Cindy Birdsong
Birdsong in 1967
Birdsong in 1967
Background information
Birth nameCynthia Ann Birdsong
Born (1939-12-15) December 15, 1939
Mount Holly, New Jersey, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • actress
  • nurse
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active1960–1979
1987–2011
Labels
Formerly of

Cynthia Ann Birdsong (born December 15, 1939) is a retired American singer who became famous as a member of The Supremes in 1967, when she replaced co-founding member Florence Ballard. Birdsong had previously been a member of Patti LaBelle & The Bluebells.

Biography

Early life

Birdsong was born in Mount Holly, New Jersey on December 15, 1939, to parents Lloyd Birdsong, Sr. and Annie Birdsong. After living in Philadelphia for a duration of her childhood, the family returned to New Jersey, settling in Camden. Birdsong set her sights on becoming a nurse and attending college in Pennsylvania. When Cindy returned to Philadelphia she was contacted by a longtime friend, Patsy Holt, in 1960 to replace Sundray Tucker in Holt's singing group The Ordettes.[1] At twenty years of age, Birdsong was the oldest member of the group with the remainder of the group still in their mid-teens.

In June 2023, The New York Times printed a full length article on Birdsong's health and financial status. Her family revealed that she suffered several debilitating strokes, and expressed frustration with Birdsong's longtime caretaker and roommate Rochelle Lander who they said was preventing family support.[2] A judge awarded the family conservatorship in October 2023.[3]

Discography

Patti LaBelle & The Bluebells

Albums

  • 1963: Sweethearts of the Apollo
  • 1963: Sleigh Bells, Jingle Bells & Bluebells
  • 1965: On Stage
  • 1966: Over the Rainbow
  • 1967: Dreamer

Singles

Diana Ross & The Supremes

Albums

Singles

(All singles with The Temptations)

The Supremes

Albums

Singles

Solo

Singles

  • 1987: "Dancing Room"

References

  1. ↑ Patti LaBelle (October 31, 1996). Don't Block the Blessings (1st ed.). Warner Books. p. 94. ISBN 978-1573220392.
  2. ↑ "The Family of a Former Supreme Battles for Control of Her Life". The New York Times. June 29, 2023.
  3. ↑ Jacobs, Julia; Petkanas, Christopher (October 4, 2023). "Judge Appoints a Conservator to Oversee Affairs of Former Supreme". The New York Times.
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