Chick, they were definitely working out the kinks in their moves :)
I recall from a documentary, I assume about the Supremes, their manager forbade (overt?) hip movement so they would appear lady-like. From wiki:
"The Supremes became the first black female performers of the rock era to embrace a more feminine image. Much of this was accomplished at the behest of Motown chief Berry Gordy and Maxine Powell, who ran Motown's in-house finishing school and Artist Development department.[34] Unlike many of her contemporaries, Ross sang in a thin, calm voice, and her vocal styling was matched by having all three women embellish their femininity instead of imitate the qualities of male groups. Eschewing plain appearances and basic dance routines, The Supremes appeared onstage in detailed make-up and high-fashion gowns and wigs, and performed graceful choreography created by Motown choreographer Cholly Atkins. Powell told the group to "be prepared to perform before kings and queens."[34] Gordy wanted the Supremes, like all of his performers, to be equally appealing to black and white audiences,[35] and he sought to erase the image of black performers as being unrefined or lacking class."
13 comments:
I have no comment.
Don't you even like the song?
Wow, the dance moves stood out as something foreign, in contrast to the familiarity of the words and music. Like seeing synchronized swimming on land.
Chick, they were definitely working out the kinks in their moves :)
I recall from a documentary, I assume about the Supremes, their manager forbade (overt?) hip movement so they would appear lady-like. From wiki:
"The Supremes became the first black female performers of the rock era to embrace a more feminine image. Much of this was accomplished at the behest of Motown chief Berry Gordy and Maxine Powell, who ran Motown's in-house finishing school and Artist Development department.[34] Unlike many of her contemporaries, Ross sang in a thin, calm voice, and her vocal styling was matched by having all three women embellish their femininity instead of imitate the qualities of male groups. Eschewing plain appearances and basic dance routines, The Supremes appeared onstage in detailed make-up and high-fashion gowns and wigs, and performed graceful choreography created by Motown choreographer Cholly Atkins. Powell told the group to "be prepared to perform before kings and queens."[34] Gordy wanted the Supremes, like all of his performers, to be equally appealing to black and white audiences,[35] and he sought to erase the image of black performers as being unrefined or lacking class."
Is Diana Ross still in the land of the living? She had (or has) class. The other three...meh.
An '80s thing.
... *The Supremes became the first black female performers of the rock era to embrace **a more feminine image**.* ...
W.T.F.
Seriously: What the hell are you talking about?
Diana Ross?
This Diana Ross, for example, as turned out later?
FWIW, this has been among my top-five favorites of The Supremes' songs since I was a young 'un.
And for good reason.
Another perspective. Yes? No?
Well, now that I think about it, perhaps *THIS* is why you think Diana Ross is more feminine (or something akin to that).
Need I keep linking?
Ought I say more.
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