I recently spoke to the lovely Kaaren Ragland of The Sounds of the Supremes, from LA about their upcoming Australian tour. Kaaren tells me that the group visited Tasmania in the 90s and she remembers performing at the Wrest Point Casino and in Launceston.
Impressions of the visit were that she ‘totally enjoyed her time here’ and of Tasmania she says ‘its definitely beautiful’ and ‘my kind of weather’ as, although now living in New England, she hails from the colder climate of Boston and has a love for the seaside.
It was when Dianna Ross left The Supremes in 1977 that Kaaren says it seemed for a while ‘the world had fallen in’, but with a best selling album demanding a tour Mary Wilson continued, enlisting Kaaren for a tour that would take the group to Asia, Europe and Australia. After Mary left in 1989, Kaaran was joined by two other ladies who she says are ‘just like her sisters’.
Kaaran remembers singing in between performances at the legendary Improv club in LA where comics such as Robin Williams held court.
Kaaren has a solid background in acting having studied at Boston University’s School of Fine Arts. During that time she was also hired to work with The National Shakespeare Company in NYC. Other performances include ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ in the early 80’s.
A big attraction to touring Australia is the fact it will give Kaaren the chance to catch up (and like a true blue Aussie she has the vernacular) with ‘rellies’ as her husband is from Geelong.
Kaaren’s favourite song of The Supremes is ‘Someday will be different’, Kaaren says,for the sentiment.
You can see Kaaren as part of The Sounds of The Supremes at The Wrest Point Entertainment Centre on Saturday July 19th.
Paula Xiberras
