The Supremes: A Saga of Motown Dreams, Success, and Betrayal

Drawing on first-hand recollections by friends, associates, and other Motown contemporaries, the author tells the heartbreaking story of the Supremes' meteoric rise and bitter disintegration, and also shows why Gordy's revolutionary concept of 'blacks singing white' was essential to the modern evolution of music. This is the first comprehensive biography of the most successful girl group in pop history, as told by the author of the acclaimed biography of Phil Spector, "He's a Rebel".A sprawling parable of ambition, scheming, money, sex, and betrayal, "Nothin' But Heartaches", is the definitive story of the most successful female band of all time. Drawing on first-hand, intimate recollections by friends, associates, and other Motown contemporaries - many never before interviewed - Ribowsky uncovers the truth behind the Supremes, overturning false notions about the band which were perpetuated by the recent film "Dreamgirls". Ribowsky's in-depth account includes new details on Diana Ross' cutthroat rise to top-billing of the group - focusing on her relationship with Motown president, Berry Gordy - and the tragic story of Florence Ballard's decline into depression, alcoholism, and drug abuse, culminating in her sudden death at the age of thirty-two. He also takes an inside-the-studio look at how timeless classics like "Baby Love", "Where Did Our Love Go?", and "Stop! In the Name of Love", were conceived and recorded on the Motown 'assembly line' of smash hits, and examines why the Motown 'brand' was more important to Gordy than its loyalty to true rhythm & blues. In a narrative that deftly combines personal testimony, history, and expert analysis, Ribowsky not only tells the full, heartbreaking story of the Supremes' meteoric rise and bitter disintegration, but shows why Gordy's revolutionary concept of 'blacks singing white' was essential to the modern evolution of music.