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
Bob Birdsong Bob Birdsong Bob Birdsong (born 1948) is a former American bodybuilder. He competed in several IFBB and AAU bodybuilding contests, and won a number of important titles in the 1970s, including the 1974 IFBB Mr. America. Born in Tennessee, Birdsong first competed in the 1971 AAU Mr. America coming in 21st. He followed by competing in contests, such as AAU Mr. California, AAU Mr. Western America, and IFBB Mr. International. Birdsong was born in Tennessee and raised in Kentucky. He described himself as a "skinny and stuttering kid" growing up. As a child, he got bullied by other children because