The Supremes

USA, 1959–1977

Motown vocal group of Diana Ross, Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson, who recorded twelve US number-one singles in the 1960s, most written and produced by Holland-Dozier-Holland.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced The Supremes and 8 artists The Supremes influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced The Supremes?

• The Impressions — The Impressions' refined group harmony and elegant aesthetic were key models for The Supremes.
• Sam Cooke — Sam Cooke demonstrated that Black artists could reach mainstream success without compromising their identity.

Which artists did The Supremes influence?

• The Lovin' Spoonful — Sebastian wrote 'Daydream' by rearranging the Supremes' 'Baby Love' and 'Where Did Our Love Go' — Motown pop under the folk-rock.
• Dusty Springfield — Motown — the Supremes above all — was the sound Dusty championed and modelled her pop-soul on.
• Jet — Jet credited the Motown beat of the Supremes' 'You Can't Hurry Love' (with Martha and the Vandellas) — not Iggy Pop — as the real template for 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl'.
• Spice Girls — The Spice Girls revived the girl-group tradition the Supremes defined, updated as glossy 'girl power' pop.
• En Vogue — En Vogue revived the glamorous girl-group harmony the Supremes defined, updated with new jack swing.
• Destiny's Child — Destiny's Child consciously followed the Supremes' girl-group model — glamorous, hit-making, with a breakout lead.
• Boney M. — The Motown girl-group pop of the Supremes informs Boney M.'s bright vocal-harmony hooks over the disco beat.
• The Jackson 5 — One of the Motown acts the Jackson 5 were built on, with the Temptations.