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It should’ve happened… multiple hits, a massive career, world recognition and all the rest.

 

Betty McGlown

What ever happened…

Betty McGlown was an original member of what

would become the Supremes.

She left the group in 1960. Was it a “good” move?

After the Supremes unfathomable success, did

Betty ever have gnawing doubts about leaving

the most successful female vocal group of the 20^th century? What ever became of Betty? They were four

teenagers still in high school singing in hallways and looking for success. It was Milton Jenkins the

manager of Detroit’s Primes who “discovered” the teens and gave them their name, the Primettes. He was

looking for a “sister” act to make appearances with his Primes (which include Eddie Kendricks and Paul

Williams, later of the Temptations). When Milton noticed the young ladies there was Florence Ballard,

Mary Wilson, and Diana Ross… and Betty. Diana’s neighbor was Smoky Robinson and she approached

him about getting an audition for the act with Berry Gordy and his new Motown record label. Berry give a

listen and told them they were too young, get it together, get a diploma and come.

Feeling confident the to-be Supremes went across town to Lupine Records. They were having success

with Eddie Floyd, the Falcons, featuring Wilson Pickett, and what would become the Ohio Players. The

Supremes–– with Betty ––got there debuted 45 issued.

Give a listen: “Tears of Sorrow” b/w “Pretty Baby.” It was 1959 and this would be the last the world at

large whatever hear of Betty McGlown. She left the group. She married. And she died of diabetes in

January 2008, age 66.