October 22nd: The Day the First All-Female band got Number 1

Until October 22nd 1966, not a single all-woman music ensemble had achieved a number one selling album. Suddenly, The Supremes emerged into the spotlight! The girls were the first act signed to Motown Records, and performed behind the names of 'The Primettes', 'The Supremes' and 'Diana & The Supremes'. Their music career was the most commercially successful of the Motown Records acts, as not only were they women, but they were also black, and embraced this new feminine image that had not been done before in music. 

   The Supremes album The Supremes A' Go-Go became number one on this day in 1966, and signified the rise of female music recognised in the charts. Although a highly inspirational band with an endless string of classic hits, the band had issues behind closed doors. Diana Ross appeared to be the shining star of the group (and striving towards a solo career), and there were quite a few switch-arounds in the group dynamic. The 2006 movie Dreamgirls maps the career of The Supremes, with Beyonce playing a character resembling Diana Ross, and Jennifer Hudson's persona closely associated with Supreme's member Florence Ballard.

   Despite the problems in the band, the achievement of October 22nd 1966 remains significant, as it paved the way for future female groups and girl bands to gain recognition for their musical talents.