On This Day in 1943: Florence Ballard, Founding Member of The Supremes, Is Born

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In this Oct. 8, 1964 file photo, The Supremes, from left, Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diana Ross, perform during a reception for them in a hotel, in London. (AP Photo/Bob Dear, File)
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(AURN News) — On June 30, 1943, Florence Ballard was born in Detroit.

A founding member of The Supremes, alongside Diana Ross and Mary Wilson, Ballard had a powerful, soulful voice and helped shape the sound of one of Motown’s most iconic groups.

She sang lead on “Buttered Popcorn,” helped choose the name The Supremes and performed on 16 Top 40 hits.

Behind the glamour, Ballard faced painful struggles. After tensions with Motown, she was removed from the group in 1967 and replaced by Cindy Birdsong. Her career and finances declined in the years that followed.

Florence Ballard passed away on February 22, 1976, at just 32 years old.

The story of Florence Ballard remains one of extraordinary talent, heartbreak and the price too many Black women have paid in the music industry.

Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Clay Cane. Follow @claycane & @aurnonline for more.

Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, writer, radio host, and political commentator. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in African-American Studies, his work on race, culture, and politics have appeared in national publications, including the Washington Post, CNN, and The Grio. Clay is a regular political commentator on MSNBC. Twitter: @claycane

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