Florence Ballard sometimes replaced Ballard on stage with the Andantes' Marlene Barrow. In April 1967, Cindy Birdsong, member of Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles, became a stand-in for Ballard. A month later, Ballard returned to the group from what she thought was a temporary leave of absence. In June, Gordy changed the group's name to "The Supremes with Diana Ross", which was how they were billed on the marquee of Las Vegas' Flamingo Hotel. On July 1, the day after her 24th birthday, Ballard showed up inebriated during the group's third performance at the Flamingo and stuck her stomach out from
Carol Ballard own business, Kite Books, which produces worksheets and teachers' resources. Carol Ballard Carol Ballard is an author of more than 80 non-fiction books. Specializing in informational books for children and teens, her focus is toward the 7- to 14-year-old group. After graduating from Leeds University in plant sciences, Ballard did post-graduate research and was awarded a PhD in Immunology. She has many years experience as a science teacher and co-ordinator and has written articles for teachers on various aspects of science teaching, and teachers' materials for classroom use. In addition to her writing, Carol works as a freelance consultant for