<![CDATA[SCHERRIE & LYNDA, FORMER LADIES OF THE SUPREMES - Blog, News & Events]]>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 11:49:28 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[In Memory of Rick Gianatos (September 3rd 2026)]]>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.formersupremes.com/blog-news--events/in-memory-of-rick-gianatos-september-3rd-2026
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(L-R) Lynda Laurence, Rick Gianatos, Scherrie Payne & Joyce Vincent
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend and longtime collaborator, Rick Gianatos. Rick passed away on September 3, 2026, in Los Angeles, California, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Rick’s musical journey with the ladies began in the early 1980s, when he produced several 12-inch singles for Scherrie Payne’s solo career ("I'm Not In Love," & "One Night Only.". He later produced a re-recording of The Supremes’ classic hit, “Up the Ladder to the Roof,” featuring former Motown Supremes Cindy Birdsong, Scherrie Payne, and Lynda Laurence. This memorable project took place in 1985, before the formation of Former Ladies of The Supremes.

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Rick worked closely with Ian Levine, producing many recordings for the UK-based Motorcity Records label. Among these projects were several recordings by Jean, Scherrie & Lynda of The Supremes. In 1994, Rick produced the first full Former Ladies of The Supremes studio album, "Supreme Voices," featuring Scherrie Payne, Lynda Laurence, and Sundray Tucker.

Rick’s creative partnership with the ladies continued well into the new millennium. He collaborated with them both collectively and on individual projects. In 2006, he produced the dance track “Sisters United” for Former Ladies of The Supremes, featuring Scherrie Payne, Lynda Laurence, and Freddi Poole. He also later featured them on his "DreamGirls Dance Project "compilation CD.

Rick remained dedicated to recording and producing Scherrie Payne as a solo artist, releasing dance remakes of “Crumbs Off the Table” and “Let Yourself Go,” as well as the singles “The Man That Got Away” and “Losing My Mind.” He also produced and released two full-length solo albums for Scherrie, "Vintage Scherrie Volumes 1 and 2."

Throughout his career, Rick worked with countless artists. Among his most trusted and beloved collaborators were backing vocalists Joyce Vincent and Pam Vincent, whose unmistakable voices can be heard on most of Rick’s productions from the late 1980s through the final years of his life.  All of the backing vocal arrangements were the creation of Pam Vincent. 

In July 2023, Rick brought the ladies together one last time, along with Pam Vincent, to record backing vocals on “Patience,” a song by Alonzo Starr, brother of the legendary Edwin Starr. This would become the final recording they made with Rick, making the session all the more special and meaningful.  

Rick will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on through the incredible body of music he created and the many lives he touched along the way. His passion, talent, and dedication to his craft will continue to inspire generations of music lovers.

The ladies send their love and heartfelt condolences to Rick’s family, friends, fans, and all those whose lives were enriched by his work around the world.
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"Thank you, Rick, for the music, the memories, and the friendship. As you always believed, may we continue to “Keep the Music Playing.” - Former Ladies of The Supremes

Songs produced by Rick Gianatos
1.  "I'm Not In Love" 1982 - Scherrie Payne's favorite Rick Gianatos production
2.  "Somewhere Out There" 1994 Lynda Laurence's favorite Rick Gianatos production
]]><![CDATA[#Looking Back - September 5th 1975]]>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.formersupremes.com/blog-news--events/looking-back-september-5th-1975
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The London Hilton Bombing: September 5th 1975
]]><![CDATA[#FLOSFriday - Celebrating 40 years of "SUPREME EXCELLENCE" with The Former Ladies of The Supremes.  Looking back to the late 1990's with Scherrie, Lynda & Freddi]]>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:03:32 GMThttps://www.formersupremes.com/blog-news--events/flosfriday-celebrating-40-years-of-supreme-excellence-with-the-former-ladies-of-the-supremes-looking-back-to-the-late-1990s-with-scherrie-lynda-freddi

​#FLOSFRIDAY - On Friday's we celebrate the 40 year history and legacy of The Former Ladies of The Supremes we call it FLOS Friday!

Today we are looking back to the late 1990's when Freddi Poole joined former Motown Supremes Scherrie Payne & Lynda Laurence.  

This trio of FLOS performed and recorded together 1996-2009.
​#KeepTheMusicPlaying #FormerLadiesOfTheSupremes


(PHOTO) Top - Scherrie Payne, Middle - Freddi Poole, Bottom- Lynda Laurence
]]><![CDATA[Former Ladies of The Supremes on the "Malt Shop Memories" Cruise 2026!]]>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:08:27 GMThttps://www.formersupremes.com/blog-news--events/former-ladies-of-the-supremes-on-the-malt-shop-memories-cruise-2026
The Malt Shop Memories Cruise is a themed voyage celebrating 1950s and 1960s rock ‘n’ roll, featuring over 50 live performances, sock hops, and interactive events at sea.

The 2026 sailing runs October 31 to November 7 aboard Holland America Line’s Eurodam, departing Fort Lauderdale with ports in San Juan and Tortola. Headliners include Wayne Newton, The Temptations, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, Darlene Love, Former Ladies of The Supremes l, Freda Payne and The Coasters, plus a conversation with Priscilla Presley.
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Passengers experience a 24-hour retro atmosphere with daily theme nights like the Sock Hop Celebration and Endless Summer Evening, where attendees dress in poodle skirts, letterman jackets, and Hawaiian attire. The cruise blends classic dining with activities such as dance contests and T-shirt decorating, recreating the record hop era for fans of doo-wop and early rock and roll.
]]><![CDATA[#FLOSFriday - Celebrating 40 years of "SUPREME EXCELLENCE" With The Former Ladies of The Supremes!  Looking back to 1995 with Scherrie, Lynda & Sundray.]]>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.formersupremes.com/blog-news--events/flosfriday-celebrating-40-years-of-supreme-excellence-with-the-former-ladies-of-the-supremes-looking-back-to-1995-with-scherrie-lynda-sundray
#FLOSFRIDAY- On Friday's we celebrate the 40 year history and legacy of The Former Ladies of The Supremes, we call it FLOS FRIDAY!  Today we are looking back to 1995 when former MOTOWN SUPREMES Scherrie Payne & Lynda Laurence were joined by Sundray Tucker.

Here's a rare shot of the Ladies performing on-stage in @1995 - wearing the outfits from the cover of their 1995 album "Supremely Yours," which was produced by Steve Weaver.  

This trio of FLOS recorded and performed together 1992-1996.
#FormerLadiesOfTheSupremes
#AuthenticallyKeepingTheLegacyAlive

]]><![CDATA[In Loving memory of Janie Bradford]]>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 22:47:18 GMThttps://www.formersupremes.com/blog-news--events/in-loving-memory-of-janie-bradford
With heavy hearts and deep love, we say goodbye to our Motown family member, Janie Bradford.

Janie was there before there was even a Motown. The world knew her for her song writing, penning the line that started it all — "Your love gives me such a thrill / But your love don't pay my bills" — for "Money (That's What I Want)," but we knew her as family. She was smart, clever, funny, talented and determined, She became Motown’s historian through her Heroes and Legends Awards, she made sure no one was ever forgotten

Over the last 40 years of Former Ladies of The Supremes, Janie regularly attended our Los Angeles performances. She was always there. She never missed an opportunity to support us, and to remind us that once Motown family, always Motown family. 
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(L-R) Lynda Laurence, Janie Bradford, Joyce Vincent & Scherrie Payne..
When other companies talk about family, it's different. Motown really did become a family. Janie lived that every day of her 87 beautiful years.

To Janie’s family, and all who loved her — we hold you close. 

We love you, Janie. Thank you for the music and the love.

With all our love,
The Former Ladies of The Supremes
]]><![CDATA[#FLOSFRIDAY - celebrating 40 Years of "Supreme Excellence" with The Former Ladies of The Supremes.  Looking back to the early 1990's with Scherrie, Lynda & Jean.]]>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.formersupremes.com/blog-news--events/flosfriday-celebrating-40-years-of-supreme-excellence-with-the-former-ladies-of-the-supremes-looking-back-to-the-early-1990s-with-scherrie-lynda-jean#FLOSFRIDAY - Celebrating 40 years of "SUPREME EXCELLENCE" with the Former Ladies of The Supremes.

Today we are looking back to the early 1990's with Scherrie Payne, Lynda Laurence & Jean Terrell.  In this photo from our FLOS the Ladies are pictured with "THE ORIGINALS" and music producer Rick Gianatos.  The 2 groups recorded several duets together including the Northern Soul Classic "Back By Popular Demand," plus "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher," and a cover of THE SUPREMES' & THE TEMPTATIONS 1968 classic "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me."

(Standing L-R) Walter Gaines, Jean Terrell, Hank Dixon, Rick Gianatos, Lynda Laurence, CP Spencer, Scherrie Payne & Freddie Gorman.  Front kneeling (unknown)  

This trio of FLOS performed and recorded together 1986-1993
​#FormerLadiesOfTheSupremes #FLOS40 #AuthenticallyKeepingThe LegacyAlive
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Former Ladies of THE SUPREMES & THE ORIGINALS
1. "Back By Popular Demand"
2. "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me"
3. "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher" 
]]><![CDATA[FLOS with Chris Schauble]]>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.formersupremes.com/blog-news--events/flos-with-chris-schaubleChris Schauble with The Former Ladies of The Supremes!  
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June 2026 at the Disney Concert Hall  in Downtown Los Angeles.

About Chris Schauble:  Los Angeles residents wake-up with Chris Schauble each morning as they get up to the minute local, state and national news on the popular “Today In LA” morning news show KTLA Channel 5. Chris hosted the event the ladies performed at.
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]]><![CDATA[FLOS & Stevie Wonder at La Voix Studios' "Singer/Songwriter" showcase. 8-16-23]]>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:44:54 GMThttps://www.formersupremes.com/blog-news--events/flos-stevie-wonder-at-la-voix-studios-singersongwriter-showcase-8-16-23August 16th 2026 - Scherrie Payne, Lynda Laurence & Joyce Vincent attended the La Voix Studios' "Singer/Songwriter showcase in North Hollywood, CA. at Kulak's Woodshed.  Also in attendance was Steve Wonder!   

La Voix Studio is a vocal/music school owned and operated by Scherrie's daughter Shoshana Payne Phillips.  The Ladies are not only proud sponsors of the school, but they are also students.  The Ladies take a weekly class with Shoshana to keep their voices in tip-top shape! 
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(L-R) Lynda Laurence, Stevie Wonder, Scherrie Payne & Joyce Vincent.
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(L-R) Lynda Laurence, Barbara Gaines (wife of Walter Gaines - THE ORIGINALS,) Scherrie Payne, Joyce Vincent & Shoshana Payne Phillips (Scherrie's daughter, and owner of La Voix Studio.)
FUN FACTS:
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in 1969 Lynda Laurence recorded "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) with Stevie Wonder, prior to joining The Supremes.  

In 1973 Stevie Wonder wrote and produced "Bad Weather for The Supremes (Jean Terrell, Mary Wilson & Lynda Laurence.)  The song was co-wrote by Lynda's brother Ira Tucker Jr.
]]><![CDATA[Former Ladies of The Supremes on the "Malt Shop Memories Cruise"  October 31st - November 7th 2026]]>Sat, 15 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.formersupremes.com/blog-news--events/former-ladies-of-the-supremes-on-the-malt-shop-memories-cruise-october-31st-november-7th-2026
Malt Shop Memories Cruise (CLICK HERE)
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