The Primettes changed their name to the Supremes, endured a series of flops, and became one of the most successful female vocal groups ever. But before their torrid chart run in the mid-'60s, they were highly sought-after backing vocalists. Their contributions to Bob West's Lupine label are documented, but one can also hear them backing obscure artists on a myriad of tiny Detroit-based labels.
Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, Florence Ballad, and Betty McGlown were the original Primettes; McGlown married early and became Betty Travis. Florence Ballad formed the group while the members were still in school. All lived in the Brewster Projects.
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