Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Series: The Supremes Quiz

Answer: The Primettes

The Primettes were actually a quartet who sang with a group called The Primes. The Primes were an early group that featured Eddie Kendrick who eventually went on to star with The Temptations. The Supremes changed their name when they moved to Motown and dropped their fourth member.

Answer: Florence Ballard

Florence was the oldest, born on June 30, 1943. Mary was the "middle child" of the group. Her birthday was March 6, 1944. Finally, Diana, who ended up becoming the biggest star, was youngest; her birthday was 20 days after Mary's.

Answer: Where Did Our Love Go

All of these songs were part of that miraculous run. The one missing, and the last number one released was titled "Back in My Arms Again". The run started on August 22, 1964 and ran through June 12, 1965. The Beatles are the only other act to chart five consecutive number ones in the history of tracking chart rankings.

Answer: Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland and Eddie Holland

When the team of Holland-Dozier-Holland moved to 2648 West Grand Blvd., to Hitsville U.S.A., they created an immediate formula for success where songwriting was concerned. The guys teamed up to write some of the best of The Supremes hits including: "Baby Love", "Come See About Me" and "I Hear a Symphony".

Answer: Lupine Records

When The Supremes recorded for Lupine Records, they were a quartet. In addition to Ballard, Ross and Wilson, the fourth member was named Barbara Martin. Martin eventually left the group to pursue a solo career. The act recorded on Lupine in 1960 before joining up with Motown in 1961.

Answer: Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles

Patti LaBelle and Birdsong were friends when they teamed up to form The Ordettes in 1960. When they added Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash, they became The Bluebelles. After Ballard's departure from The Supremes, Birdsong jumped at the chance to land the coveted gig with The Supremes. Ballard's is one of the more tragic stories involving any of the girl groups of the 1960s.

She died penniless and on welfare in 1976.

Answer: False

The Supremes were a great group, future Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, but they never earned a Grammy. They were nominated twice, once in 1965 and again in 1966, but they never could secure the award.

Answer: Jean Terrell

Although all of these ladies were with The Supremes after Diana Ross left, it was Jean Terrell that Berry Gordy Jr. picked to replace Ross after she departed for solo superstardom. Gordy had watched Terrell perform in Miami and signed her to his label, eventually deciding she would be the one to replace Diana Ross.

Answer: Las Vegas

The final performance to feature Diana Ross with The Supremes was held at the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas on January 14, 1970.

Answer: Dreamgirls

"Dreamgirls" was a successful Broadway production which was made into a feature length film. The story received mixed reviews from various members of The Supremes. Mary Wilson was a huge fan of the musical while Diana Ross refuses to even acknowledge it. The movie version starred Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Beyonce Knowles and Danny Glover.