florence ballard

Florence Ballard, 32 - Founding member of the Supremes alongside Diana Ross and Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard had a booming soulful voice, which was presumed unmarketable for “crossover” audiences. Haunted by demons from her past, Ballard began drinking heavily and was kicked out of the group and replaced by Cindy Birdsong. Ballard died from cardiac arrest, estranged from her bandmates and in relative poverty in Detroit.  (Photo by Gilles Petard/Redferns)

This Day in Black History: June 30, 1943

Florence Ballard of the Supremes was born.
06/30/2013