Barbara Martin

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Barbara Martin is an African-American singer; a short-lived member of The Primettes, who later changed their name to The Supremes. Martin joined the quartet in 1960, replacing Betty McGlown. Although she was not considered the group's best singer, Martin sang lead on some of the Supremes' songs. She and her groupmates Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, and Diana Ross (then known as Diane) signed a record deal with Motown founder Berry Gordy on January 15, 1961 as The Supremes, a name that Ballard had chosen, and became part of the Motown stable of performers.

In between recording a handful of early singles, none of which became hits, Martin, Wilson, Ross, and Ballard worked as studio singers and handclappers for other leading groups. In October-1961, Martin became pregnant. Her husband supported her decision to stay in the group, but she left in the early spring of 1962-- leaving Ballard, Ross, and Wilson a trio. Although Martin sang on many of the group's early singles, and some of the tracks on the group's first album, Meet the Supremes, she is not pictured on the album cover, and never received any royalties from Motown after 1961. All of Martin's recorded vocals appear under the name of The Supremes, while McGlown's appear under The Primettes.

The Supremes
Florence Ballard • Cindy Birdsong • Susaye Greene • Lynda Laurence • Barbara Martin • Betty McGlown • Scherrie Payne • Diana Ross • Jean Terrell • Mary Wilson
Singles: "Where Did Our Love Go" • "Baby Love" • "Come See About Me" • "Stop! In the Name of Love" • "Back in My Arms Again" • "Nothing But Heartaches" • "I Hear a Symphony" • "My World Is Empty Without You" • "Love Is Like an Itching In My Heart" • "You Can't Hurry Love" • "You Keep Me Hangin' On" • "Love Is Here and Now You're Gone" • "The Happening" • "Reflections" • "Love Child" • "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" • "I'm Livin' in Shame" • "The Weight" • "Someday We'll Be Together" • "Up the Ladder to the Roof" • "Stoned Love"
Related articles: Discography