Diana Ross to tour with the Supremes

Tuesday, April 4, 2000 | 10:09 a.m.

The Detroit diva announced plans today for a new tour with the Supremes, although the two singers signed up for the shows actually joined the group after Ross' 1970 departure.

"This tour will really be dedicated to all the songs from the early days," Ross told a packed news conference in Grand Central Terminal. "The reason we're doing this is for our fans."

Ross, joined by Lynda Laurence and Scherrie Payne, arrived at the vast train station in a black stretch limousine. Despite a steady rain, Ross sported sunglasses as she exited the car.

The tour will open June 14 in Philadelphia, and run through Aug. 5 with a finale at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Tickets for the shows in Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, New York and Boston go on sale April 11.

Ross was adamant that this was not a reunion tour. Original Supreme Mary Wilson was approached for the tour, but a financial deal could not be worked out, according to the promoter.

"To me, this is really about the music," Ross said. "Aren't we celebrating the music?"