As someone who’s been performing in Las Vegas since the ’60s, how do you like being a full-time resident?
I enjoy living here. My family is here—I live with my daughter and her husband and three of my grandchildren, so we’re happy here. But it’s not like the old days. I remember when the airport was just one little building. [The Supremes’] first gig on the Strip was at the Flamingo in 1967. We used to hang out at the Dunes; we worked Caesars Palace, the Riviera ... we had our final show with Diane [Diana Ross] at the Frontier in 1970. We had a huge closing; everybody was there: Ed Sullivan, Johnny Carson, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Lou Rawls—it was filled with folks. There’s a live recording of that.
What did you think of the film Dreamgirls, which was loosely based on the story of The Supremes?
I have mixed feelings ... They did a wonderful job transforming the play, which I’ve seen many times, into a movie—it was beautiful. But on the other hand, none of it was really the story of The Supremes. It’s an honor to have something based on your life, but they basically used The Supremes’ history and legacy and changed it, so it really isn’t fact-for-fact. It’s kinda fuzzy. I’ve written two books, and one of them is called Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme, and for me that’s the story of The Supremes. It may have been my viewpoint, but it was still based on the real thing.
Any chance you and Diana and Cindy Birdsong might reunite at some point?
It takes two to tango or, in our case, three. If Diane would want to do it, I’d definitely be up for it. It just really depends on whether she wants to. Everyone is always talking about it. I’ve had billionaires say, “What will it take?” And I say, “Hey, go talk to Diane.” But until I get the call ...
You’ve been a key supporter of the Truth in Music bill that recently passed here in Nevada. Explain why that’s so important to you.
It’s very important for the legacies of these groups because a lot of them, like Herb Reed of The Platters and Carl Gardner of The Coasters, are getting up in age. These people are national treasures, and it’s important for them to be proud of their legacies without their legacies being stolen from them. The law says that if you recorded the music under a name, say The Supremes, then you have every right to perform under that moniker. As long as there’s one original member left, it’s legitimate. But you can’t just pick up a name and perform under it; you have to call yourself a tribute act. It makes sense, but trust me, it doesn’t always happen that way, even right here in this city.
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July 14, 8 p.m., $25. Silverton pool, 914-8557.