Former Ladies of the Supremes


The Former Ladies of the Supremes, or FLOS, is a singing group that was originally formed by former Supremes members Jean Terrell, Cindy Birdsong and Scherrie Payne, in 1986. Though they weren't Supremes members, singers Sundray Tucker, Freddi Poole and Joyce Vincent have also sung with the group.

Biography

Early years

In 1985, eight years after the Supremes officially broke up in 1977, Scherrie Payne, was signed to SuperStar International Records, a Los Angeles based record company. Ronnie Phillips and SuperStar approached her with the idea of reforming the Supremes, to which she agreed, and called on former Supremes Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong. Wilson declined, instead opting to forge a solo career, while Birdsong agreed and coaxed former Supreme Jean Terrell to join the new Supremes group.
The three of them set about forming a new incarnation of The Supremes, although due to contractual difficulties over the ownership of the name decided to create an entirely new group under the name "FLOS", The Former Ladies of the Supremes. Before the FLOS got off the ground, Birdsong left for a solo career; recording briefly for U.K. based Hi-Hat Records. Former Supreme Lynda Laurence joined the lineup, replacing Cindy Birdsong just as she had in 1972; and in 1986, the group was officially formed. The group released the song "We're Back", backed with "Getaway", as 12-inch versions. It featured all three ladies showcasing their vocals with a contemporary pop sound. Because SuperStar International Records did not have national distribution, the song failed to chart and the label soon folded. The group began touring around this time, making their debut at The Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles in 1987. Former Supreme Mary Wilson came along to show support to her former groupmates at this concert. Backing vocals at this concert were provided by Lynda's sister and soon-to-be group member, Sundray Tucker.

Motorcity Records

In 1989, the FLOS signed to British producer Ian Levine's Motorcity Records project, joining a roster of former Motown artists at the label. The first single by the FLOS on the new label was an original tune called "Crazy 'bout the Guy", released during that summer, and featuring Jean on lead vocals. This single, together with all releases by the group on the Motorcity Records label ran the credit as Jean, Scherrie & Lynda Formerly of The Supremes. The follow-up single was a re-make of the classic Supremes hit "Stoned Love" which saw Scherrie and Jean splitting lead vocal duties between one another. The single's b-side contained a live version of "Crazy 'bout the Guy". The next single was "I Want to Be Loved", showcasing the lead vocals of all three ladies; the b-side contained two remixes of the track. The final single for Motorcity, the Lynda-led "Hit & Miss", was released in 1991 and the ladies were credited as 'The Supremes'. Since then, all of their back catalogue of recordings made for Motorcity are marketed as just 'The Supremes'. The ladies also released a single with label-mates The Originals, an original tune called "Back By Popular Demand". An album called "Bouncing Back" was scheduled to be released, but the label ran into financial difficulties before it could come to fruition. The album eventually was released by various labels. One song scheduled for inclusion on the album was "How Do You Keep The Music Playing", which has since become a staple of the group's live act.

Exit Jean, Enter Sundray

The FLOS' lineup changed again, when in late December 1992, Jean Terrell left and was replaced by Lynda's sister Sundray Tucker. Sundray made her concert debut with the group in March 1993 when the group made another tour of the country. Several shows from the tour were recorded but have not been released. One track taken from this tour, "Sukiyaki", saw release on the limited edition album Something Special which featured several tracks by the group, as well as solo tracks by both Lynda and Cindy Birdsong.
In 1994, The FLOS released their first studio album with Sundray Tucker on board. The resulting album, Supreme Voices, featured all three ladies taking lead vocal duties. Scherrie, Lynda & Sundray shared lead vocals on three songs, "Give Me the Night", a remake of the George Benson classic hit; a remake of their 1970's Supremes hit, "Up The Ladder To The Roof", which featured guest vocals by former Supreme Cindy Birdsong; and "How Do You Keep The Music Playing".
The following year another album produced by Steve Weaver was released entitled Supremely Yours. Following on the same format as the previous album, all three ladies would have equal number of lead vocals and they'd also share lead vocals on three songs "Stop to Love", "Feel Like Making Love" and another '70s Supremes classic "Touch". Steve recorded over 40 songs with the ladies, most of them now released.
Later in the year of 1995, the ladies were invited to perform with Mel Carter at an engagement, which was recorded and released as '' and this was released as a CD and DVD.

Exit Sundray, Enter Freddi

Sundray remained with the group for four years, contributing to several albums and establishing herself with fans before being replaced by Freddi Poole. In 1996, Sundray left the trio and Jean Terrell made a brief comeback to the group, reuniting with both Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence for two special concerts held at the Industry Cafe in Los Angeles. This reunion coincided with the recruitment of Freddi Poole in July 1996. Poole, an established singer who had worked with the likes of Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight and Sammy Davis Jr., stayed with the group until September 2009.

Exit Freddi, Enter Joyce

On September 29, 2009, it was reported on Scherrie and Lynda's website that Freddi had left the group, later to join another female trio The Three Degrees. With Freddi's departure, Joyce Vincent Wilson of Tony Orlando and Dawn officially joined The Former Ladies. In a twist of fate, Vincent had once been considered a replacement in an official grouping of Supremes ; iIt was later decided by Motown that the group should not continue without an original member, and the Supremes disbanded in 1977.

Exit Lynda, Enter Susaye

On October 6, 2017, it was reported via Facebook that after 31 years Lynda Laurence had departed the group to move into other areas of the music business and was replaced by former Motown Supreme Susaye Greene. Greene was a member of The Supremes from early 1976 to summer of 1977, and performed on their last two albums, "High Energy" and "Mary, Scherrie & Susaye".

Keeping the Music Playing – Musical Highlights

In 1996, Jean Terrell returned to the group for several "reunion" shows; this after the departure of Sundray Tucker. Eventually, Freddi Poole joined the group, and Jean departed once again.
In 2000, Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence joined Diana Ross, and toured on the brief and later cancelled Return To Love tour. The Ladies made TV appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, VH1 Divas Live, and The View.
In 2001, the FLOS recorded "Light the World " written by Scherrie and Lynda. The trio performed the anthem at the Small Country Olympics opening ceremony in Italy the same year.
In 2005, the FLOS were honored by the Hollywood History Museum. The museum presented an exhibit showcasing the Ladies' contribution to The Supremes' legacy and their FLOS' history. Scherrie and Lynda donated stage gowns and shoes from their personal collection for the display along with photos, record albums, tour books, and posters.
In July, 2006, "Sisters United " was debuted at the group's twentieth anniversary concert at The Music Box in Hollywood. Scherrie and Lynda honored all of the Ladies who contributed to the recording and performing success of the Supremes. They presented the Ladies with personalized trophies. In attendance were former Supremes Cindy Birdsong and Susaye Greene, and former FLOS' member Sundray Tucker.
In January 2009, Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence rang in the 2009 New Year in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia. In August 2009, the Former Ladies released "Good Intentions", a song produced by Lynda's son Trevor Lawrence and written by Lynda's daughter in-law, Alicia Lawrence.
In November, 2009, The Ladies performed in the Diva's of Motown show in the UK alongside Thelma Houston, Brenda Holloway, Mable John, Chris Clark and Jack Ashford's Funk Brothers
In February, 2010, The Ladies performed at the Second Aid benefit concert for Hiati in Losa Angeles, CA. That same month Scherrie and Lynda were honored by the AV Black Chamber of Commerce for Black History Month.
On June 21, 2017, shortly after sound check, Joyce became ill and was sent to the hospital. Scherrie and Lynda continued as a duo; this was the first time in over thirty years the group performed with just two members onstage. This would also be their last performance with Lynda.

Forty Years Later; Fantasy Becomes Reality

In 1977, when Mary Wilson departed the Supremes for a solo career, it was reported that Scherrie and Susaye would continue the group with a new third member. Scherrie and Susaye selected Joyce Vincent to round out the trio. Instead, Motown Records decided that without any original members, the Supremes would be disbanded. With Lynda's departure and the addition of Susaye, the "fantasy" line up of Scherrie, Susaye, and Joyce has now become reality.

Personnel

Singles

Superstar International Records
Motorcity Records
Driving Wheel Records
New Material
  1. "Baby Love"
  2. "Stop! In the Name of Love"
  3. "Love Child"
  4. "Crazy About The Guy"
  5. "Stoned Love"
  6. "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me"
  7. "I Want To Be Loved"
  8. "Back By Popular Demand"
  9. "Hit And Miss" co-written by Scherrie
  10. "Nathan Jones"
  11. "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me" co-written by Scherrie
  1. "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" – all three ladies on lead vocals
  2. "Rescue Me" – Lynda on lead vocals
  3. "Road To Freedom" – Lynda on lead vocals
  4. "Keep On Loving Me" – Scheerie on lead vocals, co-written by Scherrie
  5. "Give Me The Night" – all three ladies on lead vocals
  6. "Breaking & Entering" – Lynda on lead vocals
  7. "Don't Rock My World" – Scherrie on lead vocals, co-written by Scherrie
  8. "I'm A Fool For Love" – lead vocals by Sundray
  9. "Piano" – Scherrie on lead vocals
  10. "Up the Ladder to the Roof" – all three "ladies" on lead vocals.
  11. "Somewhere Out There" – Lynda on lead vocals
  1. "Feel Like Making Love" – all three ladies share lead vocals
  2. "Who Do You Love" – Scherrie on lead vocals
  3. "Just Like That" – Sundray on lead vocals
  4. "Stop To Love" – all three ladies share lead vocals
  5. "Private Number" – Lynda on lead vocals
  6. "First Time on A Ferris Wheel" – Scherrie on lead vocals
  7. "Colours of Love" – Lynda on lead vocals
  8. "Stop! I Don't Need No Sympathy" – Sundray on lead vocals
  9. "I Still Believe" – Lynda on lead vocals
  10. "Never Can Say Goodbye" – Sundray on lead vocals
  11. "If I Love Again" – Scherrie on lead vocals
  12. "Sweet Freedom" – Lynda on lead vocals
  13. "Suave" – Lynda on lead vocals
  14. "Touch" – all three ladies share lead vocals
  15. "Private Number" Slammin' Jammin' Mix
Although the three groups above did tour together extensively throughout Europe in 1997 on the same bill, the recordings featured on the above compact disc album were used from three separate projects of previously released live shows from each group, digitally remastered and edited by Steve Weaver.