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 ...
May she rest in God’s heavenly peace.
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.
Hawthorne Blvd? Going through Torrance, CA?
By the way...My deepest condolences to the family of Mary Wilson...
I was a big fan of the Supremes. I saw them live in concert at Hara Arena in Dayton, Ohio.
One of the best singing groups ever. RIP to Miss Wilson.
I would have just gotten the caramel corn! 😀
RIP.
Things have certainly devolved since those golden Motown days.
RIP.
lol!
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.
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.