TVMusic Network remembers singer Mary Wilson who passed away on February 8th. The legendary singer and a founding member of the Motown group The Supremes. Wilson, who is based in Las Vegas, Nevada was 76. Wilson was a singer, best-selling author, motivational speaker, businesswoman, former U.S. Cultural Ambassador, mother, and grandmother.
As an original/founding member of The Supremes, she changed the face of pop music to become a trendsetter who broke down social, racial, and gender barriers. Formed in Detroit as The Primettes in 1959, The Supremes were Motown’s most successful act of the 1960s, scoring 12 No. 1 singles. They are still America’s most successful vocal group to date.
The Supremes achieved 12 #1 hits with 5 of them being consecutive from 1964-1965. Those songs are “Where Did Our Love Go”, “Baby Love”, “Come See About Me”, “Stop! In the Name of Love” and “Back in My Arms Again”.
In January 1970, Diana Ross performed for the last time with the Supremes before pursuing a solo career. With Ross’ departure, Ms. Wilson was left as the only original member of the Supremes. Wilson continued performing with Cindy Birdsong and Jean Terrell as the “New” Supremes, better known today as the “70’s Supremes.”
The “New” Supremes scored a number of hits including “Up the Ladder to the Roof”, “Stoned Love” and “Nathan Jones”. These three singles were also R&B Top Ten hits, with “Stoned Love” becoming their last number one hit in December of 1970.
In 1972, the Supremes had their last Top 20 hit single release, “Floy Joy,” written and produced by Smokey Robinson, followed by the final US Top 40 hit, “Automatically Sunshine” with Wilson on lead vocals.
Wilson is best known as a founding member of the world’s most famous female trio, however, the singer’s career did not stop there. In 1977, Wilson embarked on her own solo career and toured Europe and Asia while raising her family. Wilson has recorded two solo albums, including her self-titled debut in 1979 with the single “Red Hot,” and her 1990 release “Walk the Line.”
In 1988, Wilson with the Supremes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1994, the Supremes received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 1998, they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. In 2001, Ms. Wilson was the recipient of an Associate’s Degree from New York University and an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Paine College in Augusta, Georgia.
Wilson used her fame to promote a diversity of humanitarian efforts including ending hunger, raising HIV/AIDS awareness and encouraging world peace. Wilson was currently working on getting a U.S. postage stamp of her fellow bandmate and original Supreme Florence Ballard who passed away in 1976.
In 2019 Wilson joined the cast of the 28th season of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” and published her fourth book “Supreme Glamour. The coffee-table book showcased the gowns The Supremes were known for over the decades and delved into more history of the most successful female recording group of all time.
January 21, 2021 marked the 60th anniversary of the day The Supremes signed with Motown in 1961. Wilson kicked off the celebration of the 60th anniversary of The Supremes.
TVMusic Network was honored to see Mary at many events in Hollywood. We caught up with her in 2019 at The Golden Heart Awards. Check out the video interview here. We will miss you Mary. Thanks for the memories.
http://tvandmusicnetwork.com/video-interview-mary-wilson-talks-music/
