Kaaren Ragland

Biography

Kaaren Ragland was born in Richmond, Virginia but her family moved to New England. She attended the Northfield School in Massachusetts, Brown University (BA) and studied acting at Boston University’s School of Fine Arts (MFA) where she also took classes in the Music Department. Ragland's later education included a JD from UCLA. She states that her mother, a well known Virginia educator, always stressed the importance of a well-rounded education.

Career

Ragland appeared in the Broadway theatre production of "Eubie" with Cab Calloway, and in productions of “Little Shop of Horrors” and "Balm in Gilead" in Los Angeles. She was the first African-American ingenue hired by the National Shakespeare Company in New York City in the mid 70’s while she was still a student at Boston University.

It was Motown Records's intention to disband The Supremes in 1977, however, former Supreme Mary Wilson decided to continue working with the group as she was inspired by the number 1 UK album of The Supremes greatest hits. Wilson hired Ragland for concert tours in the United Kingdom, Europe, South East Asia and Australia during 1978, continuing throughout the 80's until she sold all her rights back to Motown. Mary had continued to tour with Ragland and other group members performing in the US, Canada, South America, Japan and Europe. Ragland 's final tour with Wilson took place in March and April 1989.

In late 1989, Ragland formed her group called “The Sounds of the Supremes” with whom she has appeared in over 70 countries around the world. Wilson attempted to prevent her using the name "The Sounds of the Supremes," in a Federal Court action 1996 but the court found in Ragland’s favor, granting her the right to use her name “The Sounds of the Supremes". [1]Supreme Decision: finding that Motown had no objections to the name and had actually "encouraged and supported" the group's performances.

Personnel

Albums

Live At The Highclere Castle (2007)