On this day: February 22, 1976

Florence Ballard passed away on February 22, 1976, she was the original lead singer of the Supremes, but at the time of her death, at just 32 years old, she was living in poverty with her three children.

Ballard, Diana Ross, and Mary Wilson made up the original Supremes and began working together in 1960 as the Primettes. However, they were soon signed by Berry Gordy Jr. and the name was changed. It was no secret that Gordy favored Ross as the lead singer, and gave her such hits as; Baby Love, Stop! In the Name of Love, and Come See About Me. Ballard did get to sing at least one major hit though, she is the lead on Love Is Here and Now You're Gone.

But, tensions between Ballard and Ross continued to grow, and Ballard started drinking more heavily. By 1967 she had left the group to attempt a solo career, with little success.

Other notable events for February 22:
-Loretta Lynn claimed on Feb. 22, 1959, after hearing of the death of her father, that she had had a dream that night of seeing him in a coffin
-Techno superstar Gary Numan closed his Numa Records label on Feb. 22, 1987
-The 1989 Grammy's were boycotted by rap artists when they discovered their award would not be broadcast on TV
-Andy Warhol passed away on Feb. 22, 1987