The Supremes Singer Barbara Martin Dead At 76
By Peyton Blakemore
March 6, 2020
Barbara Martin, an original member of The Supremes, has died at the age of 76.
According to NME, the singer passed away on Wednesday (March 4).
Supremes member Mary Wilson confirmed the news on social media Friday (March 5), writing, “Barbara Martin passed 💔😢." The Supremes' official Facebook page later reposted Mary's message, adding, "Our hearts go out to Barbara’s family and friends. Once a Supreme, always a Supreme.”
Barbara was a member of the iconic girl group from 1960 to 1962. She replaced Betty McGlown in 1960, forming the founding quartet, which included Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, Mary and Barbara. At the time, they were called The Primettes.
The group went on to sign a recording contract with Motown's Berry Gordy as The Supremes in 1961. However, Barbara reportedly left the group in 1962 when she became pregnant, leaving The Supremes as a trio until 1967 when they renamed themselves Diana Ross & the Supremes and Cindy Birdsong replaced Florence.
#RIP Barbara Martin died yesterday in Detroit.
— Supremes Archive (@supremesarchive) March 5, 2020
She replaced Betty McGlown in 1960 when the quartet was still called "The Primettes", and left in late 1962 when they were already signed with Motown under a name "The Supremes", and the group continued as a trio. pic.twitter.com/9QMPK3wfiV
Photo: Getty Images