Florence Ballard: The Real Effie White

“She was a beautiful person, loving and warm...She was down-to-earth, she loved to laugh, and everyone loved her.” - Marvin Gaye, on fellow Motown star and original Supreme Florence Ballard

Pictured: Florence Ballard, in promotional material for ABC Records (c. 1968)

This week, the Dolls Pod presents the true story behind the Tony-winning musical Dreamgirls, and the very real woman that was its muse. Both Jennifer Holliday and Jennifer Hudson won Academy awards for their portrayals of Effie White, based on the fiery founder of the Supremes. Florence Ballard sang on 16 of their top 40 hits, and 9 of their number ones. But she did not have the happy ending Effie gets in Dreamgirls. She’s often called “the lost Supreme,” as she was virtually erased from the group’s history. But as this episode will show you, Flo Ballard was anything but “just a backup singer.” She was brave in the face of hardship and a true trailblazer; the soul of Motown’s first girl group.

Featuring music by the Supremes, Florence Ballard, the original Broadway cast of Dreamgirls, and more 🎤

Unveiling the Legends: Dolls of the 60s and 70s is available wherever you stream your podcasts

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