Where did
our love go?
Following the many accolades Motown Records'
was receiving by 1962, Berry Gordy hit upon the
idea of putting together a cross-country tour,
which would not only feature his biggest artists,
but also promote the less successful acts like The
Supremes. Aptly named The Motortown Revue,
Berry was reluctant to send Diana Ross and the
girls out on the road, fearing they may not be
prepared for the often brutally harsh reality of
being black. Parts of the South were notorious for
racism, and neither Diana, Florence or Mary had
ever really encountered this sort of hostility
before. When Diana heard they wouldn't be going
on the tour, she eagerly set about changing
the first time. They would constantly be refused
service at petrol stations, hotels and restaurants
and were often not even permitted to use the
bathroom! If by chance they were allowed to use
any of the facilities, they would be told to use the
back entrance. Every few days or so the artists
and their entourage stopped at a cheap motel to
take much-needed baths, wash their clothes and
relax. Diana remembered it was the smelliest tour
of all time!
“It wa 2v