Before the Marvelettes, the Vandellas, and the Supremes, it was Bobbie Smith & The Dream Girls who were onstage and on rotation in Detroit. The group’s lead voice and star-power belonged to a teenager named Elma Holman, soon known from the 20 Grand to the Apollo Theatre as Bobbie Smith. The Dream Girls cut nine singles between 1959 and 1962. Bobbie did two more on her own—most notably 1964’s magnificent “Miss Stronghearted”. Then she left the business and never returned. On this episode, the spirited singer graces us with a rare interview wherein she speaks candidly about her career, her family, and her complicated relationship with the tremendous music she made all those years ago.
Produced by Mike Dutkewych
Mastered by David Jerkovich
Interview conducted by Mike Dutkewych, July 26, 2019
