❤ She was given the unenviable task of replacing one of the original Supremes at an extremely chaotic time. She definitely has a great voice and a very warm and sweet personality. Always loved her with Diana and her presence with the seventies Supremes.
This solo attempt was back in 1986 when Mary Wilson's book too the world by storm. No doubt she was seizing the opportunity to jump back into the spotlight. Though she was a minister before Mary's book, a d decided to performe secular music at this point I was still routing her to make it big. Mary at this time was getting rave reviews from her shows, and Cindy got rave reviews for her show at The Hippodrome.
Cindy was hired to be a Supreme because she had girl group singing experience, she had a similar resemblance to Florence (especially in 1960s girl group drag), had a somewhat bland singing voice which wouldn't overpower the lead singer, blended well vocally with other background singers and, most importantly, was professional and reliable. Plus, she was pretty, sweet, had poise, class and wasn't about to make waves or kick up dust.
You hit the nail on the head: she was never solo material, even with "Dancing Room" in the 80's. She should've stuck to studio background work after the group ended. Performances like this are complete cringe, and a long fall from grace.
She should've have wrote a book! But maybe there was some contract she signed as she exited Patti & The Blu-Belles and joined The Supremes which probably forbade her to disclose any behind the scenes info. I know in Patti's auto bio she said their first hit "I Sold My Heart To The Junkman," was the group singing it, it was another group that was under contract with another studio and the producer cut the single never thinking it would become a hit and when it did he had to find a group that could sing it and go out on tours because he couldn't use the real group. Eventually the Blu-belles did record their vocals on the song but Patti wrote that's when she learned how shady the music business could be.
@@ah4856 I don’t believe that Cindy was legally forbidden to write her memoirs. She just chose to exhibit class, elegance, and grace (like a true Supreme!) and exercise restraint of pen and tongue. She never badmouths Diana, Berry, Motown, Patti, or Atlantic in interviews and only tells lighthearted, innocuous, well-rehearsed stories about her time with both groups. Smart lady. Never wanna piss off the boss OR the star!
I’ve always liked Cindy. She’s sweet, lovely, relatable, and has a perfectly fine singing voice. But she was clearly meant to be a backup singer. She was not really a particularly memorable member nor did she play an integral part of the group’s history. That’s not an insult, that’s just a fact. While she was a perfect replacement for Flo, she’s interchangeable with Lynda, Susaye, and any of the later 70’s “Who-premes.” Her voice instinctively veers towards the higher harmonies, even when she’s singing melody. Her vocal style, timbre, and her overall demeanor would have never been suitable to take the lead spot in the Supremes, hence why she was never even considered when Diana left. She’s like Telma Hopkins & Joyce Vincent were to Tony Orlando - just there to look pretty, smile, add the occasional “ooh” and “la la la” and “babyyy,” and never outshine “THE STAR.” Don’t cause drama, don’t make waves, don’t write an autobiography, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get invited to sing again on the 2000 “Reunion” Tour. Oh wait 😑
I totally agree with you Kris. Cindy wasn't a lead singer, that probably explains why she didn't do any full leads at all in The Supremes nor The Bluebells. She definitely has poise, style and grace.
@@dctalk1117 Because they came as a package. Cindy hadn't performed in many, many years while Scherrie and Lynda did and I'm sure that's why they were selected over Mary and Cindy. Plus, they cost a lot less.
They are asking some of the weirdest "Supreme" questions. Lol. "What song was it that did it for the group"?!! "The group didn't get big until after you joined, right?" Condy joined in '67...they could have researched both those questions ahead of time...😂
Well she asked one question that didn't make sense! The Supremes were very famous before Cindy joined. And replaced Florence Ballard. The may have been the number one group at one point. The Beatles were one of the top groups during the 60's. But the Supremes may gotten on more TV shows 📺 and TV specials 📺 back then.
Cindy was definitely a harmonizing singer. She was just not cut out for the lead. I disagree with you about Mary. I think Mary has a great voice. However, she is best singing ballads and jazz. She wouldn't have cut it as lead for the Supremes.
@@bcroley77 Agreed. I think Cindy could have had a more successful solo career had she been offered better songs. Ready for You was not a hit. On the other hand, I think Mary had a great voice for ballads and jazz, but not necessarily pop; however she sounded great on lead for He's My Man.
What jumps out at me is how good Cindy would have sounded leading on The Supremes' 70s material. I don't think Cindy would have felt comfortable asserting herself at the time, but I think she could have stepped into the lead when Diana left. Cindy would have sounded great as lead singer on Up the Ladder to the Roof or Stoned Love.
Who is the interviewer with Regis? She does not know much about the Supremes. Why does she ask Cindy if they were not this famous group after she joined. They had the biggest hits when they were Mary, Diane and Florence. She was just sitting in for someone else. She didn’t do her homework. She needs to remain quiet 🤫
A lot of interviewers are clueless, even famous ones. What was a faux pas to me was when Aretha appeared on Oprah years ago and Oprah wasn't aware of Aretha's family background (many may have not been, but I've always been in the bio KNOW, lol)and thought Erma was allowed to tag along and back up Aretha because of the familial relationship.
Miss Birdsong seemed to have a nice personality. However, her resemblance to Florence Ballard, as previously stated, was superficial. No one would ever mistake one for the other. Their voices were also worlds apart, never to be confused.
cindy was never going to fill Florences shoes, nobody could. saying that cindy really came into her own once diana was gone, with jean terrell and mary wilson she recorded some brilliant songs
She was right about the music of the 60s being very influential in the 80s. Kim Wilde hit big with her cover ot The Supremes "You Keep Me Hanging On,." Tiffany hit with Tommy James and the Shondells "I Think We're Alone Now," The Pretenders did a cover of "Crimson And Clover" also by Tommy James and so did Billy Idol with "Mony, Mony." Chrissy Hynde and UB40 I think covered Sonny & Cher's "I Got You Babe," and Bow Wow Wow hit big with "I Want Candy" that was actually a song by a studio band in the 60s called the Strangeloves. And lets not forget Softcell's cover of Gloria Jones' "Tainted Love." I loved all these songs being a kid in the 80s and I never knew they were covers until later on. I knew about Sweet Sensation's cover of "Love Child" but everything else surprised me.
I am sure Cindy was a much better singer in her season. By this time she had been retired for nearly 10 years. A voice is just like any other instrument, you have to constantly practice and use it to be able to play it!
At the time Cindy left the Bluebelles for the Supremes, it was pretty obvious that the Bluebelles were pretty washed up. They were with Atlantic records and after a couple of mild single successes, Atlantic started focusing on Aretha Franklin and I think Atlantic was also beginning to head in a more rock music oriented direction with the acts they were signing up. This was a really good opportunity for Cindy to hit it in the big time after having been with the Bluebelles for way over10 years. Although it was initially viewed as disloyal for a number of reasons, I think most people in that situation would have done the same thing Cindy did. I feel like it turned out to work well for the 3 remaining Bluebelles as they became Labelle not long after Cindy left and I personally can’t imagine how Labelle would have worked out with all four of them as opposed to being a trio because of the switch from R&B to rock music {at least in the beginning}.
Perfect summary. I always said the same thing that labelle wouldn't have blessed us if Cindy stayed. As a fan I'm so glad we got Labelle out the deal. As for your Bluebells assessment I remeber some guy saying he and his friends use to submit their worst album recommendations and bluebells album was what he competed as worst album with. Lol. My feelings were hurt but I could understand. They had all the talent but not the songs. And if your whole life at that point was singing why not jump ship for what appeared to be greener pastures. Her leaving allowed both groups to survive/transform now that I think of it. So hindsight maybe it really was God sent but may not have seemed that way at the time forbthe group members
I remember when Cindy replaced Florence Ballard in the Supremes. During 1968 era? Right? Florence Ballard last performance at the Hollywood Bowl Concert? Bernard Hendricks
Well the year Cindy replaced Flo was in 1967. So you're just off by 1 year :) But actually the Hollywood Bowl concert was actually Cindy's first appearance with the Supremes. Florence's last appearance with The Supremes was at the Flamingo Hotel in 1967.
Bonehead comment by Joyce when she said The Supremes weren't a famous group yet when Cindy joined them. What? Try doing your homework before you interview someone. SMH!!!!!!!
What I find interesting is how similar Cindy is in tone to Jean Terrell. I don't think Cindy would have felt comfortable asserting herself at the time, but I think she could have done fine as lead singer after Diana left. Given the chance to lead, I think Cindy would have sounded great on Up the Ladder to the Roof and Stoned Love.
❤ She was given the unenviable task of replacing one of the original Supremes at an extremely chaotic time. She definitely has a great voice and a very warm and sweet personality. Always loved her with Diana and her presence with the seventies Supremes.
I loved this. She deserved a lot more than what she got. Thanks for posting this. What a voice..
🤔😳😍🤩🎼🎤🙂🔊😎
500 thousand net worth
Just love Cindy Birdsong, such a sweet lady. Miss seeing her and Mary Wilson together. Hope her health is improving.
Nice to finally see Cindy's moment to shine.
Wonderful!!! Cindy the sweatest person in the world!!!!
Please share some more of Cindy, Jean and pleaseee Florence!!!!!
Cindy 💯
Love Cindy, a real honest kind sole.... sending you peace & love ❤️
Wow what a gem of a clip. Cindy was really on form.
OMG Love this!!!! Cindy has that amazing voice I miss.
A Bluebelle & Supreme, I figured she could hold her own. Great clip!
Fascinating to hear Cindy have so much to say! A shame her solo career didn't go far. Last I read she wasn't well.
This solo attempt was back in 1986 when Mary Wilson's book too the world by storm. No doubt she was seizing the opportunity to jump back into the spotlight. Though she was a minister before Mary's book, a d decided to performe secular music at this point I was still routing her to make it big. Mary at this time was getting rave reviews from her shows, and Cindy got rave reviews for her show at The Hippodrome.
GREAT THIS VIDEO GIVES YOU A CHANCE TO HEAR CINDY'S BEAUTIFUL VOICE! GOD BLESS MISS. 🐦 SONG! ❤ 👍 👏 👏 ❤ 👏 🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹
Cindy was hired to be a Supreme because she had girl group singing experience, she had a similar resemblance to Florence (especially in 1960s girl group drag), had a somewhat bland singing voice which wouldn't overpower the lead singer, blended well vocally with other background singers and, most importantly, was professional and reliable. Plus, she was pretty, sweet, had poise, class and wasn't about to make waves or kick up dust.
You hit the nail on the head: she was never solo material, even with "Dancing Room" in the 80's. She should've stuck to studio background work after the group ended. Performances like this are complete cringe, and a long fall from grace.
She looks like Shirley Murdock.
Delmar.T. That's exactly what I just said!!🙏
I can only imagine the wonderful insights she probably had between being a Bluebelle and a Supreme. She probably saw so much.
She should've have wrote a book! But maybe there was some contract she signed as she exited Patti & The Blu-Belles and joined The Supremes which probably forbade her to disclose any behind the scenes info. I know in Patti's auto bio she said their first hit "I Sold My Heart To The Junkman," was the group singing it, it was another group that was under contract with another studio and the producer cut the single never thinking it would become a hit and when it did he had to find a group that could sing it and go out on tours because he couldn't use the real group. Eventually the Blu-belles did record their vocals on the song but Patti wrote that's when she learned how shady the music business could be.
@@ah4856 I don’t believe that Cindy was legally forbidden to write her memoirs. She just chose to exhibit class, elegance, and grace (like a true Supreme!) and exercise restraint of pen and tongue. She never badmouths Diana, Berry, Motown, Patti, or Atlantic in interviews and only tells lighthearted, innocuous, well-rehearsed stories about her time with both groups. Smart lady. Never wanna piss off the boss OR the star!
is there a book ?
The Bluebelles were powerhouse showstopping girl group. The Supremes were the best selling pop group.
Such a sweet voice
Cindy was right--there's a great musical energy and connection between the mid-60s and the 80s.
I ALWAYS think about this when she said this.
Gordy chose Cindy to join The Supremes because of her resemblance to Florence and he exactly hired her to be just on the background
She could back up Diane if e.g she had a cold. Her voice is a similar pitch. It leaves Mary with the contrato
I don't think they looked alike at all.
@@ah4856 just skin tone
@@ah4856They looked very much alike. Remember this was in an age before high definition tv. She certainly looked similar enough.
What a STUPID woman! Implying that Ross & The Supremes got famous AFTER Birdsong joined. 😲. Cindy had a BETTER VOICE than Marjorie Wilcox!
I’ve always liked Cindy. She’s sweet, lovely, relatable, and has a perfectly fine singing voice. But she was clearly meant to be a backup singer. She was not really a particularly memorable member nor did she play an integral part of the group’s history. That’s not an insult, that’s just a fact. While she was a perfect replacement for Flo, she’s interchangeable with Lynda, Susaye, and any of the later 70’s “Who-premes.” Her voice instinctively veers towards the higher harmonies, even when she’s singing melody. Her vocal style, timbre, and her overall demeanor would have never been suitable to take the lead spot in the Supremes, hence why she was never even considered when Diana left. She’s like Telma Hopkins & Joyce Vincent were to Tony Orlando - just there to look pretty, smile, add the occasional “ooh” and “la la la” and “babyyy,” and never outshine “THE STAR.” Don’t cause drama, don’t make waves, don’t write an autobiography, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get invited to sing again on the 2000 “Reunion” Tour. Oh wait 😑
I totally agree with you Kris. Cindy wasn't a lead singer, that probably explains why she didn't do any full leads at all in The Supremes nor The Bluebells. She definitely has poise, style and grace.
I know why Mary wasn't on the tour but its still a mystery as to why Cindy was booted
Cindy declined to participate as well.
@@dctalk1117 Because they came as a package. Cindy hadn't performed in many, many years while Scherrie and Lynda did and I'm sure that's why they were selected over Mary and Cindy. Plus, they cost a lot less.
A lot better voice than Brittany Spears
Miss Cindy bird song Oh yes she can sing I love you you will always be a supreme
@davidhall4611 - Please pray for her. Reports say that she's had a stroke & is unable to speak & in a facility.
Go Cindy!
What a marvellous lady!!❤
And this is why she was a backup singer. As nice and sweet as she is, you can see why she was an oooh aaah girl. There’s nothing wrong with that.
Exactly. She was never solo material, even with "Dancing Room" in the 80's. It's OK to be a backup singer.
cindy did the medley very well hope she's ok unsung ;)
God bless you and your family !
l love Cindy..
Another underated performer. She had to do so much work in this one segment.
They are asking some of the weirdest "Supreme" questions. Lol. "What song was it that did it for the group"?!! "The group didn't get big until after you joined, right?" Condy joined in '67...they could have researched both those questions ahead of time...😂
Cindy looks good
She's so classy. I used to talk to a cousin or nephew I believe it was...that was amazing too..he was a handsome man and a very talented artist.
Cindy Birdsong sounds amazing
Well she asked one question that didn't make sense! The Supremes were very famous before Cindy joined. And replaced Florence Ballard. The may have been the number one group at one point. The Beatles were one of the top groups during the 60's. But the Supremes may gotten on more TV shows 📺 and TV specials 📺 back then.
I love her and i pray that her health get's betta, but now i can see why diana and patti did not give her or mary the mic..
Cindy was definitely a harmonizing singer. She was just not cut out for the lead. I disagree with you about Mary. I think Mary has a great voice. However, she is best singing ballads and jazz. She wouldn't have cut it as lead for the Supremes.
@@bcroley77 Agreed. I think Cindy could have had a more successful solo career had she been offered better songs. Ready for You was not a hit. On the other hand, I think Mary had a great voice for ballads and jazz, but not necessarily pop; however she sounded great on lead for He's My Man.
😂😂😂😂
beautiful
Cindy Looks Beauty
Love me some Cindy!!!!!!
Lovely voice
Sweet voice
She’s actually a good singer... much more “flexible” than Mary . I’m very impressed!
She does sound amazing tho
No need to compare. Them. Different note comepletly. Hi note. Versus low note dig. Now run an tell that
What jumps out at me is how good Cindy would have sounded leading on The Supremes' 70s material. I don't think Cindy would have felt comfortable asserting herself at the time, but I think she could have stepped into the lead when Diana left. Cindy would have sounded great as lead singer on Up the Ladder to the Roof or Stoned Love.
Who is the interviewer with Regis? She does not know much about the Supremes. Why does she ask Cindy if they were not this famous group after she joined. They had the biggest hits when they were Mary, Diane and Florence. She was just sitting in for someone else. She didn’t do her homework. She needs to remain quiet 🤫
I am pretty sure it was his wife.
It's regis wife Joy
Love how sis set the woman straight an proper
That women was as clueless as her wardrobe.
A lot of interviewers are clueless, even famous ones. What was a faux pas to me was when Aretha appeared on Oprah years ago and Oprah wasn't aware of Aretha's family background (many may have not been, but I've always been in the bio KNOW, lol)and thought Erma was allowed to tag along and back up Aretha because of the familial relationship.
Miss Birdsong seemed to have a nice personality. However, her resemblance to Florence Ballard, as previously stated, was superficial. No one would ever mistake one for the other. Their voices were also worlds apart, never to be confused.
Good job Cindy!!!!
How could the co-host ask if the Supremes had a hit before Cindy joined.....smh
Great Voice! 💞
cindy was never going to fill Florences shoes, nobody could. saying that cindy really came into her own once diana was gone, with jean terrell and mary wilson she recorded some brilliant songs
I love Cindy
This story Cindy tells about her first taste of "being a Supreme" would make an AMAZING and RICH scene in a biopic, hu?
She was right about the music of the 60s being very influential in the 80s. Kim Wilde hit big with her cover ot The Supremes "You Keep Me Hanging On,." Tiffany hit with Tommy James and the Shondells "I Think We're Alone Now," The Pretenders did a cover of "Crimson And Clover" also by Tommy James and so did Billy Idol with "Mony, Mony." Chrissy Hynde and UB40 I think covered Sonny & Cher's "I Got You Babe," and Bow Wow Wow hit big with "I Want Candy" that was actually a song by a studio band in the 60s called the Strangeloves. And lets not forget Softcell's cover of Gloria Jones' "Tainted Love." I loved all these songs being a kid in the 80s and I never knew they were covers until later on. I knew about Sweet Sensation's cover of "Love Child" but everything else surprised me.
She never got enough credit. She replaced Florence Ballard.
My granny’s aunt was married to one of Cindy’s relatives.
My Childhood Friend was destined to be famous
I see why Diana and Jean was the lead singers.. it is what it is they're all just back up singers, backup vocals
I am sure Cindy was a much better singer in her season. By this time she had been retired for nearly 10 years. A voice is just like any other instrument, you have to constantly practice and use it to be able to play it!
At the time Cindy left the Bluebelles for the Supremes, it was pretty obvious that the Bluebelles were pretty washed up. They were with Atlantic records and after a couple of mild single successes, Atlantic started focusing on Aretha Franklin and I think Atlantic was also beginning to head in a more rock music oriented direction with the acts they were signing up. This was a really good opportunity for Cindy to hit it in the big time after having been with the Bluebelles for way over10 years. Although it was initially viewed as disloyal for a number of reasons, I think most people in that situation would have done the same thing Cindy did. I feel like it turned out to work well for the 3 remaining Bluebelles as they became Labelle not long after Cindy left and I personally can’t imagine how Labelle would have worked out with all four of them as opposed to being a trio because of the switch from R&B to rock music {at least in the beginning}.
Perfect summary. I always said the same thing that labelle wouldn't have blessed us if Cindy stayed. As a fan I'm so glad we got Labelle out the deal. As for your Bluebells assessment I remeber some guy saying he and his friends use to submit their worst album recommendations and bluebells album was what he competed as worst album with. Lol. My feelings were hurt but I could understand. They had all the talent but not the songs. And if your whole life at that point was singing why not jump ship for what appeared to be greener pastures. Her leaving allowed both groups to survive/transform now that I think of it. So hindsight maybe it really was God sent but may not have seemed that way at the time forbthe group members
Exactly. I hope Patti forgave her long ago and let it go, because the group was going nowhere.
@@nesq4104 You said it all, because "I Sold My Heart To The Junkman" will never be on anyone's karaoke list. LOL
Surprised she was interested in making a comeback in the mid 1980s. Nice to hear her solo work.
Mary's book had just come out, so maybe renewed interest in The Supremes is what nudged her forward.
I remember when Cindy replaced Florence Ballard in the Supremes. During 1968 era? Right? Florence Ballard last performance at the Hollywood Bowl Concert? Bernard Hendricks
Well the year Cindy replaced Flo was in 1967. So you're just off by 1 year :) But actually the Hollywood Bowl concert was actually Cindy's first appearance with the Supremes. Florence's last appearance with The Supremes was at the Flamingo Hotel in 1967.
Love Cindy ! What patronising gits as interviewers ----sorry---could not put it more politely.
the show was AM LA and not Regis and Kathie Lee, Regis moved to NY to the Morning Show and later became Regis and Kathie Lee
Cindy said " here in NY"
Bonehead comment by Joyce when she said The Supremes weren't a famous group yet when Cindy joined them. What? Try doing your homework before you interview someone. SMH!!!!!!!
Cindy awesome as usual - Regis just another commentator who doesn't know when to shut up and let his guest run....
As I've always said Cindy looks like my mother with her facial features ....
He's a horrible interviewer
Cindy is a much better singer than Mary.
What I find interesting is how similar Cindy is in tone to Jean Terrell. I don't think Cindy would have felt comfortable asserting herself at the time, but I think she could have done fine as lead singer after Diana left. Given the chance to lead, I think Cindy would have sounded great on Up the Ladder to the Roof and Stoned Love.