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Barbara Martin, an original member of Motown’s legendary Supremes, has died at the age of 76.
GAB Archive/RedfernsFounding Supremes member Mary Wilson shared the news Thursday on Facebook, and it was then confirmed on the group’s Facebook page.
“Our hearts go out to Barbara’s relatives and buddies. Once a Supreme, always a Supreme,” the post read.
Martin sang in the group from 1960 to 1962, when the quartet was known as The Primettes, replacing original member Betty McGlowan. She was with the group when they signed to Motown and changed their name to The Supremes.
Martin’s vocals can be heard on their debut album Meet The Supremes, and she also shared lead vocals with Diana Ross on the track “(He’s) Seventeen,” although her photo isn’t on the cover.
After she became pregnant, Martin left The Supremes. They continued as a trio with Ross, Wilson and Florence Ballard, and in 1964, they finally had success with the hit “Where Did Our Love Go,” kicking off what became a legendary string of smash hits.
