Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Mary Wilson, Co-Founder of The Supremes, Dead at 76
ABC News ^ | February 9, 2021 | Megan Stone

Posted on 02/09/2021 11:35:26 AM PST by nickcarraway

The popular Motown group recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.

The Motown legend's death takes place just days after the legendary girl group, of whom she was...Read More The music industry is mourning the death of Mary Wilson, a Motown legend and co-founder of The Supremes. She was 76.

The legendary girl group, of which she was the longest-running member, recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Wilson's longtime friend and publicist, Jay Schwartz, confirmed her death early Tuesday.

Berry Gordy, founder of Motown, openly grieved the late legend in a public statement, writing, "I was always proud of Mary. She was quite a star in her own right and over the years continued to work hard to boost the legacy of the Supremes."

He went on, "Mary Wilson was extremely special to me. She was a trailblazer, a diva and will be deeply missed."

Wilson started her legendary career when she co-founded The Primettes alongside Florence Ballard and Diana Ross and was signed by Motown Records in 1961. As part of The Supremes, which went on to become one of the best-selling vocal groups of all time with 12 No. 1 singles, Wilson played a direct role in hits such as "Baby Love," "Stop! In The Name of Love," "Love Child" and "Someday We'll Be Together."

The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and is hailed for paving the way for future Black artists.

Exiting the group in 1977, Wilson became an advocate within the music industry and lobbied for musicians' rights. Schwartz said one of Wilson's last acts was lobbying to have Ballard, who died in 1976, commemorated on a U.S. postage stamp.

She also directed her passions into social advocacy and humanitarian outreach, such as raising HIV/AIDS awareness and partnering with UNICEF.ars."

(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...


TOPICS: Music/Entertainment
KEYWORDS: 60s; berrygordy; diannaross; girlgroup; marywilson; motown; music; searchworks; thesupremes
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-31 last
To: nickcarraway

May she rest in God’s heavenly peace.


21 posted on 02/09/2021 1:36:35 PM PST by LottieDah ( Biden/Harris are in and America is lost)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

She was a superb talent who initially resented that Diana Ross became the headliner of the group. Then she figured out that life was easier for her being just the backup singer. Flo Ballard, the other of the original Supremes, died young after battling addictions.


22 posted on 02/09/2021 1:39:04 PM PST by OrangeHoof (Halftime score: COVID-19, Constitutional Freedoms - 0)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: A Navy Vet
They were part of the soundtrack to my life in my youth. I remember playing them on a 8-track in my car as I cruised Hawthorne Boulevard and others.

Hawthorne Blvd? Going through Torrance, CA?

By the way...My deepest condolences to the family of Mary Wilson...

23 posted on 02/09/2021 1:43:43 PM PST by L.A.Justice ( )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

I was a big fan of the Supremes. I saw them live in concert at Hara Arena in Dayton, Ohio.


24 posted on 02/09/2021 1:47:14 PM PST by windsorknot
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

One of the best singing groups ever. RIP to Miss Wilson.


25 posted on 02/09/2021 2:01:30 PM PST by fieldmarshaldj (DEFEAT THE COUP D'ETAT BY THE STALINAZI DERP STATE !)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: lee martell

I would have just gotten the caramel corn! 😀


26 posted on 02/09/2021 2:19:12 PM PST by AnxiouslyWaiting
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway
I enjoyed the Motown era of music. The Supremes were definitely a quality outfit. Sad to see another of the great performs pass.
27 posted on 02/09/2021 2:53:39 PM PST by Myrddin
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

RIP.


28 posted on 02/09/2021 3:06:13 PM PST by TwelveOfTwenty (Still praying for our country and President Trump)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

Things have certainly devolved since those golden Motown days.

RIP.


29 posted on 02/09/2021 3:16:56 PM PST by Southside_Chicago_Republican (The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog. )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: AnxiouslyWaiting

lol!


30 posted on 02/09/2021 6:01:41 PM PST by lee martell
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies]

To: L.A.Justice
"Hawthorne Blvd? Going through Torrance, CA?"

Yes, it runs through the whole South Bay - from Torrance in the south to where it turns into La Brea up north in Inglewood, IIRC. I'd google, but prefer to go with my cruising memories. The two park/cruise-thrus were the A&W on Hawthorne midway (forgot cross street) and the Witch Stand at the end of La Brea.

Hawthorne blvd. was the longest and most popular cruising boulevard in the South land, probably because it had that parking area in the center where the car and school clubs could gather. Whittier blvd. was a close second. Downey blvd. was popular, but more like the small street in American Graffiti. Ventura blvd. was the place for the Valley people.

Great times while listening to the Supremes and other groups of the time.

31 posted on 02/10/2021 8:08:37 AM PST by A Navy Vet (No longer liberals. No longer socialists. They are going pure communist.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-31 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson