It’s not pleasant when a man’s good fortune comes at the hands of another man’s loss.
What would you call it when you’re the author of a new book about a Motown act, Diana Ross and The Supremes, that fizzled out more than 35 years ago — but another Motown star of that era, Michael Jackson, dies the week before your years of research are published, making your book front and center?
AUDIO EXCERPT: "Very loathsome — that's the thing everybody talks about — even before The Supremes were popular. Even back then, [Diana Ross] was getting on people's nerves left and right, saying what she was going to be. This was an obsessed woman, even when they were nobodies. 
Everybody laughed at her — but who had the last laugh, right? There would never have been a Supremes without her as the lead singer."
Mark Ribowsky didn’t know Jackson was going to die, of course, and he certainly didn’t know Jackson’s will would name Diana Ross the likely guardian of his three children.
The Supremes: A Saga of Motown Dreams, Success, and Betrayal is not the first biography of the ultimate girl group, but it probably won’t be hurt by its timing.
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You can LISTEN to this interview with Mark Ribowsky, author of The Supremes: A Saga of Motown Dreams, Success and Betrayal, by clicking the BlogTalk Radio audio player above!
Article comments
1 - Robert Brawn
I think all these year's later, it is no value whatsoever to write about the way someone acted when they were a teenager. The bigger picture here is that Diana and The Supremes opened doors for those to come years after.. they gave the world hits that are still being played everywhere, everyday, and bridged a racial gap no politician was able to do...
2 - Bob Andelman
Robert,
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts!
Bob
3 - Terry
I listened to roughly 4 minutes of the interview, and there were a few inaccuracies given by the author. In addition, nothing he said is new.
4 - Bob Andelman
Terry,
What were the inaccuracies in Mark Ribowsky's comments? Could you be specific?
Bob
5 - LaWan
Ms.Ross to be care giver to Michael Jackson's children? NOT TODAY AND NOT IN THIS LIFE TIME SHE WOULD BE THE CARE GIVER TO HIS CHILDREN. HIS OLDER SISTER SHOULD BE NAMED AS CARE AND LOVE GIVER TO HER BROTHER M.J.J. CHILDREN. Family Frist Always.
6 - Bob Andelman
LaWa,
I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Bob
7 - Straus Davis
LaWan, What Michael wanted, was in his will. People like you should mind your own business. His mother, will rear his children. Not you, not Diana Ross, but his mother. God in his infinite wisdom, saw fit to keep her healthy enough to do the job. You should talk about things you know something about and things you can add value too. This is why one makes a will, so their wishes will be carried out the way they want them in the event of their death. Michael did not want his immediate family to take care of his children...His mother first, and then Diana Ross. He probably saw how she reared her well adjusted children, and knew she would do the right thing with his.
8 - Terry
I believe that the auhtor said that the Supremes had 18 number one hits. They actually had 12. Diana Ross had 6. Thus, Diana has been featured on 18 number one hits.
I believe that the author said that Rhonda Ross discovered that Berry was her father at the age of 17. Most sources state that she was 13 when she found out.
9 - Bob Andelman
LaWan-Sorry for dropping the 'n' on your name.
Straus-Thanks for your comments.
Terry-I appreciate you being specific.