Writer of Pop Culture

Originally called the Primettes, the Supremes produced well-known hits such as “Where Did Our Love Go”, “Baby Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love”. They were not an overnight success, but through perseverance, they became the most commercially successful Motown act.

1966 – The Supremes: First All-Female Music Group to Make #1

Formed in Detroit, Michigan, The Primettes were an all-female music group that was intended to serve as a sister act to the all-male group, The Primes (who later became The Temptations). The original members included Florence Ballard, Betty McGlown, Mary Wilson and Diana Ross. They all met while they were still in school.

Performing at local sock hops and whatnot, the women recorded their first single (Tears of Sorrow/Pretty Baby) for Lu Pine Records in 1960. But unfortunately, the single didn’t generate a lot of attention. Shortly afterward, Barbara Martin jumped in when McGlown left the group to get married.

In 1961, Berry Gordy from Motown Records agreed to sign the group on the label, but only after they changed their name. Names that were floated around included The Darleens, The Sweet P’s, The Melodees, The Royaltones and The Jewelettes, but settled on The Supremes. In 1962, Martin left the group to start a family.

Making a Name for Themselves

By 1963, the trio released six singles, but again, none of them made it up to become one of the Top 40 songs. But things were about to change. On this day in 1966, the Supremes became the first all-female group to have a No. 1 selling album with The Supremes A ‘Go-Go. In 1967, they started going by the name of Diana Ross and the Supremes.

By 1969, the group had released an even dozen of Billboard Hot 100 No.1 singles. They became the most commercially successful Motown act. They still hold the record for being America’s most successful vocal group.

Other the years, ten women had been a part of The Supremes including Cindy Birdsong, Lynda Laurence, Scherrie Payne and Susaye Greene. In 1970, Diana Ross left the group to pursue a solo career (and she’s done okay, I guess), but the Supremes continued to perform until 1977 ending an 18-year run.

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OTHER EVENTS THAT HAPPENED ON THIS DAY:

2020 – The Year Without a Santa Claus

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the department store chain Macy’s announced on this day in 2020 that Santa Claus would not be making an appearance in its stores ending a 159-year holiday tradition.

Since 1947, children have climbed up on Santa’s lap to tell him what they wanted for Christmas, but not that year. Santa did make appearances through a “virtual engagement” on the company’s website and Santa did show up for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but that too was limited. It was shown for television audiences only.

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2004 – ‘Surviving Christmas’ Didn’t Survive Christmas

DreamWorks didn’t have a lot of faith in their movie, Surviving Christmas which starred Ben Affleck. Though originally planned as a 2003 holiday release, it was pushed back 10 months to avoid competition against Paycheck, another Affleck film (or an attempt to bury the movie).

Jon Favreau was in talks of directing Surviving Christmas but chose to direct Elf instead – good move Jon! With Mike Mitchell in the director’s chair, the movie didn’t have a chance. It didn’t even have a completed script! This led to a lot of improvised lines, arguments and delays.

Starring James Gandolfini, Christina Applegate and Catherine O’Hara, the movie was about an obnoxious millionaire who pays a family that he’s never met to allow him to spend Christmas with them.

Despite the fact that this is a Christmas movie, it opened in theaters on this day, over a week before Halloween and closed before Thanksgiving. Having only made a little over $15 million against a $45 million budget, the movie was made available on DVD just in time before Christmas.

Is there any surprise that Surviving Christmas was nominated for three Razzies for Worst Picture, Actor and Screenplay? Surprisingly, it won none of them.

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