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Former Ladies of the Supremes

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The Former Ladies of the Supremes, or FLOS (now "Scherrie and Lynda, Formerly of the Supremes"), is a singing group that was formed by former Supremes members Jean Terrell, Cindy Birdsong and Scherrie Payne, in 1986. Though they weren't actually 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. 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 (Mary Wilson was involved in lengthy lawsuits with Motown over ownership and rights to 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 about the Guy" (MOTC 13), 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" (MOTC 56) which saw Scherrie and Jean splitting lead vocal duties between one another. The single's b-side contained a live version of "Crazy about the Guy". The next single was "I Want to Be Loved" (MOTC 77), 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" (MOTC 88), was released in 1991 and the ladies were credited as 'The Supremes' and all of their back catalogue of recordings made for Motorcity are marketed as just 'The Supremes' since then. The ladies also released a single with label-mates The Originals, called "Back By Popular Demand", an original tune, which Laurence has stated as one of her favorite songs on the Motorcity label. An album called "Bouncing Back" was scheduled to be released but the label ran into financial difficulties before it could be released. 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 (produceed by Steve Weaver in 1998) 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 'Mel Carter: Live In Hollywood' 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 Joyce Vincent had officially joined The Former Ladies. No explanation was given for Freddi's sudden departure. In a twist of fate, Vincent had once been considered a replacement in an official grouping of Supremes (after Mary Wilson's departure). It was later decided by Motown that the group should not continue without an original member, and the Supremes disbanded in 1977.

Keeping the Music Playing

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 (With the Flame of Love)." The lyrics were 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 (We're Taking Control)" 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 (Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard, Cindy Birdsong, Jean Terrell, Lynda Laurence, Scherrie Payne, and Susaye Greene - however they forgot to include Betty McGlown and Barbara Martin, original members from the early years before the group's success). They presented the Ladies with personalized trophies. In attendance were former Supremes Cindy Birdsong and Susaye Greene, and former FLOS' member Sundray Tucker. September 2006 saw the group depart for a tour of Australia.

In January 2009, Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence (with Poole) 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. The song is available exclusively through iTunes.

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 Payne and Lynda Laurence, Formerly of The Supremes, were honored by the AV Black Chamber of Commerce for Black History Month.

Scherrie Payne, Lynda Laurence and Joyce Vincent still continue to tour all over the world and record new material, currently working on a CD being produced by Steve Weaver. The new CD will consist entirely of covers - songs that are personal favourites of each member and their producer with a working title of Supremely Yours II.

Personnel

  • Scherrie Payne, Jean Terrell, and Cindy Birdsong (1986)
  • Scherrie Payne, Jean Terrell, and Lynda Laurence (1986–1992)
  • Scherrie Payne, Lynda Laurence, and Sundray Tucker (1992–1996)
  • Scherrie Payne, Lynda Laurence, and Jean Terrell (1996)
  • Scherrie Payne, Lynda Laurence, and Freddi Poole (1996- 2009)
  • Scherrie Payne, Lynda Laurence, and Joyce Vincent Wilson (2009 – present)

Discography

Singles

Superstar International Records

  • "We're Back" /"Get Away" (with Ollie Woodson of The Temptations) (1987)

Motorcity Records

  • "Crazy About The Guy"/"Crazy About The Guy (Instrumental)" MOTC 13 (1990)
  • "Stoned Love"/"Crazy About The Guy (live)" MOTC
  • "I Want To Be Loved"/"I Want To Be Loved (US Remix)" MOTC77 (1991)
  • "Hit And Miss"/"Hit And Miss (US Remix)" MOTC88 (1991)

Driving Wheel Records

New Material

  • "Light The World (With The Flame Of Love)" (2000)
  • "Finally / Good Intentions" (2002)
  • "Sisters United (We're Taking Control)" (2006)
  • "Good Intentions" (2009)

Albums

  • Bouncing Back (scheduled for release on Motorcity Records in 1991 but never issued)
  1. "Baby Love" (Jean on lead vocals)
  2. "Stop! In the Name of Love" (Scherrie on lead vocals)
  3. "Love Child" (Lynda on lead vocals)
  4. "Crazy About The Guy" (Jean on lead vocals)
  5. "Stoned Love" (Scherrie and Jean on lead vocals)
  6. "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" (with The Originals)
  7. "I Want To Be Loved" (all three ladies on lead vocals)
  8. "Back By Popular Demand" (with The Originals)
  9. "Hit And Miss" (all three ladies of lead vocals) co-written by Scherrie
  10. "Nathan Jones" (all three leads on unison vocals)
  11. "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me" (with The Originals) co-written by Scherrie
  • Supreme Voices (1994) - Altair Produced by Rick Gianatos
  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 Rocky 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 (featuring guest vocalists Cindy Birdsong and Jayne Edwards).
  11. "Somewhere Out There" - Lynda on lead vocals
  • Supremely Yours (1995) Produced by Steve Weaver
  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" (with Edwin Starr) - 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 (in Spanish)
  14. "Touch" - all three ladies share lead vocals
  15. "Private Number" (with Edwin Starr) Slammin' Jammin' Mix
  • Reflections (1996) Produced by Steve Weaver
  • Where Did Our Love Go (1996) Produced by Steve Weaver
  • Live and More (1997) Produced by Steve Weaver
  • Legendary Ladies Live (with The Three Degrees and Sister Sledge) (1997) Conceived/Produced by Steve Weaver

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.

  • I Hear a Symphony (1997) Produced by Steve Weaver
  • Simply Supreme! (1997) Produced by Steve Weaver
  • Reflections: The Hit List (1998) Produced by Steve Weaver
  • The Supremes The Hits (HALLMARK MUSIC, 1999) Produced by Steve Weaver
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