Cindy Birdsong who is Sundray Tucker's sister, had already joined Mary Wilson and Jean Terrell onstage and on the "Floy Joy" album cover, as Birdsong's pregnancy became visible. After a brief hiatus, Birdsong returned to the Supremes in November 1973, replacing a pregnant Laurence and remaining with the Supremes until she retired in February 1976, frustrated with her dealings with Mary Wilson's then-husband Pedro Ferrer, who was serving as the group's manager; coincidentally, a few days before Birdsong's official departure, Florence Ballard died of cardiac arrest at the age of 32 while experiencing a financial and personal recovery. During that period, Birdsong
Singing News Fan Awards for Favorite Group three categories have again been combined into the Favorite Group award. This was only for a season however, as the fans beckoned the return of the Trio, Mixed Group, and Male Quartet awards. They got their wish, in addition to the newly added Favorite Artist award, which is now considered "the biggie". Singing News Fan Awards for Favorite Group The Singing News Favorite Group award is awarded in the yearly Singing News Fan Awards ceremony held at the National Quartet Convention every September. It is awarded to the Southern gospel group which readers of the Singing News Magazine judge to