Talk:Merry Christmas (The Supremes album)

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Rest assured, the only Supreme who sings on "Merry Christmas" is Diana Ross. Neither Mary Wilson nor Florence Ballard sing on any of the selection on the original released Album. All background singing is courteously sung by The Andantes.

Hence, "Merry Christmas" is the first solo album by Diana Ross.

You absolutely, positively correct as Mary Wilson denotes such within the Liner Notes included with Mery Christmas Expanded Edition. If fact, when it was given to me in December of 1965, I said to my late sister, Susan, "the background is not The Supremes as it was obvious that only sopranos were heard. Mary Wilson's husy voice was entirely absent.  Ross was, already, doing solos, beginning in September of 1965, while Wilson and Ballard were allowed by Gordy to enjoy some vacation to be with family; hence, Ross did it herself with The Andantes.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.122.209.54 (talk) 20:40, 23 December 2020 (UTC)

The Expanded, 2-CD of "Merry Christmas" illustrates the differences of the backgrounds between The Andantes and The Supremes. Hence, "Merry Christmas" by The Supremes remain a dubious entry in the discography of The Supremes and is quite misleading. Just as "The Long And Winding Road" is not a Beatles recording but intended as Paul McCartney's first solo recording. Such substitutions were already employed throughout the recording industry either because of contractual agreements or individual group members were not available or unwilling to participate.

The Second Disc of The Expanded Edition of Merry Christmas clearly demonstrates Ross' solo throughout every song. In fact, some of the tracks actually sound more beautiful and original when - either The Andantes are removed or sublimely added. Too much of The Andantes was too much of a shrill. Wilson and Ballard added depth when theie voices were used correctly as a blend to help Diana's vocals.