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
Cindy A. Johnson for UD. As of 2008, she resided in Salt Lake City, Utah. Cindy A. Johnson Cindy A. Johnson is a professional basketball player who has played for the University of Delaware and several European teams, as well as Guyana's national team. She played for the University of Delaware from 1997–2001, and was inducted into the UD hall of fame in 2008. In the 2000-01 season, with Johnson on the team, Delaware won the America East title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament, which UD had not previously achieved. She was the UD Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year for 2001.