Florence Ballard or distrust of others, but the rape was never mentioned again. Later in 1960, the Primettes signed a contract with Lu Pine Records, issuing two songs that failed to perform well. During that year, they kept pursuing a Motown contract and agreed to do anything that was required, including adding handclaps and vocal backgrounds. By the end of the year, Berry Gordy agreed to have the group record songs in the studio. In January 1961, Gordy agreed to sign them on the condition they change their name. Janie Bradford approached Ballard with a list of names to choose from before
Barbara Ballard Barbara Ballard Barbara W. Ballard (born November 14, 1944) is a Democratic member of the Kansas House of Representatives, representing the 44th district. Born in Petersburg, Virginia, she has served since 1993. Prior to her election to the House, Ballard served on the Lawrence School Board from 1985-1993. Ballard is treasurer of the Kansas African American Legislative Caucus. She has a BMeEd (1967) from Webster College, and an MS (1976) and PhD (1980) from Kansas State University. She has worked as an elementary school teacher, and from 1980 until 2004 was Dean of Students at the University of Kansas as