Barbara Martin of The Supremes has died ages 76.

 Barbara left

                     
Barbara Martin of the original Motown group The Supremes has died at the age of 76. She died in Detroit, US, on Wednesday earlier this week, with her death confirmed on the musical group's Facebook page on Thursday.

Band member Mary Wilson wrote a moving tribute to the former singer: “Our hearts go out to Barbara’s family and friends.
"Once a Supreme, always a Supreme.”

Barbara was a member of the singing group from 1960 to 1962, replacing founding member Betty McGlown.
She joined the group when they were still named The Primettes, and was with the then-quartet when they signed to Motown record label in 1961.

The group was completed by Diana Ross and Florence Ballard.
On their first album, 1962's Meet The Supremes, Barbara's vocals can be heard on most of the tracks.

 Barbara left

                           

She didn't feaure on the album's cover art, which is said to be because she was heavily pregnant at the time.
She sang the lead on their song After All in 1961, while her three bandmates sang backing vocals.
But the song's release was cancelled, as Buttered Popcorn was favoured more for radio.

Barbara left the group in spring 1962 after recording their first album and wasn't replaced, leaving The Supremes to debut as a trio act for years to come.

Fans took to Twitter to share their condolences and sorrow at the news of her passing.
One fan wrote a touching tribute: "RIP Barbara Martin, an original Supreme. Great vocals on Meet The Supremes. You can only wonder how history would have panned out #thesupremes #motown."