Cindy Birdsong Illness: What Illness Does Cindy Birdsong Have?
by Janani
Updated Jun 30, 2023
Who is Cindy Birdsong?
Cynthia Ann Birdsong, born on December 15, 1939, is an esteemed American singer who rose to fame as a member of the renowned musical group, The Supremes, in 1967. She joined the group as a replacement for Florence Ballard, who was one of the founding members. Before her tenure with The Supremes, Birdsong had the privilege of being a part of another esteemed musical ensemble, Patti LaBelle & The Bluebells.
Throughout her career, Birdsong has showcased exceptional vocal talents, captivating audiences with her melodious voice. Her contributions to the music industry have left an indelible mark, solidifying her status as a respected and influential figure in the world of music.
Cindy Birdsong Illness
The family of Cindy Birdsong, a former member of The Supremes and a well-known Motown artist, has made a request to place her under a conservatorship. As reported by The New York Times, Birdsong's family approached a Los Angeles Superior Court judge last month, seeking to appoint her brother, Ronald Birdsong, and entertainment manager, Brad Herman, as co-conservators.
The family asserts that Birdsong is now "totally incapacitated" due to several strokes. A summary of her condition, included in the conservatorship application filed by the nursing facility, indicates that Birdsong is unable to mobilize from her bed or communicate effectively. It further states that she relies on a feeding tube for sustenance.
Brad Herman acknowledged the well-known but tragic circumstances surrounding Birdsong, stating, "It has been an open secret among the Motown family." A hearing regarding the conservatorship has been scheduled for August.
Birdsong joined The Supremes after the release of their 1964 album "Where Did Our Love Go," replacing Florence Ballard. Following Diana Ross's departure from the group in 1970, Jean Terrell joined as a replacement, enabling The Supremes to continue releasing music until 1976.
Herman, who has previously worked with notable figures like Burt Reynolds and Pat Boone, has been granted power of attorney by Birdsong's family. The primary aim of the conservatorship proceeding, initiated by Birdsong's family, is to ensure that her life and finances are not controlled by her longtime friend Rochelle Lander. Lander had been given power of attorney by the 83-year-old Birdsong over a decade ago.
However, Birdsong's family alleges that Lander became increasingly secretive about Birdsong's health status following her second stroke about seven years ago. They claim that Lander refused to disclose the medical facility where Birdsong was receiving treatment and began isolating her from friends and family despite her worsening health.
Previously, Birdsong and Lander shared an apartment in Los Angeles. However, in 2021, Birdsong was removed from the apartment by the Los Angeles police and placed in a skilled nursing facility at the request of her family. During the encounter, Lander reportedly informed the police that Birdsong had experienced a complete mental breakdown and was in need of assistance, claiming that no one would help her.
What Illness Does Cindy Birdsong Have?
The family of Cindy Birdsong, a former member of The Supremes, has requested a conservatorship for the singer due to her declining health. They have asked a Los Angeles court to appoint her brother, Ronald Birdsong, and entertainment manager, Brad Herman, as co-conservators, removing Rochelle Lander from her role as caretaker.
The family alleges that Lander, who was granted power of attorney by Cindy over a decade ago, has been isolating Cindy from her loved ones and exerting control over her health and finances. They claim that Lander became increasingly secretive about Cindy's health after she suffered a second stroke seven years ago, even refusing to disclose where she was receiving treatment.
Concerns grew when family members were finally able to visit Cindy and found her reliant on a feeding tube. The family enlisted the help of the police, resulting in Cindy's removal from Lander's care and placement in a skilled nursing facility in 2021, citing her deteriorating condition.
Lander, however, alleged to the police that Cindy had a mental breakdown and that no one else was willing to help her. Cindy's family maintains that she is now completely incapacitated, supported by a summary of her condition from the nursing facility stating she is unable to communicate or move from her bed.
The family initiated the conservatorship proceeding to ensure that Lander no longer has control over Cindy's life and finances, which have already been significantly depleted. The court has scheduled a hearing for August to address the matter.
Cindy Birdsong joined The Supremes in 1967 but left the group nine years later. After achieving musical success, she chose to step away from the public eye and has remained largely hidden from the world since then. Brad Herman, who has worked with notable clients in the entertainment industry, acknowledged the known difficulties surrounding Cindy's situation within the Motown family.
Cindy Birdsong Net Worth
Cindy Birdsong has a net worth of $500,000. Cindy has earned such a net worth because of her career. During the 1980s, Cindy had a notable appearance on the PTL Network, where she was interviewed by Tammy Faye Bakker. In this appearance, Cindy shared her personal "testimony" and later showcased her singing talent by performing a spiritual hymn.
This encounter provided an opportunity for Cindy to connect with a broader audience and share her experiences. In another instance, in a 1989 episode of the television series Designing Women titled "The Wilderness Experience," a fictional character named Anthony, portrayed by actor Meshach Taylor, assumed the identity of "Cindy Birdsong."
This amusing portrayal involved Anthony adopting Cindy Birdsong's persona, possibly as a comedic or theatrical device within the storyline of the episode. These appearances, whether real or fictional, served as moments where Cindy Birdsong's name and persona were either directly involved or referenced, adding to her presence and recognition within popular culture during those times.
Cindy Birdsong Health Problems
Birdsong's circumstances have largely remained hidden from the public eye, as those closest to her, including friends and family, reveal. This is due to her secluded life in a Los Angeles apartment, which she shared with Rochelle Lander, a longtime friend with whom she embarked on a Christian ministry.
However, the extent of Birdsong's financial and medical challenges has now come to light as her family has taken legal action to establish a conservatorship that would oversee her affairs. They assert that the 83-year-old singer has become completely incapacitated following several strokes and was in need of rescue from Lander.
According to the family, Lander began exerting undue influence over Birdsong's well-being and finances, isolating her from her loved ones as her health continued to deteriorate.
The family's court proceedings shed light on Birdsong's struggles, both in terms of her physical health and the control exerted over her personal and financial matters. The situation highlights the need for intervention to safeguard Birdsong's best interests and ensure her well-being moving forward.
Cindy Birdsong Wiki
Cindy Birdsong, born on December 15, 1939, in Mount Holly, New Jersey, is a former member of The Supremes. She began her career as a singer in the group The Ordettes, later renamed The Bluebells, which achieved success with hits like "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman" and "Down the Aisle (The Wedding Song)."
In 1967, Birdsong left The Bluebells and joined Diana Ross and The Supremes as a replacement for Florence Ballard. However, her vocals were not prominently featured on most of The Supremes' later singles. After Diana Ross departed the group, Birdsong continued to perform with The Supremes alongside Jean Terrell.
She temporarily left the group due to pregnancy but returned in 1973 until her retirement in 1976. Birdsong later worked as a nurse and briefly reunited with The Bluebells (now known as Labelle) in 1999. She has made various appearances and performances throughout her career and currently resides in Los Angeles.
Cindy Birdsong Illness - FAQ
Cindy Birdsong has suffered from several strokes.
Cynthia Ann Birdsong joined The Supremes in 1967 as a replacement for Florence Ballard, one of the founding members.
Before her time with The Supremes, Cynthia Birdsong was a member of the musical ensemble Patti LaBelle & The Bluebells.
Cynthia Birdsong has showcased exceptional vocal talents throughout her career, captivating audiences with her melodious voice. Her contributions to the music industry have left a lasting impact, solidifying her status as a respected and influential figure.
Yes, before and after her time with The Supremes, Cynthia Birdsong had a successful career. She began her singing career in the group The Ordettes, later known as The Bluebells, and achieved success with hits like "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman" and "Down the Aisle (The Wedding Song)." She also briefly reunited with The Bluebells (now known as Labelle) in 1999.