Susaye Greene

Susaye Greene is an American singer and songwriter, best known as the final official member of the legendary Motown group the Supremes and as a songwriter who contributed to some of the biggest pop records of the late 1970s. She joined the Supremes in 1976, becoming the last addition to the iconic girl group before its dissolution the following year. Her tenure, though brief, placed her at the end of a storied line that defined Motown's golden era.

Greene's significance extends beyond her role as a performer. She co-wrote songs for Michael Jackson's multi-platinum album Off the Wall and for Deniece Williams, among others. Her songwriting credits have earned her lasting royalties and a reputation as a skilled craftswoman. As of 2026, she remains active in legacy projects and occasional performances, representing a living link to the Supremes' final chapter.[edit]

Greene grew up in Houston, Texas, in a household filled with gospel, jazz, and R&B. Her family relocated to Los Angeles during her childhood, where she attended high school and began formal music training. She sang in church choirs and school shows, and started writing songs as a teenager. Her talent caught the attention of Motown producers, who initially hired her as a session vocalist and songwriter. Before joining the Supremes, she contributed backing vocals on numerous Motown recordings and co-wrote songs for other artists, building a foundation for her later career.[edit]

In 1976, Greene was selected to replace Cindy Birdsong in the Supremes, joining Mary Wilson and Scherrie Payne. The group released the album Mary, Scherrie & Susaye in 1976, featuring the single "You're My Driving Wheel." Greene performed on the Supremes' final tour in 1977, after which the group disbanded.

After the Supremes, Greene focused on songwriting. She co-wrote "Push Me Away" for Michael Jackson's 1979 album Off the Wall, which sold over 20 million copies worldwide. She also co-wrote "I'm So Glad" for Deniece Williams. Throughout the 1980s, she continued writing for Motown artists. In later decades, she participated in reunion events and archival projects, including documentaries and reissues related to the Supremes' legacy. She remains involved in preserving the group's history.[edit]

Greene is remembered as a talented vocalist and songwriter who brought a contemporary soul sound to the Supremes during their final year. Media portrayals emphasize her musicianship and her role as the group's last member. Fans of the Supremes recognize her as a significant figure in the group's history, though she does not have a dedicated fandom name. Her public persona is that of a skilled professional who contributed both on stage and behind the scenes.[edit]

Susaye Greene currently holds no placement in the iFANN Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list, a status confirmed by the August 2026 evaluation cycle of the iFANN Global Fame Engine. While she does not appear on the published rankings, her enduring presence is anchored in her historical role as the final official member of The Supremes, often referred to by fans as "The Last Supreme." This designation marks the conclusion of Motown's golden era rather than a metric of current viral fame. Her fanbase operates under the broader umbrella of The Supremes fandom, with no specific collective noun documented for her personal following. The community remains highly organized through the Former Ladies of The Supremes (FLOS), an entity comprising Greene and Scherrie Payne that actively manages touring and public appearances without relying on third-party clubs. Fans demonstrate sustained engagement through live concert attendance decades after the group's peak, supporting performances such as the 2014 reunion of their album Partners and recent tours in locations like Juneau, Alaska. Cultural preservation efforts are also evident in museum exhibits curated by the community, which highlight the entire lineage of the group including Greene's tenure. Interactions between Greene and her audience occur primarily through Q&A sessions, podcasts, and live stage performances where she discusses the dynamics of working with Diana Ross. There are no recorded instances of singular viral incidents or chaotic crowd reactions unique to her, as her legacy is defined by the verified historical fact of her position at the end of the classic lineup and her longevity in keeping the group's spirit alive through reunions.[edit]

Susaye Greene possesses a five-octave vocal range, a versatile asset that distinguished her during her time with the Supremes. She was initially hired by Motown Records as a songwriter before being recruited to join the group, a tenure lasting approximately one year, the shortest of any official member. Greene co-wrote the track Push Me Away for Michael Jackson's Off the Wall, an album that subsequently won a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Her final performance with the group occurred on the 1977 tour, which concluded with the dissolution of the band. In 1988, she was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction as part of the group's final lineup. A central legend surrounding her career is her title as "The Last Supreme," a verified historical fact marking her signing in early 1976 as the end of an era for Motown's most famous girl group. Fans frequently commemorate her official stage debut on April 13, 1976, as the beginning of this final chapter. The mythology of her legacy extends to modern reunions, notably the 2014 performance of their album Partners attended by diehard supporters, and her continued touring with Scherrie Payne into 2024, proving the enduring relevance of their partnership.[edit]

Greene was born to parents who encouraged her musical interests. She has siblings, though their names are not widely publicized. She married Dr. James Greene, a physician, and the couple had at least one child together before divorcing. As of 2026, Greene keeps her family life private and does not publicly share details about her children or household.[edit]

Mary Wilson and Scherrie Payne were fellow Supremes members during Greene's tenure. She collaborated with Michael Jackson on songwriting and was romantically linked to him. She also co-wrote for Deniece Williams. Cindy Birdsong preceded Greene in the Supremes.[edit]

Greene was romantically linked to Michael Jackson in the late 1970s during the period she was writing songs for his Off the Wall album. The relationship was brief and ended amicably, with Greene continuing to work with Jackson professionally. She later married Dr. James Greene, a physician, with whom she had at least one child. The marriage ended in divorce. As of 2026, Greene is reportedly single and has kept subsequent relationships private.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Susaye Greene's net worth is estimated at $1 Million as of 2026. Her income derives primarily from songwriting royalties, including ongoing payments from Michael Jackson's Off the Wall album, which has sold over 20 million copies. She also receives residuals from Supremes recordings and reissues from her 1976-1977 tenure. Occasional reunion performances and archival project fees supplement her earnings. Greene is believed to own property in the Los Angeles area, though specific real estate holdings are not public. Her net worth has remained stable over recent years, supported by catalog income.[edit]

Greene won BMI Songwriting Awards for her contributions to hit songs. She was nominated for a Grammy Award for her work on Deniece Williams' album This Is Niecy (1976). The Supremes, as a group, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.[edit]