The Supremes
Diana Ross departed The Supremes in January 1970 to launch her solo career, leaving Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong as the remaining core members. The group continued under Motown Records with new lead vocalists, achieving moderate success through the 1970s before disbanding in 1977.?
Jean Terrell replaced Ross as lead singer from 1970 to 1973, marking the first post-Ross era with hits like "Up the Ladder to the Roof." Lynda Laurence (1973–1974) and Scherrie Payne (1975–1977) followed as leads, with Susaye Greene joining in 1976 as the final new member during the group's active years. Mary Wilson remained the only original member throughout, providing continuity until 1977.
Jean Terrell (1970–1973): Led the group to its last top-10 hits; later pursued solo work; Lynda Laurence (1973–1974, also 2000 reunion): Brief tenure; mother of singer Lynda Laurence Jr. Scherrie Payne (1975–1977, also 2000 reunion): Former member of Scherrie & Lynda; became lead near the end; Susaye Greene (1976–1977): Final Motown-era addition; wrote songs for the group.
The post-Ross Supremes released albums like Right On (1970) and High Energy (1976), blending soul, disco, and pop. They toured extensively but faced declining chart success amid Motown shifts and lineup instability.
The group officially disbanded in 1977, though Wilson led touring versions into the 1980s. Brief reunions occurred, including one in 2000 with Ross, Payne, and Laurence. All nine women who performed as Supremes—Ross, Wilson, Ballard, Birdsong, Terrell, Laurence, Payne, Greene, and Martin—are recognized as official members.
Floy Joy
Written-By – W. Robinson 3:20
A2 Floy Joy
Written-By – W. Robinson 2:34
A3 A Heart Like Mine
Written-By – R. White, W. Robinson 3:06
A4 Over And Over
Written-By – W. Robinson 3:15
A5 Precious Little Things
Written-By – M. Tarplin, P. Moffett, W. Robinson 3:24
B1 Now The Bitter Now The Sweet
Written-By – C. Franklin, W. Robinson 5:20
B2 Automatically Sunshine
Written-By – W. Robinson 2:35
B3 The Wisdom Of Time
Written-By – C. Burston, P. Moffett, W. Robinson 3:07
B4 Oh Be My Love
Written-By – W. Robinson, W. Moore 3:25
Label: Motown – M751L
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Motown
Floy Joy is a well-regarded post-Diana Ross Supremes album, praised for Smokey Robinson's strong production, blending soulful pop with catchy R&B, featuring standout tracks like the title hit, "Automatically Sunshine," and "Your Wonderful, Sweet Sweet Love," but also noted for some felt inconsistencies and Jean Terrell's vocals sometimes mimicking Ross, though many fans love its warm sound and strong harmonies.
It marked a successful era for the Mary Wilson-led lineup before lineup changes, showcasing their vocal chemistry and creative evolution, notes this Amazon UK review and this Facebook post.
Smokey Robinson's production captured the hypnotic rhythms of previous hits like "Nathan Jones," providing a strong vehicle for the group's vocals.
The album is celebrated for the interplay between Jean Terrell and Mary Wilson, particularly on the title track and "Automatically Sunshine," showcasing their strong harmonies.
Though Lynda Lawrence was on the cover, Cindy Birdsong sang lead on all tracks as she was pregnant and declined the photo.
Some felt Jean Terrell's vocals were too much like Diana Ross, trying too hard to capture that familiar sound. Jean Terrell herself felt the style was a step backward to the 60s Motown sound.
While not a "monster hit," the album was the group's second biggest-selling release of the 70s, charting at number 54 on the Billboard 200.
All in all, a strong album for the post-Ross era, considered a favorite by many fans, especially for its smooth R&B/soul vibe and the harmonies of the new lineup.
Right On
A2 Then We Can Try Again 2:35
A3 Everybody's Got The Right To Love 2:36
A4 Wait A Minute Before You Leave Me 2:56
A5 You Move Me 2:45
A6 But I Love You More 3:15
B1 I Got Hurt (Trying To Be The Only Girl In Your Life) 2:30
B2 Baby Baby 2:42
B3 Take A Closer Look At Me 2:34
B4 Then I Met You 2:56
B5 Bill, When Are You Coming Back 3:20
B6 The Loving Country 3:45
Label: Motown – MS705
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
The Supremes' 1970 album Right On is a strong, eclectic soul record marking Jean Terrell's debut, featuring hits like "Up the Ladder to the Roof" and "Everybody's Got the Right to Love," praised for its rich harmonies and diverse sounds (blues, folk, rock), though some fans were surprised Mary Wilson wasn't featured more prominently on lead vocals. Critics noted its mature, earthy feel, moving away from Diana Ross's pop gloss, and its potential for hits, making it a significant and well-regarded entry in the post-Diana era.}
The album introduced Jean Terrell as the lead singer, marking a creative shift for the group after Diana Ross's departure.
It blended classic soul with blues, folk, and even psych-rock touches, creating a richer, earthier sound than their earlier work, with producers like Frank Wilson crafting ethereal soundscapes.
Singles like "Up the Ladder to the Roof" and "Everybody's Got the Right to Love" showcased strong potential and found success.
Jean Terrell's powerful, mature voice was highlighted, though some fans missed Mary Wilson taking more lead roles.
AllMusic gave the album a perfect 5 stars, with general consensus pointing to it as a strong, creative, and essential album for fans, even with its lineup change.
In summary, Right On is seen as a successful revitalization for The Supremes, proving they could evolve musically and commercially with Jean Terrell at the helm, despite initial fan expectations.