Cindy Birdsong (born December 15, 1939) is an American singer and former member of the Motown singing group The Supremes. She was born in Camden, New Jersey, and grew up in nearby Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated from the High School of Industrial Arts in Philadelphia in 1957, and went on to study at the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music.
In 1959, Birdsong began her professional singing career when she joined the gospel group The Gospel Stars. She went on to sing with the doo-wop group The Del-Capris, and eventually became a member of the Philadelphia-based girl group Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles in 1961. It was during her time with the Bluebelles that she was discovered by Motown producer Berry Gordy, and was invited to join The Supremes in 1967.
Birdsong replaced original member Florence Ballard in the group, and was the longest-serving member of The Supremes, performing with them from 1967-1972. During this period, she sang lead or harmony vocals on a number of hit singles, including "Love Child", "Stoned Love", and "Floy Joy". She also sang lead on the group's only number one hit that featured a lead vocalist other than Diana Ross, "Some Things You Never Get Used To".
Birdsong left The Supremes in 1972, and went on to pursue a solo career. She released her debut solo album, Cindy Birdsong, in 1976, and also provided lead vocals on the first three albums released by the group Labelle. She released two more solo albums in the 1980s, and in 1989, she reunited with former Supremes members Mary Wilson and Scherrie Payne for a series of concert tours.
Birdsong has continued to maintain a presence in the music industry. In recent years, she has appeared on television shows such as American Idol and The Voice, and provided background vocals for a number of artists, including Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson.
Birdsong is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2012, she was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame. She is also the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philadelphia Music Alliance.
Cindy Birdsong is an iconic figure in the history of American music, and her work with The Supremes and subsequent solo career have paved the way for many other female singers and groups. Her
