1963
DIANA ROSS TIMELINE
January 8
Recording session for “He Means The World To Me”.
January (-)
(between January 12 & 18) Concert at the Royal Theatre in Baltimore, MD.
At that time, Lee Garcia is the group's road manager.
At that time, Lee Garcia is the group's road manager.
January 25-31
Concerts at the Howard Theater in Washington, DC.
The Supremes share the bill with Jackie Wilson (headliner), the Dells, Freddie & Flo, Ruth Walton dancers, Jan Bradley, Rick Henderson.
The Supremes share the bill with Jackie Wilson (headliner), the Dells, Freddie & Flo, Ruth Walton dancers, Jan Bradley, Rick Henderson.
February (-)
Recording sessions for the album “The Supremes Sing Country, Western & Pop” (released in 1965). Most of the songs are recorded in the morning because of an unknown local engagement at the same time. (see also February 6, 8, 17, 26 & 28)
February 2
Single “My Heart Can’t Take It No More” released (#129 on pop charts).
February 6
Recording session for “(The Man With The) Rock And Roll Banjo Band” (working title: “Rock And Roll Banjo Man”).
February 8
Recording session for “I’m The Exception To The Rule” (Supremes dub-in unknown).
February 17
Recording session for “Lazy Bones”.
February 26
Recording sessions for the album “The Supremes Sing Country, Western & Pop”.
February 28
Recording session for “You’re Gonna Come To Me” (version 3) (erroneously credited as version 2 in “Where Did Our Love Go – 40th Anniversary Edition") - see the discography for more information.
March 27
Recording session for “Everyday I’ll Love You More than Yesterday”.
It may as well be March 25 as the text in the booklet of “Where Did Our Love Go – 40th Anniversary Edition” states that the recording session was held the day before Diana turned 19 – so March 25 – but the same booklet credits it on March 27.
It may as well be March 25 as the text in the booklet of “Where Did Our Love Go – 40th Anniversary Edition” states that the recording session was held the day before Diana turned 19 – so March 25 – but the same booklet credits it on March 27.
April (-)
Concert(s) at the Uptown Theater in Philadelphia. See also May 17-26.
April 14
Concert at the Municipal auditorium in Kansas City, shared bill with Aretha Franklin, the Contours, Freddie King, Milt Buckner and his orchestra.
No other trace of this concert than the ticket has been found in newspapers archives and websites, although it has been searched in other cities. The city is not mentioned on the ticket but only on the description of the item on eBay and therefore unverified. The odd thing is that there is too many of these tickets on sale on eBay for such a quite small concert and it might be a fake one. On the other hand, the Supremes are also credited to be on the same day at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines (Iowa) with the same lineup (at least Aretha Franklin & Freddie King) on the site setlist.fm but no source is provided and no trace in newspapers has been found either.
No other trace of this concert than the ticket has been found in newspapers archives and websites, although it has been searched in other cities. The city is not mentioned on the ticket but only on the description of the item on eBay and therefore unverified. The odd thing is that there is too many of these tickets on sale on eBay for such a quite small concert and it might be a fake one. On the other hand, the Supremes are also credited to be on the same day at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines (Iowa) with the same lineup (at least Aretha Franklin & Freddie King) on the site setlist.fm but no source is provided and no trace in newspapers has been found either.
April 19
Beginning of a three months Motortown tour at the Regal Theater in Chicago (along with the Supremes on tour: Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, Stevie Wonder, the Marvelettes, the Miracles the Contours).
The Regal three shows per day policy is changed to a four shows per day policy because of the success of the engagement.
Note: Chicago is mistaken with New York in Billboard April 27 issue compared to its May 4 issue.
The Regal three shows per day policy is changed to a four shows per day policy because of the success of the engagement.
Note: Chicago is mistaken with New York in Billboard April 27 issue compared to its May 4 issue.
April 26
Motortown Revue at the Kiel Opera House in St Louis, MO.
April 27
- Motortown Revue at the Murat in Indianapolis, IN. The Supremes are not on the ad so their participation is doubtful and would be in conflict with the concert below.
- Concert at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore, with Etta James as Headliner, the John Lewis Orchestra, the Royalettes, the Supremes, the Fabulous Imperials.
April 28
Motortown Revue at the Coliseum in Evansville, IN, as part of the 1963 edition of the Show of Stars (a cast of 50 artists performing for 4 hours).
April 29
Motortown Revue at the Syria Mosque in Pittsburgh, PA. Show at 8:30 p.m.
LP “Recorded Live: Motor Town Revue, vol.1” recorded during the Apollo shows is released with only one track by the Supremes (see the discography for more information). Released one week after the Billboard April 27 issue.
April-May
May 3-9
Motortown Revue at the Howard Theater in Washington, DC. On the bill: Mary Wells, the Miracles, Marvin Gaye, the Marvelettes, the Contours, Marv Johnson, Martha & the Vandellas, Bill Murry as M.C. and Choker Campbell and his orchestra.
May 6
Recording session for “Beginning To The Ending”, but unlikely a vocal session because of the engagement at the Howard Theater.
May 7
Recording session for “Run, Run, Run”, “Standing At The Crossroads Of Love”. This recording session is unlikely a vocal session because of the engagement at the Howard Theater.
Note 1: According to the booklet of “The Supremes Box Set” released in 2000 “Run, Run, Run” was recorded during their first recording session with the songwriting team Holland-Dozier-Holland (H-D-H) (so on September 13, 1962) but in the same booklet, the track credits dates it on May 7 (p.18 & p.53).
Note 2: According to the booklet of “Where Did Our Love Go – 40th Anniversary Edition” this is the first recording session with H-D-H since five months, so since around mid-December (after the end of the Motortown tour), which means that other recording sessions were held during the second half of December (unreferenced here).
Note 1: According to the booklet of “The Supremes Box Set” released in 2000 “Run, Run, Run” was recorded during their first recording session with the songwriting team Holland-Dozier-Holland (H-D-H) (so on September 13, 1962) but in the same booklet, the track credits dates it on May 7 (p.18 & p.53).
Note 2: According to the booklet of “Where Did Our Love Go – 40th Anniversary Edition” this is the first recording session with H-D-H since five months, so since around mid-December (after the end of the Motortown tour), which means that other recording sessions were held during the second half of December (unreferenced here).
May 10-16
Motortown Revue at the Royal Theater, Baltimore, MD.
May 17-26
Motortown Revue at the Uptown Theater in Philadelphia, PA.
Billed on this ads: The Miracles, Mary Wells, the Contours, Marvin Gaye, Martha & the Vandellas, the Supremes, Chocker Campbell & his orchestra, Bill Murry M.C. & comedian.
Note: According to Wikipedia on the Uptown Theater, Georgie Woods was able to book the Supremes for $400 for a full 10-day run; it probably refers to this engagement.
Billed on this ads: The Miracles, Mary Wells, the Contours, Marvin Gaye, Martha & the Vandellas, the Supremes, Chocker Campbell & his orchestra, Bill Murry M.C. & comedian.
Note: According to Wikipedia on the Uptown Theater, Georgie Woods was able to book the Supremes for $400 for a full 10-day run; it probably refers to this engagement.
The Supremes performing at the Uptown Theater in Philadelphia (the banner reads "WDAS 1480" which is an ad for a local radio station). The photo was most probably taken in 1963 during one of their engagements at the Uptown theater of this year (April, or May 17-26, or September 20-29).
May 29
Motortown Revue at the Playland Roller Rink in York, PA. The Supremes are not on the poster advertising the concert, they are part of the “others”…
May 30
Motortown Revue at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, NJ. The Supremes are not on the ad in the newspaper, they are part of the “others”…
May 31 - June 6
Motortown Revue at the Apollo Theater in New York. The show on June 4 is filmed by Charles J. Dorkins (see also TVgraphy).
June 12
Single “A Breath Taking, First Sight Soul Shaking, One Night Love Making, Next Day Heart Breaking Guy” released and quickly re-released with the shortened title “A Breath Taking Guy” (#75 on pop charts).
June 14
Motortown Revue at the Convention Hall in Asbury Park, NJ (2 shows at 9 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.). Artists on the bill: Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, the Miracles, Little Stevie Wonder, The Marvelettes, The Contours, Marv Johnson, Martha and the Vandellas, the Choker Campbell Orchestra, and Bill Murry. So the Supremes may not be part of these shows)
June 16
Motortown Revue at the Carr’s Beach, Annapolis, MD. (The Supremes maybe not be on the bill)
(June –) July
Concert at the Greystone Ballroom in Detroit. The Supremes’ first performance at this place was after the release of “A Breath Taking Guy”. The concert occurred before July 31 or maybe on July 31 as the Supremes recorded there that day.
July 4-7
Concerts at the Airport Drive-In in Philadelphia, PA.
It’s not sure the Supremes are part of these concerts: the artists on the ads in the Philadelphia Daily News (ads in July 3 to July 6 issues) are Sam Cooke, Little Stevie Wonder, the Miracles, Little Anthony, the Contours, Choker Campbell and his fabulous Motor Town Revue Band, plus five other sensational acts. The Supremes could be one of those five acts… or not.
It’s not sure the Supremes are part of these concerts: the artists on the ads in the Philadelphia Daily News (ads in July 3 to July 6 issues) are Sam Cooke, Little Stevie Wonder, the Miracles, Little Anthony, the Contours, Choker Campbell and his fabulous Motor Town Revue Band, plus five other sensational acts. The Supremes could be one of those five acts… or not.
July 15
Recording session for “This Is It” (recording of the track, not the vocals).
July 17
Recording session for “Your Kiss Of Fire” (first session).
July 22
Recording session for “Mr. Blues”.
July 24
Recording session for “Your Kiss Of Fire” (second session).
July 31
Recording session for “Come On Boy” recorded at the Greystone Ballroom (Detroit).
Motown artists on tour in 1963 (circa the summer) :
Little Stevie Wonder, Eddie Kendricks (Temptation), Uriel Jones (drummer of the Funk Brothers) behind Elbridge Bryant (Temptation), Otis Williams (Temptation), probably Esther Gordy, Paul Williams (Temptation), unknown, Melvin Franklin (Temptation), Diana Ross (Supreme), Robert Bullock (son of Esther Gordy), Patrice Gordy (Berry Gordy's niece), Florence Ballard (Supreme) and Mary Wilson (Supreme).
Little Stevie Wonder, Eddie Kendricks (Temptation), Uriel Jones (drummer of the Funk Brothers) behind Elbridge Bryant (Temptation), Otis Williams (Temptation), probably Esther Gordy, Paul Williams (Temptation), unknown, Melvin Franklin (Temptation), Diana Ross (Supreme), Robert Bullock (son of Esther Gordy), Patrice Gordy (Berry Gordy's niece), Florence Ballard (Supreme) and Mary Wilson (Supreme).
August 3-5
Concerts at the Royal Peacock in Atlanta, GA. Bill shared with Little Stevie Wonder as headliner, the Temptations and the King Pins. Two shows nightly at 10 p.m. & 1:00 a.m. and an additional show on Sunday 4 at 4:00 p.m.
August 10
Many ads in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for 2 shows (at 8:00 & 10:00 p.m.) by Stevie Wonder and the Ray DeFade Orchestra at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall in Pittsburgh, Pa. No other supporting act is mentioned on the ads but it’s odd that the Temptations and the Supremes were the supporting acts for a prior engagement (Aug 3-5) and also for the two following days but not for this one. Their participation is probable but not certain either.
August 11
Concert at the Carr's Beach in Annapolis, MD. Bill shared with Little Stevie Wonder, the Temptations.
August 12
Concert at the Columbus Township Auditorium in South Carolina. Bill shared with Little Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, Dave Hamilton and his band.
August 24
Concert at the Civic Center in Norfolk, VA. Bill shared with Little Stevie Wonder as headliner, the Temptations and Dave Hamilton’s Jazz Group.
August 30-Sept 5
Concerts (WSID Fat Daddy “Rhythm Cavalcade” Anniversary show) at the Royal Theatre in Baltimore, MD, with Tommy Hunt, Martha & the Vandellas, the Supremes, the Flamingos, Dionne Warwick and the Royalettes.
September 10
Recording session for “Bye Baby”.
September 17
Recording session for “My Imagination”.
September 18
Recording session for “Long Gone Lover”, “I Idolize You”.
September 20-29
Motortown Revue at the Uptown Theater in Philadelphia. Artists on the ads: the Miracles, the Marvelettes, Mary Wells, the Contours, the Temptations, Kim Weston, Bill Murry (MC), Choker Campbell & his orchestra.
Note: An article in Billboard (May 4, 1963 issue) states: “… in September the review will be broken in three separate shows, each featuring several of the tour’s top stars plus some new Tamla-Motown talent.” Even though the Supremes are not billed on the ads and posters, and not mentioned in newspapers articles, the booklet of the 40th Anniversary edition of “Where Did Our Love Go” states the Supremes are part of the October-December Motortown Revue. Except on a few engagements like the Apollo (October 18-23) their participation in those Motortown Revue concerts listed below is nevertheless still unsure to me.
Note: An article in Billboard (May 4, 1963 issue) states: “… in September the review will be broken in three separate shows, each featuring several of the tour’s top stars plus some new Tamla-Motown talent.” Even though the Supremes are not billed on the ads and posters, and not mentioned in newspapers articles, the booklet of the 40th Anniversary edition of “Where Did Our Love Go” states the Supremes are part of the October-December Motortown Revue. Except on a few engagements like the Apollo (October 18-23) their participation in those Motortown Revue concerts listed below is nevertheless still unsure to me.
October 1
Recording session for “When The Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes” and the background vocals on the Temptations “Not Now I’ll Tell You Later”.
October 4-10
Motortown Revue at the Royal Theater, Baltimore (the Supremes may not be part of the show).
October (-)
Note: According to Billboard (Dec 14, 1963 issue) the second Motortown Revue Tour begins around mid-October but the third Motortown Revue already begun in September (the second begun on April 19). This is an odd statement after the other one Billboard gave (see September 20-29).
October 11-17
Motortown Revue at the Howard Theater, Washington DC (the Supremes may not be part of the show).
October 18-20
Motortown Revue at the at the Apollo Theater in New York City. With Little Stevie Wonder, the Marvelettes, the Miracles, the Supremes, Kim Weston. 4 show a day, at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. & 10 p.m.
The whole Motortown Revue engagement at the Apollo was from October 18 to 23 but according to a personal note of Frank Schiffman, owner of the Apollo, and the Supremes’ following engagement, the Supremes only performed at the Apollo during the weekend (from Friday October 18 to Sunday October 20) even though they still appear in the ads in the newspapers until October 23.
The whole Motortown Revue engagement at the Apollo was from October 18 to 23 but according to a personal note of Frank Schiffman, owner of the Apollo, and the Supremes’ following engagement, the Supremes only performed at the Apollo during the weekend (from Friday October 18 to Sunday October 20) even though they still appear in the ads in the newspapers until October 23.
Unfold below for a list of Motortown Revues between October 26 and November 1 which don't have the Supremes on the bill.
Oct 21 - Nov 3
Engagement at the Clay House Inn in Bermuda. 2 shows nightly at 11:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m., minus October 30 which is a day off for the Supremes (there's special “Halowe'en Ball” with Elisabeth Taylor, Shirley Basey & Gilda impersonators at Clay House that night).
Some of the ads published in the Royal Gazette in 1963.
On top left from the ad on October 18 announcing the opening date, and top right the ad on October 22.
Bottom left : from the October 31 issue and bottom right the ad issued on the October 25, 28 & November 1.
On top left from the ad on October 18 announcing the opening date, and top right the ad on October 22.
Bottom left : from the October 31 issue and bottom right the ad issued on the October 25, 28 & November 1.
October 31
- Single “When The Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes” released (# 23 on pop charts).
The Supremes circa 1963-1964, probably from the same photo session (according to their wigs)
November 4
Last concert of the egagement at the Clay House Inn (Bermuda).
November 5
Motortown Revue at the Toledo Sport Arena in Toledo, OH (the Supremes are probably not part of the show).
November 6
Motortown Revue at the Morris Civic Auditorium in South Bend, IN (shows at 7:15 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.). Stevie Wonder on the bill (the Supremes may not be part of the show).
November 7
Motortown Revue at the Circle Theater in Indianapolis, IN (shows at 7:15 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.). Mary Wells on the bill (the Supremes may not be part of the show).
November 8-14
Motortown Revue at the Regal in Chicago, IL. Artists on the ads: the Miracles, Marvin Gaye, Kim Weston, the Marvelettes, Martha & the Vandellas, the Contours, Bill Murry (MC), Choxker Campbell orchestra. (the Supremes may not be part of the show).
November 15
Motortown Revue at the Civic Center in Lansing, MI (the Supremes may not be part of the show).
Nov 16 & 17
End of the six-weeks Motortown Revue tour at the Fox Theater in Detroit (2 shows per night). On tour: the Miracles, Mary Wells, the Marvelettes, Kim Weston, the Contours, the Temptations, Chocker Campbell & his band; on some dates: Stevie Wonder, Martha & the Vandellas.
Note 1: according to Billboard December 14, 1963 issue, a six weeks Motor Town tour occurred and ended at the Fox Theater in Detroit on November 16 & 17 (with eight shows on two days instead of four) with the artists listed above. The Supremes are not listed in the article so they may not be part of the shows). According to the ad on the Detroit Free Press (November 15, 1963 issue) the line-up is a bit different: Stevie Wonder, the Miracles, Marvin Gaye, Martha & the Vandellas (but the ad might not be exhaustive).
A program of the Motortown Revue, announced (on eBay) as being sold during this engagement shows a picture of the Supremes on the lower right corner of the back cover.
A program of the Motortown Revue, announced (on eBay) as being sold during this engagement shows a picture of the Supremes on the lower right corner of the back cover.
Note 2: in 1963, the Supremes are opening act of the Vandellas at the Fox Theater in Detroit. They perform “I Am Woman” among other songs. During this engagement the story has it that the Supremes upstaged the Vandellas by appearing with the same gowns. It could have happened during this November 16 & 17 concerts as I haven’t found any other performances in newspapers of the Vandellas at the Fox Theater in 1963 yet.
November 22
Assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy: the show scheduled is cancelled as are the shows scheduled for the week-end (September 23 & 24).
November 25
Recording session for “You’re Gonna Come To Me” (version 4), recorded in Chicago, IL (erroneously credited as version 3 on “Where Did Our Love Go – Expanded Edition”- see the discography for more information); recording session for “Honey Babe” in Chicago, IL.
Motortown Revue at the at the Donnelly Theater in Boston, MA (the Supremes may not be part of the show).
November 30
December 1
Motortown Revue at the Civic Center in Baltimore, MD. Show at 8:30 p.m. On the Ad: Stevie Wonder, the Miracles, Ben E. King, the Marvelettes, Rufus Thomas, Wilson Pickett, Annie Laurie, Garnet Mims and the Enchanters, Little Johnny Taylor, Mary Wells, Clay Hammond, Bill Murry (the Supremes may not be part of the show).
December 9
See December 8, 1962 about the release of the LP “Meet The Supremes”.
December 19
Recording of the track “You’re Gone (But Always In My Heart)”, vocals recording date unknown.
December (-)
Motown Christmas party at the Graystone Ballroom in Detroit.
Diana Ross and Berry Gordy Sr. at the Christmas party.
December 25
to
January 1st, 1964
to
January 1st, 1964
- Concerts at the Royal Theatre in Baltimore, MD. On the bill: Solomon Burke, the Marvelettes, the Supremes, Freddie Scott, the Jaynettes, Jessie Crawford.
- the Supremes are not part of the New Year's Eve concert at the Fox Theater in Detroit, MI. On the Ad: Stevie Wonder, Marv Johnson, the Temptations, Bill Murry (M.C.), Choker Campbell and his orchestra and Liz Lands.
