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
Edwin Birdsong International in 1979, which included the single "Phiss-Phizz." Birdsong also worked extensively with Roy Ayers; co-producing three of his albums and writing "Running Away" and "Freaky Deaky" with him. Birdsong slowly stopped making his own music but carried on playing session work for many well known artists including Stevie Wonder. Birdsong served as a mentor early in the career of Hip-Hop Artist/Producer Funkghost. Edwin Birdsong Edwin L. Birdsong (born August 22, 1951) is an American keyboard/organ player who was known in the 1970s and 1980s for his experimental funk/disco music. He never achieved chart success, but developed a strong fan