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
Thomas Ballard Jr. among them was Capt. John Ballard, of York county, who died in 1745. Thomas Ballard Jr. Colonel Thomas Ballard Jr. (c. 1654 - bef. October 1710), was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses from York County, Virginia. Ballard was a son of Colonel Thomas Ballard, of the council of state born around 1654 at Middle Plantation, Virginia. He served as one of the justices of York Co. and was Colonel of the Militia. He was burgess for York Co. in 1693, 1697, 1698, 1699, 1700-1702, 1703-1705 and 1710-1712. He married Catherine Hubbard, a daughter of John Hubbard. His