Which Motown group had their first number-one hit in 1964 with “Where Did Our Love Go”? The Supremes had that breakthrough.
Motown released the Supremes’ recording on June 17, 1964. It became the group’s first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single, holding the top position for two weeks from August 16 to August 29. The song also reached No. 1 on the Cash Box R&B chart and became the title track of the group’s second studio album.
“Where Did Our Love Go” was written and produced by Holland–Dozier–Holland, Motown’s central songwriting and production team. Diana Ross sang the lead, with Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard supplying backing vocals. The Supremes reportedly wanted a stronger, more forceful song, but the understated recording became the turning point that moved them from struggling singles act to major pop stars.
The hit began a remarkable run: it was the first of five consecutive Supremes singles to top the U.S. Hot 100. The next was “Baby Love,” followed by “Come See About Me,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” and “Back in My Arms Again.”