Super Cool Summer 60s Soul Songs: "The Happening" The Supremes (1967)

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The Supremes (Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard) are the greatest girl group ever. End of debate. Of all their hits, it is "The Happening" I remember most fondly from youth. The song was the theme to the movie of the same title, a crime comedy starring Anthony Quinn whose only distinction is being Faye Dunaway's film debut. The movie was a box office failure but the song was the 10th number one hit for The Supremes. Writing credit goes of course to Motown's holy songwriting trinity of Holland-Dozier-Holland who share with the movie's musical director Frank DeVol. "The Happening" is significant in Supremes history. This was the last hit before the group became known as Diana Ross & the Supremes and final single with Ballard. Her issues reached a boiling point with Motown head Berry Gordy who replaced her with Cindy Birdsong. "The Happening" has a bouncy 60s feel. Herb Albert & the Tijuana Brass scores a #32 hit instrumental version also in 1967.