30 when this interview was recorded and she had just been through alot.
Why would she want to continue reading more of the papers that clearly says, she wasn't allowed to tell anyone she was in The Supremes, a group SHE began and then saying she was worth 15,000 is just wrong. I believe this woman.
Ignore oceanbound222, he just loves to piss Flo and Mary fans off.
He has been blocked from both my channels =D
I think Flo was good to get herself a lawyer and whatever but she was definately unstable at the time, she was hurt, bitter but excited that she was getting married and possibly at the future and what it would hold.
She NEEDED her lawyer to do his job properly but he did the complete opposite and allowed her to sign away her ability to recieve royalties so he could get money
I agree that it was the smart thing to get a lawyer but this man didn't have ANY experince for that type of case. And yeah she was bitter and hurt but I don't blame her. No one should be treated like that. Berry Gordy really tore them girls apart.
I don't think it had much to do with his experience, he just wanted her money. She even sued him. Gosh, Flo made some bad decisions but wow was life so hard on her.
This is what wikipedia says about Flo and Tommy's management agency, Talent Management, Inc:
"This agency, created by lawyers who had no previous experience in show business, was headed by Leonard Baun, an attorney Ballard would later fire and sue upon discovering he was already facing multiple charges of embezzlement."
Wow! Yes, I actually wrote the wikipedia passage you just referred to! I feel proud :-) Anyway, Flo's dealings with Leonard Baun are all very carefully laid out in Peter Benjaminson's book, "The Lost Supreme: The Life of Dreamgirl Florence Ballard." I'd recommend reading it - it's thoroughly researched and sometimes eye-opening.
Baun had already embezzled money from four other people by the time he got to Flo. Only thing was, those four people were already dead. Flo sued and he was disbarred.
Florence Ballard is gangsta! Love her! R.I.P. Florence!
MissAblue676792 1 week ago
In her own words Flo Ballard is telling here own story - it seems to be just the same story Tony Turner told twenty something years prior to this interview being discovered and released. It now appreas that TONY TURNER'S ALl That Glittered My Life With The Supremes , was on tarfet and way before it's time. While Turner's account differs from Diana Ross's and Mary WIlson's it is the same as Flo Ballard's. This young lady was robbed by Motown, and we now all know it!!!!!
ramona2400 1 month ago
i found out something that would make you all fall out your chair.i was just skimming the net one day.so i asked the question to wikipedia who was the most sucessful female group of all time.they said the spice girls i fell out on the floor.they are going by record sales.i dont believe that shit! thats what i get for asking
pissedoff7771 1 month ago
I swear, all of you people need to chill the freak out and enjoy the music that was left us. Sheesh!!!
terrybigteekemp 3 months ago
So sad....but, while Flo had a strong and decent voice, wasn't Diana's "light and pop sounding voice" the overall "sound" of The Supremes? If Flo could have somehow hung in there, until Diana went off on her own, wouldn't the Supremes then have consisted of Flo, Mary and maybe another gal singer? There really SHOULD be a true movie about the Supremes, and not just Dreamgirls, (which was ok, but not really the whole Supremes story) -
JohnnyGNV 4 months ago
Barry Gordy was so wrong for trying to throw his "own kind" in the trash- this is what I called black on black crime; I don't call this shit business, like some individuals would call it. What Gordy did was bullshit! to do this sista like he did! I don't give a crap how big he is; if he's done a wht. person this way, he would not be able to maintain his title of "bigness"! lol
charlene12341234 4 months ago
I have this theory that holland dozier holland (the songwriters for the supremes) quit motown over this "flo" thing.....they saw all this going on and they must have thought "we are getting screwed by motown too"; when they quit in 67 thats when motown got it back in spades; LOL
racer83racing 2 weeks ago
@racer83racing the work slowdown began around the beginning of June 1967. Their complaint was they wanted the publishing rights to their songs and creative control over their careers. They practically wanted to run Motown. Their contracts were lucrative for the times. It was coincidence that the slowdown and Flo's demise happened at the same time. When H-D-H left, The Supremes only put out 2 #1 hits in the 2 1/2 years prior to Diana's departure, with them it was 10 in 3 years.
terrybigteekemp 1 week ago
Her sister actually mentions in the documentary that she saw her physically abused sometimes, such as having a black eye.. no doubt it was Tommy. Nothing uncommon back then and now but I don't think he was the best fit for her caliber. There were definitely better choices for her around I feel.
PrelaE 6 months ago
Ramona, I dont deny that they got played by Motown yet they still honor Gordy whenever they win an award. Why is that?
I love Flo as a singer but perhaps she thought she was important in the group than she really was. She wasted all that time trying to correct her past foolish decisions instead of focusing on singing.
PrelaE 6 months ago
@PrelaE The thing is we all make foolish decisions in life. Not one of The Supremes was perfect. Flo's biggest mistake was not in marrying Chapman, but making him her manager with absolutely no prior experience on the business end of music. Also signing all of her hard work away with that awful severance contract. She let her emotions get the best of her. As far as Tommy, Flo never had a bad word to say about him. It's hard to determine the nature of that marriage.
terrybigteekemp 6 months ago
@terrybigteekemp He left her when she was left with nothing and came back when she won the settlement money. And later he sold her memoirs for $10,000 and spend all the funds Diana created for her children when she passed.
The money that she collected by the way was not that bad considering Diana only got a paltry 250k when she left Motown. It was in their contracts that individually they only made about $1 for every $100 worth of records sold, Mary explains this in her book.
PrelaE 6 months ago
@PrelaE In "The Lost Supreme" Tommy was around even when she was broke. Tommy had a job (can't remember where) and he was taking care of Flo and the girls. Then he got hired by Invictus (H-D-H's record company) and Flo thought it ridiculous of him to take less pay. She stated she kicked him out a few times then let him back in. So, he was really there, and even when he wasn't physically there, when he was employed, he sent them money. Either Flo is protecting him, or Tommy just gets a bad rap.
terrybigteekemp 6 months ago
@PrelaE It was more an on and off thing. When they were separated, Flo said they went out a lot. They would go to concerts, movies, or out to eat. She never mentioned any physical or emotional abuse, though I don't believe she would mention it if he did do those things. Unfortunately, after Flo's death Tommy left the children fatherless. As far as the money she got after Motown in 1968, she never saw a dime of it. Her attorney, Leonard Baun, took off with it. She and Tommy fought to get it back.
terrybigteekemp 6 months ago
APrelaE Flo DID NOT make the decision to leave The Supremes. Gordy fired her with the consent of Ross / Wilson Motown put Flo through hell, dogged her, DID NOT pay her what she earned. Flo made mistakes but in the end Gordy scammed Ross/Wilson as well. Flo fought a good fight against Gordy. Diana and Mary's books show them as stars plagued with there own sad issues.The Supremes got played, used and financially raped within one sided contracts at Motown. it is foolish to think otherwise. OK!
ramona2400 6 months ago
@terrybigteekemp Mr. Gordy can't believe his initial press release about Florence Ballard's ejection from The Supremes held water. There has been enough written by Ross, Wilson, Turner, and others that shed various degrees of light on what really MAY have really occurred. HOWEVER in these tapes Miss Ballard has spoken her OWN WORDS and made the reasons very clear. Flo's firing was one of the most underhanded examples of wickedness in show business to date. Listen to her pain clearly.
ramona2400 7 months ago
A movie about Flo Ballard has long been desired - however it will likely never be made while Diana Ross and Berry Gordy are alive. If you listen to Flo's statement here you will understand why. Her dislike of Gordy is documented here in her own words. Flo wanted to sue Berry Gordy and she says so here. Flo was abused by Motown and was treated horrible by all concerned including Ross, and Wilson. Flo was mislead and duped by all of them.
ramona2400 7 months ago
@ramona2400 Very true. There is no way that Gordy wants her story to get out. I just wish he would move on and let her voice be heard. What is he trying to cover up? Why did he push Flo, who was so talented, further and further into the background while she was with the group? People want answers but I'm sure Gordy doesn't care as long as he's living. Hopefully Peter Benjaminson will release the tapes in the near future. I most certainly will be getting them.
terrybigteekemp 7 months ago
@ramona2400 All these things that you say are probably due to Flo not being smart enough to control herself and the other many issues she had. Just read Mary's book. Yes she was a wonderful singer and she could have had a very successful career singing. However the decisions she made in life sucked! She should have played her part in the group until Diana and NOT marry that loser Chapman. Come on she married far below her league...perhaps she thought she was there herself??
PrelaE 6 months ago
You can tell by her voice that she's someone who doesnt take crap from anyone!!
Lightner445555555555 11 months ago
I think her mistake was signing all those papers without reading them or having someone break it down for her. That's sad how people swarmed around her when she was down.
MrSexxxy20 1 year ago
I wish someone would have been there who really cared about Flo to help her make these settlement decisions. It seems everyone involved was only out for their best interest and not Flo's.
bkttkb3214 1 year ago 2
they shouldve gotten someone else to play flo in the upcoming movie. faith is ok for someone else but not her. but thank GOD they are not putting beyonce in it. omg... thank you
MaryRSaunders 1 year ago
@MaryRSaunders What's wrong with Faith...not only does she bare a striking resemblance to Flo...she also has the life experience to play such a role, oh and she's easily one of the best R&B singers still out today! Her name will also help promote the film and in turn bring more light on Flo's life and legacy...
MeetTheSupremes 1 year ago
@MeetTheSupremes I don't have a problem with Faith. In most films based on real life characters, they do use voices of the actor imitating the real life figure and Faith's voice is nothing like Flo's. Her voice is way too soft and to me personally has nothing to offer Flo and her memory. And I really do not see any resemblance. I've seen many pictures of Flo and of course I'm familiar with Faith and there is no match there.
MaryRSaunders 1 year ago
@MaryRSaunders Well then you must be one of a few because a lot of people have always mentioned Faith when thinking of people to play Flo (me being one) and so I was overjoyed when I read the news. Secondly, Faith's voice is very powerful - nothing like Flo's - but she has a very gospel-influenced sound and she can really saaang! I would like it if Flo's recordings were used, but Faith is a great singer and I'm looking forward to this movie.
MeetTheSupremes 1 year ago
@MaryRSaunders I AGREE. I LIKE FAITH BUT HER VOICE IS DIFFERENT THAN FLO'S.
TheCounslor 11 months ago
@MeetTheSupremes btw do you know when this movie is supposed to be out or if it'll be in theater's or on television??
MaryRSaunders 1 year ago
@MaryRSaunders No, but I don't suppose it'll be out until at least the end of this year or sometime in 2012
MeetTheSupremes 1 year ago
@MeetTheSupremes ok I'll just keep posted and looking out for it. Thanks for your input btw :)
MaryRSaunders 1 year ago
@MaryRSaunders i think Faith is a food choice, she does favor flo but i'm not sure about the acting though tha'ts what concerns me i think Alexis Fields would've been a good choice but i just hope everything turns out well
babybluemsuic426 1 year ago
@MaryRSaunders haha i agree LOL
tcw00 1 year ago
@sentrialle lol first time someone made sense.. completely agree
MaryRSaunders 1 year ago
i;d hate to spam but spread the word about movie join the face book group called Blondie: the florence ballard story
babybluemsuic426 1 year ago 3
@babybluemsuic426 Post it as much as you like on my videos :D It's fine! I want the movie to be promoted too!
MeetTheSupremes 1 year ago
@babybluemsuic426 hi is the FB group name still the same? I typed it in and nothing came up =(
awarren92 10 months ago
@awarren92 it was deleted because of a switch and it's negative response i don't know what's goin on wih thee movie
babybluemsuic426 10 months ago
@babybluemsuic426 oh that sucks; I went on IMDB & saw they had it listed 2, Journee Smollett(?) was on the cast list
awarren92 10 months ago
@awarren92 YEAH faith was original to play flo but she walked and they got jurnee instead and that upset everyone
babybluemsuic426 10 months ago
@babybluemsuic426 smh I'm upset too! Man I'm very upset Faith needs to play that part
awarren92 10 months ago
smh, flo gets mistreated by her groupmate and boss, then fucked over by her attorney, not to mention marrying a punkass, i can't wait for the movie, Faith would do great as Flo
babybluemsuic426 1 year ago
Flo was just envious of Diana thats all.
99995555558888888 1 year ago
@99995555558888888 That is not true.
DetroitLives313 1 year ago
@99995555558888888 hahaha grow up, that's not the case at all
babybluemsuic426 1 year ago
While I feel sorry for all the crap Florence went through, I think she trashed her career and made alot of mistakes. A lot of the blame falls on her.
solovoyager 1 year ago
@solovoyager That's not true. She was fucked over by Berry Gordy and Diana Ross.
DetroitLives313 1 year ago 5
@DetroitLives313 I agree that Florence wasn't treated fairly. However, you don't show up at a gig drunk, just because you are pissed off. Florence did a lot of stupid things that helped to destroy here career. Sure Diana Ross was ambitious, but so what? That's show business. She worked hard for her success and I'm sure she took her share of shit during the process. Florence was the first to go solo and flopped.
solovoyager 1 year ago
@solovoyager You have bought the propaganda and I am sorry. You are not alone. Motown concocted that story about Diana Ross working so hard, goal driven etc etc. Florence did not drink half as much as Diana Ross does now and in the past. Florence was a threat to both Ross and Gordy and had to be GONE! Explain why they short changed her in income after leaving the group?
DetroitLives313 1 year ago 2
@DetroitLives313 I think you are the one who "bought the propaganda". Do you honestly believe Ross just sat on her ass and became famous? Do you honestly believe Gordy let Ross make company decisions? No one held a gun to Florence's head to sign a contract that was not in her best interest. Why didn't she hire an attorney to go over the fine print or get her a better deal. Especially if she believed Gordy was out to get her. She just made stupid decisions that came back to bite her.
solovoyager 1 year ago
@solovoyager Look don't fuck with me. I am not looking to debate. Diana Ross was a mother fucker and everyone around Detroit knew that about the bitch. She fucked everything moving to get what she got. So no more messages from you ok? They'll just be deleted unopened.
DetroitLives313 1 year ago 7
@solovoyager Flo had an attorney...in fact the settlement she got in 1975 that she used to buy a new house and car as she started to make her comeback came from the company that her attorney worked for. He had stolen A LOT of her setttlement money from Motown and she - after quite a few years - was able to successfully sue him and win compensation. Read Peter Benjaminson's book on Florence to get the full picture on her decline and comeback.
MeetTheSupremes 1 year ago 2
@MeetTheSupremes Flo didn't have representation when she was fired from Motown. She obtained legal counsel after the fact and after she signed her rights away. As for the large settlement; some of the money was a result of a slip and fall acccident years later.
solovoyager 1 year ago
@DetroitLives313 , LOL! Flo "fucked" herself. Perhaps if she hadn't focused on being an insubordinate, smart-aleck, loud mouthed, drunk ass cunt, she could have rode the wave like Mary did. At least Diana Ross fucked the right people, If it hadn't been for her, there would have been no Supremes as the world knows them. Regardless of what you think, Berry making Diana the figurehead of the group, changed their trajectory.
SpazChat 3 months ago
@SpazChat wow ''spaz chat'', is that ALL that comes out of your one-sided mouth, VENOM?!?!? It seems like that's all you SPEW when somebody has an opinion different from your own, now you slander DEAD PEOPLE. CONGRATS to you! You've now established a LOWER opinion of yourself for all to see
asl126 3 months ago
@asl126 , Yeah, the truth hurts doesnt it? None of you delusional Mary or Flo worshipers can accept the truth.
SpazChat 3 months ago
@SpazChat I only worship JESUS CHRIST, and the only thing that ''hurts'' right now is the time I am wasting by conversing back and forth with you
asl126 3 months ago
(cont) and listen to the superb lead vocals on "Keep Me Hangin' On" ... No amount of Flo, Cindy, Mary, Susaye, Lynda, Scherrie or Jean, would have made that a hit record.
SpazChat 3 months ago
@DetroitLives313 Diana Ross' oldest daughter was fathered by Barry Gordy. Florence Ballard is who got screwed by Gordy. Ross drank heavily and no doubt had plenty to drink about.
aprince4u 1 day ago
i seen Flo Last night she was singing live at Pipers in Newcastle !!.. Bloody great show , she sang all the old hits> Venus ,I want you Back , Robert DeNiro is waiting , Shy Boy , Karma Chameleon and Love in a first degree !!!!!
PirateSkip4 2 years ago
@PirateSkip4 What? Florence Ballard died in 1976 while making a comeback...are you sure you saw the same Flo talking in this video?
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
are u sure about that?
lubui2583 2 years ago
@lubui2583 Was that in reply to me or PirateSkip4?
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
pirateskip
lubui2583 2 years ago
@lubui2583 Oh ok lol. I was thinking the same thing!
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
maybe he meant Diana Ross.
lubui2583 2 years ago
no cause it wasn't true , Pipers Nitespot closed down 10 years ago !!!
PirateSkip4 2 years ago
Florence seemed so wonderful. She was fearless, beautiful, had a magnicificent speaking and singing voice. If only she had lived longer..
LoveForSure82 2 years ago 2
@LoveForSure82 Yes, if only, we might have been able to get the solo recordings to prove she could really let loose with her voice while on her own =(
Thanks for commenting.
- JLG | JonathanLGardner
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Sorry, but listening to this woman speak shows she was not only illiterate but a fool. Who but a fool would sign something without first reading and understanding it?
tommary1962 2 years ago
@tommary1962 She did make a foolish decision, however, she did trust her lawyer and remember, back in those days the artists were always shielded from the business side of things - one example is Motown itself. The artists never got a chance to find out those things.
You also have to remember she just wanted out of Motown and clearly thought her lawyer was looking out for her - when he was really just trying to steal her settlement money (which he did)
- JLG | JonathanLGardner
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
tommary1962.
NkrumahTure 2 years ago
Are you a lawyer?
NkrumahTure 2 years ago
@NkrumahTure Who? Me or tommary1962? lol
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
Answer the question: Are you a lawyer?
NkrumahTure 2 years ago 2
Not sure who you are asking, but if you are suggesting only a lawyer can understand a contract then you are as much a fool as she was.
tommary1962 2 years ago
You knew who I was addressing when the question was asked the first time, stop playing dumb..Or are you dumb? Just because you can insult someone from the safety of your computer screen (I suspect you have cowardly tendecies) does not mean you have the most remote idea why I ask that of you. But I'm going to tell you in the most basic manner so you can grasp it. Ready? Here we go... Since you aren't a lawyer, you don't know whether Miss Ballard could read or not. You weren't there, were you?
NkrumahTure 2 years ago
It amazing how people on youtube delude themselves into thinking they can second guess someone's actions of events that happened decades ago as if they were there when it happened. Those youtubers who insist on doing that are showing utter stupidity. My suggestion to you is to stop disrespecting someone who is famous from her music career but isn't here to defend her actions. Just be a fan like everyone else here, and stop trying to pontificate.
NkrumahTure 2 years ago 2
You're white aren't you?
NkrumahTure 2 years ago
You're talking to tommary1963 right? lol
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
I knew it was only a matter of time before someone played the race card...
tommary1962 1 year ago
@tommary1962: Your comment itself is a "race card". Try 400+ white dominated years. Can you count up that high? Ignorant MF.
NkrumahTure 1 year ago
Well, not many people second guess the ones they trust.
And only a fool, calls another a fool.
iluvflorenceballard 1 year ago
No. Only a fool does the same stupid things over and over again during their lifetime. And anyone who trusts people they hardly know - as did Flo - is indeed a fool. As is someone who cannot separate the person from what they do.
Telling the truth about an artist does not constitute disrespect. But if those of you who seem incapable of thinking would know that - IF you were any less foolish than she.
tommary1962 1 year ago
@tommary1962 Flo was not a FOOL, as you said like everyone does she made a mistake a foolish decision one the costs her dearly but at the time though alot of artists did not know the business if she's a fool then i guess everyone on motown was cause by the 80's everyone on motown was pretty much broke, so no need to judge her harshly though
babybluemusic426 1 year ago
lol wow how did this turn into "Beyonce pushing Kelly off of a stage"? I tell ya I just don't know what to think. Poor Kelly.
TrelleStar 2 years ago
And i told them they can stick it up they ass thats exactly what is said lol wow flo
CIAJISABEAST 2 years ago 11
omg i love flo even more for the comment at 1:28
jb1532 2 years ago 9
Beyonce whores? Excuse me, I posted this video.
I am the one trying to promote the great music of The Supremes. How dare you disrespect me like that.
I was just pointing out that she is very talented and shouldn't be disrespected like that for no reason. A lot of freedom is sacrificied when you reach Bey's level of fame.
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
Beyonce has no talent, is all marketing
Beyonce has a hot hot body that is what is selling, give her a few years and she will be old news!!
BobChippewa 2 years ago
Beyonce does have talent. She can outsing most of the girls out there today.
She has worked hard to get where she is and I think it is very unfair for you to put all her fame down to marketing.
I am sure there were people who made such remarks about Diana, but she is considered a legend now.
In fact, Bey has had more #1s than Diana and is well on her way to achieving legendary status.
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
AGREED
bobbywinterz 2 years ago
where can i get my hands on this entire interview??
SoulfulTimez 2 years ago
Peter Benjaminson has the interviews as he recorded them with Flo in 1975. However, he has not yet released the whole few hours that he has. I believe that he is looking for a distribitor/producer interested in releasing the tapes.
Go to thelostsupreme[dot]com
Thanks for watching and commenting SoulfulTimez =)
- JLG | JonathanLGardner
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
i have always thought Destiny's Child was this generation's version of the supremes and i am right
2cherylcxko313 2 years ago
Sort of - except DC are yet to have 12 US #1 hits (they've had four). ALSO, the 'Flo' figures in the group (LaTavia and LeToya) are doing well for themselves - LeToya in particular whose debut album debuted at #1 in the US (her new one comes out August 25th). Another point is, leads are shared very well in DC between Bey, Kelly and Michelle and even in the LeToya days they were at least shared with Bey and Kelly.
However, Flo and Mary rarely got to sing leads - live or on albums
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
i always figure the similarities because of the major control issues there i mean beyonce pushed michelle off stage on purpose and didnt even care and it's nice to that latavia and letoya are doing well they really deserve better after berry i mean matthew lol kicked them out of the group and nobody really knows except a few people that flo had a album of her songs release like 10 years ago and you can listen to them on here on youtube actually also thanks for replying your videos are so nice
2cherylcxko313 2 years ago
I can see your points. Thanks for commenting.
However, I still think all the members of DC has it alot easier - simply because of the time we live in.
If The Supremes were now, news of Flo being kicked out would be worldwide (thanks to the internet). ALSO news of her solo career would spread quickly and widely thanks to technology nowadays and I doubt she would have flopped had things had been how they are now in 1968
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
Beyonce has never pushed Michelle offstage!
NateNH 2 years ago
Ooo I have met Michelle twice! Her latest album is sooo good =D
She is really nice and down to earth and she gave me a hug =D
She reminds me of Flo a bit - in that she's so REAL and funny =P
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
Wow! Florence's real hair was long. She looks better without wigs.
Kimberlene 2 years ago
I agree =D
Thanks for commenting Kimberlene =D
Have a nice day.
- JLG | JonathanLGardner
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
this is for the daughters of Florence Ballard they need to tell their mother's story the real story of how their mother struggled with her career and family life. This would be a great family project an this would clear up and also cleanse any mixed emotions.
speedblue3 2 years ago
Well Maxine Ballard (Flo's sister) is working on a second book about Flo - maybe Flo's daughters will get some input in it =)
Thanks for commenting speedblue3.
Have a wonderfully FLOriffic day - it's her b'day today
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
It's so sad that childhood friends who shared a dream got torn apart from their Hollywood exposure. Diana didn't have to be so mean to Mary and Flo. During the Motown 25th Reunion, she was very mean and distateful to Mary. I'm glad she finally got scrutinized in 99 when she was terrible to Mary too while organizing another reunion show, only offering her 2 mil, while demanding 15 for herself. Her attitude is terrible and, to me, tarnishes any idea of a singer I would look up to.
eliko21 2 years ago
Times have changed too. Flo would have done better in today's environment where stong minded independent woman are admired instead of undermined. She agreed not to hold Dianna's career back, but unfortunately it was she that was held back and not able to blossum to her real potential.
dtseattle 2 years ago 4
Well, today, even if she left Motown how she did - it would be ALL over the press. PLUS, I could imagine Flo on YouTube posting vlogs and giving fans updates on her album and promoting her singles. I doubt she would have flopped in today's world - just look at LETOYA Luckett of Destiny's Child (her debut album released in 2006 debuted at #1 in the US and even charted here in the UK and now she is getting ready to release her second)
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
and doesn't Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child remind you of Mary??
AzzedineAliaFan 2 years ago
Ever so slightly. I'm glad that Kelly and LeToya are both doing amazing in their solo careers =D
eToya's new album comes out soon and is amazing and Kelly's most recent single with David Guetta - When Love Takes Over - recently peaked at #1 in the UK =D
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
Good for her, in the U.S. they don't give her a chance, she tries, but it's just not working, she needs to revamp and come back out strong, she's not really a dancer, i don't know what will work for her (Kelly). I like LeToya, i wasn't feeling the lead single off of the second Cd but i will support her, i hate Pappa Knowles for trying to sabatoge her career, i hope her 2nd CD does well. Also I HATE Rowland on "The FAshion Show" that is not a good fit. They should have asked Verionica Webb.
AzzedineAliaFan 2 years ago
Kelly's album seems to sell well in the US...but the singles....such a shame as she has had 5 top 10 hits in the UK - 2 being #1!!!
NOT ANYMORE is a good song (I covered it on my channel THEJLG) however I think she needs to start promoting the new one SHE AIN'T GOT now as it's very up-tempo and is H O T (take a listen - it's very good!).
Mr Knowles needs to let Michelle Williams get some shine!!!
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
Michelle Williams needs to just find new mgmt, becuase pappa knowles does not have her best interests at heart as you can see by how far her career is going, Kelly FINALLY left him. I'm sorry i bought her cd, (Kelly) but it's a bore, she bores me, bless her heart . . .
AzzedineAliaFan 2 years ago
I don't have MS KELLY but I know her new album is gonna be a m a z in g when she actually makes one. Could you imagine more great songs like WHEN LOVE TAKES OVER =D
I agree about Michelle needing new management - her latest album UNEXEPECTED was praised by many reviewers yet it wasn't promoted!
It's nice to know that Michelle is promoting herself in the UK though - doing quite a few interviews on day time tv talking about her role as Roxie Hart in CHICAGO on the West End
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
Well i'm glad she's getting some attention over in the UK, here she's not getting any. It's sad, for her to compete here she has to really come out of the box with something differnt/catchy to grab people's attention, and sadly she hasn't done that yet :-( Americans are so fickle/critical.
AzzedineAliaFan 2 years ago
A big shame as she has one of the most distinctive and unique voices in the business today and she is so fun and down-to-earth and like I said "Unexpected" is a great album.
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
it is sad, you have to be a performer (dancer) and a singer to catch people's eyes these days, they want the whole package, and you don't have to be a stellar singer, just come out half naked and that'll get everyone's attention (not mines of course).
AzzedineAliaFan 2 years ago
Very true! BUT those performers tend to be one hit wonders - the R E A L performers like Beyonce and Kelly have staying power!
Hopefully, I'll be able to add LeToya to that list - we'll just have to see how LADY LOVE does when it's released on August 25th.
Oh, by the way, the music video for LeToya's HOT new summer anthem single SHE AIN'T GOT was released like 2 days ago and is on YouTube =D
Thanks for having this little discussion with me.
- JLG | JonathanLGardner
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
YES!!! 100%
thesinger 2 years ago
Its clear that Dianna, Barry, and Motown were threatened by the talents and assertiveness of Flo. Otherwise they would not have treated her so maliciously - there would be no need to. Not allowing to say she was a Supreme was rediculous. There is no place for that kind of disrepect, especially with the Superstardom she had acheived.
dtseattle 2 years ago 2
I agree. At least let her mention her past if nothing else. Then maybe she could have had a hit on the R&B charts - there was potential in songs like Love Ain't Love, Forever Faithful, Like You Babe, Everything Wonderful and My Heart
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
her story makes me feel so sad!
mthoshushine1 2 years ago 3
I can totally understand why =(
Thanks for commenting.
- JLG | JonathanLGardner
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
fuck these cotton pickers, Long live Flo
huge10inchdick 2 years ago 2
amen.haha
nippyhforever 2 years ago
they were so mean to flo. i think flo has the best voice and is the coolest. She is not a shoew of like diana ross. Flo we miss you.
millymille1 2 years ago
Who had the best voice is still debateable but I definately agree about her being the coolest and most down to earth =D
Thanks for commenting.
- JLG | JonathanLGardner
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
Gordy was a Master Strategist. In time, D. Ross, became just as adept. Every move they made seemed to have had a larger purpose in view. It certainly didnt hurt that Diana Ross had that , hard to put your finger on hypnotic It quality about her. Flo and Mary didnt stand a chance! They chose to "go with the flow". In the end, this cost both of them. Had they both joined forces to become more astute businesswomen, the story may have ended quite differently.
dreamcatcher58 2 years ago
they were kis's and in that time there was no one to set that standard for them.Sure it's easy to say these day's.There's a lot of examples,But Not so much then.But overall you're right though.Alot of things would be different if folks banded together.Devide and concor.
jdominod1 2 years ago
If Flo and Mary didn't go along the group would not have reached the heights they did and Diana wouldn't have gotten as big as she did - she needed the group to launch her solo career.
When Flo got fed up of "going along" she was booted.
There was little they could do
MeetTheSupremes 2 years ago
Michael Roshkind is a S.O.B.!!!
CapricornDavo 2 years ago
florence is not a lost supreme she was with them in ther most famous days
clarkcrazed 3 years ago
That's what the book is called LOL.
I think by lost the author was referring not only to her death (lost/gone from the world) but also the loss in what could have been for Florence had she not passed away when she did
MeetTheSupremes 3 years ago
I Love Flo....She Was So Real....RIP. I Wonder Where Can You Get The Entire 8 Hours of The Interview? I Would Love To Hear It....
moetdawun2k4 3 years ago
Peter Benjaminson (author of the critically acclaimed "The Lost Supreme: The Life of Dreamgirl Florence Ballard") has the full 8 hours.
I believe he is looking for a major distributor interested in releasing the recordings on cd
MeetTheSupremes 3 years ago
TOTALLY EXPLOITED!!disgraceful!
jayneee49 3 years ago
Exactly, thanks for watching and commenting.
- JLG (JonathanLGardner)
MeetTheSupremes 3 years ago
first time i have heard a thing about this,,i think its terrible and the royalties from that movie should definatley be handed over to the daughters and family its outrageous,, diabolical actually!!
jayneee49 3 years ago
Well yes. It is particularly saddening because Flo tried to do the right thing by getting herself proffessional representation concerning the settlement yet was still undone and cheated, (the attorney stole some of the settlement money).
MeetTheSupremes 3 years ago
with motowns 50th aniversary here, and all their emphasis on "family" they need to make it right, and give Flo's royalties to her children, all the money they screwed her out of.... it's not too late to make things right, Motown.
jpptown58 3 years ago 2
AND they need to release Flo's ABC album in STEREO and with a disc full of ALTERNATE TAKES and REHEARSALS as I heard that Motown has the master tapes from Flo' ABC sessions.
MeetTheSupremes 3 years ago
J-G you the man.
FlorenceFloBallard 3 years ago
Haha. I was annoyed there was no pic of her there anymore at the top =P
Please check out my other account: THEJLG
=P
MeetTheSupremes 3 years ago
I'n so glad somebody reworte flo's wikpedia page. It is so much better with a much better picture.
FlorenceFloBallard 3 years ago
Well I helped with a bit of that - I didn't re-write anything BUT I added the picture as I think it's a beautiful one of Flo and people need to see how pretty she was. I also added - the rather messy looking - section that has a list of Flo's leads as a Supreme.
MeetTheSupremes 3 years ago
yeah i really appreciate the new look you did on wiki, it looks great now
tayishere202 3 years ago
I also added more on The Supreme Florence Ballard album page on wikipedia. I added the producers on the album, the song lengths, the song writers and 2 more links to reviews of the album =)
MeetTheSupremes 3 years ago
you rock babe:) im going to check it out
tayishere202 3 years ago
This is CLASSIC! This is the first time I've heard Florence's voice!!!
belgusto 3 years ago
Oh wow. When I had my JonathanLGardner account I had these videos up from the first months of the year xD and you have only just found them xD
Well I'm glad you like them =)
Thanks for commenting.
Have a wonderfully s u p r e m e day.
MeetTheSupremes 3 years ago
I wish Flo would have lived. She would have had a good second solo career, and who knows, today she could have been touring alongside Mary and Cindy doing her own Supremes reunion as the lead.
HigherEducation2010 3 years ago
In fact, maybe if Flo had lived - a real reunion would have happened.
It was sad she died BUT her death brought attention to her story and how the music business can be...
MeetTheSupremes 3 years ago
Flo looks better then.Diana but she sounds old on this.
clarkcrazed 3 years ago
Flo was beautiful. She always had a mature sounding talking voice PLUS she was just over 30 when this interview was recorded and she had just been through alot.
MeetTheSupremes 3 years ago
God sees all and knows all that we do, good and bad. He will deal with each one of us accordingly. God rest her soul.
TriviaOne 3 years ago 2
I agree. Thank you for commenting.
God bless you.
Have a wonderfully s u p r e m e day.
MeetTheSupremes 3 years ago
mmmmmmmmm hmmmmmmmmm honey we all feel for you, berry you ever, EVER come to England I'll hunt you down boy, god he make my blood boil, THAT BASTARD.
pandallama1234 3 years ago
We Love You Flo
that's the only thing I want to say
we believe your story honey
we know how berry and some others treated you.
love you honey <3
Individuell83 3 years ago 2
Omg can you believe some hoe rated the vid low. Just because the Diana lovers can't stand to hear the truth!
THEJLG 3 years ago 2
Oceanbound he commented he rated he went
anyway we hate this guy
he's blocked now on all your videos he'll never get the true story and what ever
I'm happy if I don't see him and his comments
Individuell83 3 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I do not believe her story about the drinking. Something does not make sense. And, if signs papers without reading them, who is to blame ??
oceanbound222 3 years ago
Why would she want to continue reading more of the papers that clearly says, she wasn't allowed to tell anyone she was in The Supremes, a group SHE began and then saying she was worth 15,000 is just wrong. I believe this woman.
heartandsoul22 3 years ago
Ignore oceanbound222, he just loves to piss Flo and Mary fans off.
He has been blocked from both my channels =D
I think Flo was good to get herself a lawyer and whatever but she was definately unstable at the time, she was hurt, bitter but excited that she was getting married and possibly at the future and what it would hold.
She NEEDED her lawyer to do his job properly but he did the complete opposite and allowed her to sign away her ability to recieve royalties so he could get money
MeetTheSupremes 3 years ago
I agree that it was the smart thing to get a lawyer but this man didn't have ANY experince for that type of case. And yeah she was bitter and hurt but I don't blame her. No one should be treated like that. Berry Gordy really tore them girls apart.
heartandsoul22 3 years ago 2
I don't think it had much to do with his experience, he just wanted her money. She even sued him. Gosh, Flo made some bad decisions but wow was life so hard on her.
This is what wikipedia says about Flo and Tommy's management agency, Talent Management, Inc:
"This agency, created by lawyers who had no previous experience in show business, was headed by Leonard Baun, an attorney Ballard would later fire and sue upon discovering he was already facing multiple charges of embezzlement."
MeetTheSupremes 3 years ago
Wow! Yes, I actually wrote the wikipedia passage you just referred to! I feel proud :-) Anyway, Flo's dealings with Leonard Baun are all very carefully laid out in Peter Benjaminson's book, "The Lost Supreme: The Life of Dreamgirl Florence Ballard." I'd recommend reading it - it's thoroughly researched and sometimes eye-opening.
Baun had already embezzled money from four other people by the time he got to Flo. Only thing was, those four people were already dead. Flo sued and he was disbarred.
bcoombs1988 3 years ago
^Amen! Thanks MTS for these vids
CherryBlossomskt 3 years ago 3
Was that in reply t my comment or his LOL.
You can call me JLG or Jonathan =D
My other account is,
youtube . com / THEJLG - without spaces
MeetTheSupremes 3 years ago