Biography

During the 1960s, the Supremes emerged as the leading act of Motown Records, an American female singing group. Initially known as the Primettes, they originated in Detroit, Michigan in 1959. With a wide range of musical styles including doo-wop, pop, soul, Broadway show tunes, psychedelic soul, and disco, the Supremes became the most commercially successful act at Motown. Their achievements include an impressive 12 number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, making them America's most successful vocal group to date. These chart-topping hits were primarily written and produced by the renowned songwriting and production team, Holland–Dozier–Holland, associated with Motown. In the mid-1960s, the Supremes reached global popularity that rivalled the Beatles, and their success paved the way for future African American R&B and soul musicians to achieve mainstream recognition.