The Supremes receive Randolph well. In April 1967, Gordy then contacted Cindy Birdsong, a member of Patti LaBelle & the Blue Belles who superficially resembled Ballard, with plans to bring her in as Ballard's replacement. He made his plans clear to Ballard and her group mates at a mid-April meeting, and Birdsong was brought in to begin rehearsals. Gordy did not fire Ballard outright at that time, asking Ballard instead to quit on her own. Birdsong first appeared with the Supremes in Ballard's place at a benefit concert at the Hollywood Bowl on April 29, 1967. Following the performance, Gordy quickly learned
Larry Birdsong Allen and Red Tyler. After he left Vee-Jay, several of his earlier recordings were issued by Jarrett in 1958 and 1959 on another of his labels, Champion. He has been described as "a very versatile singer, who recorded blues, doowop, jazz, gospel, rock n roll, smooth crooning and soul." In 1961, Birdsong recorded for the Home of the Blues record label in Memphis, where he was produced by Willie Mitchell. On some recordings his backing group was credited as the Larryettes. However, commercial success still eluded him, and he did not record again until signing for the Sur-Sound label owned