Is Florence Ballard FINALLY getting her due?

[ronnykmarshall]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070220/ap_en_mu/oscars_the_real_effie_2

This is NOT going to get well with La Ross and her rabid fans.

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Movie draws attention to Ballard By SVEN GUSTAFSON, Associated Press Writer



DETROIT - Like Effie, the "Dreamgirls" character which drew from her life, Florence Ballard had a triumphant return to the stage after her fall from grace from The Supremes.


Singing at Ford Auditorium in Detroit on June 25, 1975, Ballard shook off years of drinking and other troubles and put on a dynamic performance that drew wide acclaim and revived interest in her career.

"She was a wonderful singer," said Martha Reeves, Ballard's former Motown labelmate.

But unlike Effie, Florence Ballard's road to a comeback didn't go much further than that night. In 1976, Ballard, one of the original Supremes, died of a heart attack at age 32, almost 10 years after she was kicked out of the legendary girl group.

While Diana Ross remains an international icon and Mary Wilson continues to perform nationwide, Ballard is known, if at all, as a tragic figure. But with the release of the movie "Dreamgirls," and Jennifer Hudson's Oscar-nominated performance in the role based on Ballard, Ballard's family is hoping it will provide a new opportunity to let the world know about the real Florence.

[lildreamer316]

1. Okay. I am sorry.

the word is 'due'
I am sorry to be like that,but 'do' completely changes the meaning of the post. It seems like you mean she's getting a hairdo.

[ronnykmarshall]

2. I fixed it.

Thanks.

[blogslut]

3. A music critic friend of mine

once said this about Ms. Ross:

"She had the perfect voice for AM radio"

Not a compliment

[ronnykmarshall]

4. Other than her Supremes records ..

There are few songs of hers like really like. "Ain't No Mountain Higher" was great and I loved her "The Boss" album.

But she had a great promoter in Barry Gordy and that's why she's became such a huge star.

Plus having a fan base that is insane doesn't hurt.

I seen it.

[cmkramer]

5. It wouldn't surprise me

if Jennifer Hudson gives her Oscar to Florence Ballard's family. I also think it's likely that at least one member of Ms. Ballard's family will be there as Jennifer's guest.

[ronnykmarshall]

8. That would be cool.

I don't think Jennifer will give up her Oscar, but I think after here dedication to Florence at the Golden Globes she might invite one of Flo's kids or one of her sisters.

[terrya]

6. Yes.

Come on...

You'd have to be really clueless to NOT realize that "Dreamgirls" is based on the Supremes.

Of course Florence Ballard is finally getting her due.

[ronnykmarshall]

9. La Ross was on Inside the Actors Studio last night

.... and a co-worker of mine said that she just glossed over why Florence left the group. I think La Ross still believes all the Motown PR bullshit she was fed back then.

[trof]

7. Oh. I thought you said "KAYE" Ballard.

[ronnykmarshall]

10. Remember "The Mothers In Law"??

Great show. Desi Arnaz was the producer.