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#699 UP THE LADDER TO THE ROOF The Supremes
The first single released by The Supremes post-Diana Ross was "Up the Ladder to the Roof". Such a significant split in Motown's premier act made Motown nervous. The group had scored 12  #1 singles during the 1960s. Diana Ross' departure to pursue a solo career was certainly not guaranteed success. Motown wasted little time keeping the girl group's momentum going. 
Coming off the back of their swansong with Diana Ross on the #1 "Someday We'll Be Together" in late 1969, the 2 remaining Supremes Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong welcomed new lead singer Jean Terrell. Frank Wilson produced the recording of "Up the Ladder...", a song he had co-written with Vincent DiMirco. The single was unleashed in February 1970 and later included on the group's 'Right On' LP; the first to showcase the new line-up. 
The single was well received, reaching #10 Pop & 5 R&B in the US, and peaking at #6 in Britain. Terrell sounds very similar to Ross on the recording. The Supremes' future seemed assured. The hits kept coming, while Ross' solo career had a sluggish start. Sadly, Motown treated the group as a low priority and the Supremes' chart run suffered. Ross, on the other hand, went on to greater heights as both a singer and actress.