The Sounds of The Supremes with '70's/'80's "SUPREME" Kaaren Ragland
The Supremes’ music personified the Motown
Sound that influenced a generation, which has shown itself to be one of the most definitive and enduring contributions to American Pop music history. Since 1989 The Sounds of the Supremes (the only group of their type legally endorsed by Motown*) led by Kaaren Ragland, a former member of original Supreme Mary Wilson’s 70s/80s group have achieved a remarkable degree of worldwide success. London’s What’s On described their incomparable energy packed show featuring more than 20 hit songs as “a non-stop bravura performance of immense vitality” recreating “perfectly the frenetic style and sound of the original lineup”. These three American women possess a wealth of experience in recording, television, cabaret, theater and musicals, and deliver a fantastic vocal blend on re-worked Motown classics, standards, contemporary songs, stylish choreography and unrivaled glamour. The sound of The Supremes’ music lives on today with The Sounds of the Supremes performing chart topping hits such as:
- You Keep Me Hanging On
- Stop In The Name Of Love
- Where Did Our Love Go
- Love Child
- Nothing But Heartaches
- Reflections
- You Can't Hurry Love
- Back In My Arms Again
- Baby Love
- Floy Joy
- Nathan Jones
- Automatically Sunshine
- Up The Ladder To The Roof
- Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart
- Someday We'll Be Together
KAAREN RAGLAND
As a member of “The Supremes” from the late 70s through the 80s Kaaren performed at the London Palladium, for Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret, at Europe’s “Pori Jazz Festival”, the “Bottom Line” in Japan, and on the “Legends of Rock” stadium tour of Australia as part of the group’s extensive worldwide concert appearances.
Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Kaaren studied acting at the School of Fine Arts, Boston University. Stage credits include the Broadway musical, “Eubie” with Cab Calloway, and the New York based National Shakespeare Company as their featured ingenue. Also, “Balm in Gilead” and the renown musical, “The Little Shop of Horrors” in Los Angeles.
Founding The Sounds of the Supremes in the late 80s with whom she’s appeared in over 40 countries, Kaaren continues to lead this definitive trio whose recordings include, Detroit-LA, Live In Germany, and a notable appearance on the ’95 Mercury/Verve release by jazz legend, Herbie Hancock, Dis is Da Drum. The City of Springfield, Illinois, honored the group in 1998 when the Mayor declared August 21, “Sounds of the Supremes Day”; that same year, the Australian Entertainment Industry bestowed a prestigious “Mo Award” on them. In Germany, Radio Regenborgen recently presented the ladies with their 2001 “Lifetime Achievement Award” for keeping the music alive.
KATHY MERRICK
Born in Washington DC, Kathy attended Howard University where she majored in drama, music and dance.
As a founding member of international vocal recording group, Shades of Lace, during the 80s, she appeared on BET’s “Video Soul”, Don Cornelius’ “Soul Train” and “Showbiz Today” (CNN). The group was featured in live performance at the legendary (Live At The) “Apollo” and at casinos: The Sands, The Dunes and Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas.
In the early 90s Kathy’s considerable vocal talents led to world tours with Boz Scaggs, James Ingrams and “New Edition’s” Johnny Gill with whom she also appeared on “The Tonight Show” and “Arsenio Hall”. Her sultry good looks led Jeff “Splash” Kutash to invite Kathy to sing lead vocals in his “Cover Girls” revue, and Donny Moore’s “Playboy Girls of Rock-N-Roll”. Kathy has been a member of The Sounds of the Supremes since 1997.
ALTHEA BURKHALTER
Althea, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, is a versatile entertainer who gained early recognition locally as a member of “Brandywine”, opening for Philadelphia’s Billy Paul (“Me & Mrs Jones”).
With formal training at Cuyahoga Community College for Voice, Piano & Acting, and as a successful Graduate of the Babizon School of Modeling in her hometown, Althea has since performed live throughout the USA, and as a studio singer in Florida for Sunshine Records.
A resident of Las Vegas, she has notably performed at the MGM Grand, Mirage, Bally’s and Stardust to name a few. Prior to joining The Sounds of the Supremes her stunning, soulful, gospel tinged voice was a feature of ex-“Checkmate” (“Black Pearl”), Sonny Charles’ group “The Emeralds” at the Las Vegas Hilton and Stratosphere showrooms, and she appeared for a notable period of time at New York, New York as a member of “Motown” legends, Martha Reeves & The Vandella’s. Althea originally joined The Sounds of the Supremes in 1997.
THE SOUNDS OF THE SUPREMES
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