I'm not familiar with music producers of that time period, as I am a youngin'. But I'd love to know if he's actually loosely based off of a famous/semi-famous figure like the others are. And if he is, I'd really like to research him and find out more about him, this way I have a bigger appreciation for the show and now movie.
Thanks!
--Brandon
Updated On: 1/10/07 at 07:30 PM
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/29/04
That would be Berry Gordy, Jr., the music producer mainly responsible for Motown, many would argue.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berry_Gordy
Updated On: 1/10/07 at 07:31 PM
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/23/05
I concur.
"Berry, however, dropped out of high school in the eleventh grade to become a professional boxer in hopes of becoming rich quick..."
-Funny that they went to a boxing match in the movie in order to 'get rich fast'. I read someone's review of the movie, and they noted that they didn't like the boxing scene in 'Stepping to the Bad Side'. Now I guess we have a reason why it's there!
"The store was unsuccessful and Gordy sought work at the Lincoln-Mercury plant..."
-The writers followed this guy's life to a tee, didn't they?
Jamie Foxx said that he was his inspiration.
Really? That's interesting. I didn't pay much attention to the interviews Jamie did for the movie. He's gone too Hollywood glam for me, but that's another story...
Jamie Foxx sucked ass.
Stand-by Joined: 10/10/06
its definately based on berry gordy. he had a relationship with diana ross and made her the lead singer...very taboo at the time.
SupposeD.
We were all thinking that, but it really has nothing to do with this thread, kyle.
Ok, it's my fault. Let's not turn this into a Jamie Foxx bashing thread.
I apologize for not doing my Supremes research, but I heard that Florence was the lead singer at one point, much like Effie. Is there a reason she was knocked off as the lead? Was she a big girl? I don't remember her being large in the pictures I've seen.
This topic might belong in the Off-Topic Board. I'm sorry if I made a mistake.
As with the show, Ms. Ballard had a much stronger voiice than Diana. Diana just sounded more 'white' (bland).
Yes, she was a bigger girl who had a better voice than Diana, I believe.
Edit: TheatreDiva got there first.
Hmmm...it sounds to me like I need to locate some of Ms. Ballard's music/vocals!
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/27/05
I have a Supremes Anthology with a song called "Buttered Popcorn" on it, where Florence sings the lead.
Kringas, it's so funny you mention that! I just bought that song on iTunes about 5 minutes ago! Wikipedia noted that she sang the lead vocals on that song.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/27/05
It's not a great song by any means, but it's got a charm to it. And it's a nice chance to get to hear Ballard's voice.
I have the Supremes box set as well and it also includes a version of the Streisand standard "People" with Florence singing lead.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/27/05
I gotta admit Deena is a heck of alot nicer person then Diana ever was. Diana basically screwed her way to the top and damned anybody be in her path.
While Florence's voice isn't as soulful as everyone made it out to be, I STRONGLY prefer hers over Diana's voice any day.
Fact:
Berry Gordy and Diana Ross actually had a child together. Her name is Rhonda Ross Kendrick, an actress on the television show, "Girlfriends." Diana's other daughter (her half sister) Tracee stars on the show as well. Dreamgirls clearly pulled a lot from the reality of these actual lives.
Chorus Member Joined: 1/9/07
I always thought Jimmy Early was supposed to be chuck berry, not james brown. If im mistaken please correct me, but thats what i was always told.
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