Early last year, before we all knew the impact of COVID-19, I ventured to NYC to see the Broadway play, “Aint Too Proud.” The life and times of the iconic Motown men’s group, The Temptations. Today, I’m exploring legendary Singer Mary Wilson, how she kept The Supremes legacy alive for over 60 years.
Most everyone knows the story of the former automobile factory worker, Berry Gordy, how Mr. Gordy started his assembly line of talent at Motown in Detroit on January 12, 1959.
Obviously, Berry had an eye for image and an ear for hit singles. Did you know about Maxine Powell? Ms. Powell, the Artistic Development Director, hired to provide etiquette and refinement lessons to the rising stars on and off camera?
The 60s, a time when my people garnered the confidence to identify with James Brown’s anthem, “Say It Loud, I’m Black, & I’m Proud.”
Any African American girl growing up during the cultural revolution of the 60s, we welcomed the rhythm and finger-popping sound of Motown. And the poise and elegance of The Supremes.
The most devout believer in their original dream of The Supremes, Mary Wilson, born March 6, 1944, in Greenville, Mississippi. Mary died in her sleep at her home in Henderson, Nevada, from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
The Detroit teenagers formed a group originally called the Primettes, which got Motown owner Berry Gordy’s attention. The original members: Diana Ross, Barbara McGlown, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard.
Timeline:
Mary met Florence Ballard in High School while singing in their school’s talent show.
Formed the all-girls group called the Primettes in 1959.
The Primettes signed to Motown in 1961.
Barbara McGlown left the group to marry.
Barbara Martin replaced Barbara McGlown.
The group, reduced to a trio in 1962.
First hit in 1963, “When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes.”
The Supremes Became International Superstars by 1964.
The first major pop hit, “Where Did Our Love Go,” in 1964.
Temporarily engaged to The Four Tops, Duke Fakir in 1964.
The group name changed to Diana Ross and The Supremes in 1967.
Florence Ballard, removed from the group in July 1967.
Cindy Birdsong replaced Florence that same year.
Mary remained the nucleus of The Supremes when Diana Ross left the group in 1970.
Jean Terrell replaced Diana Ross.
Mary married Dominican businessman Pedro Ferrer on May 11, 1974
The Ferrer’s had three children.
They divorced in 1981.
In the mid-1980s, Musical Theater productions: Beehive, Dancing in the Streets, and Supreme Soul.
National Bestselling author: “Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme” in 1986.
The Supremes, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, 1988.
1990, Second memoir, “Supreme Faith: Someday We’ll Be Together.”
Successful Las Vegas Concert Performer.
In 2001, Wilson starred in the national tour of Leader of the Pack – The Ellie Greenwich Story.
Secretary of State Colin Powell appointed 2002 Wilson as the culture-connect ambassador for the U.S. State Department.
“Supreme Glamour,” a coffee table book featuring the gowns, history, and The Supremes legacy.
The Mary Wilson Touring Gown Collection.
Dare to Dream lecture series.
Dancing With the Stars, 2018.
I won’t discuss either the lawsuits or court battles or Mary’s taking the back seat to Diana Ross. I want to remember the over 60 years, with nine different members. And Mary’s goal, to preserve the Supremes legacy.
Do you have a favorite Supremes song from the most successful American group of all-time? If yes, please share in the comments.
As always, thank you for reading. There are variant strains of COVID-19 now in America. Please continue to follow CDC guidelines by masking up, social distancing, and washing your hands as often as possible.
