The Life &Times of the Legendary Ms. Mary Wilson, Supremes Founder

A story about an innovator, champion and activist who never stopped

Ms. Mary Wilson was a singer, and icon of pop music when it wasn’t fashionable to do so. She was the founding member of the Supremes as she was innovative in setting the template for many to follow.

Prior to hear death, she was working on a book, new and old music was on her plate for the a future releases near or on her birthday, March 6. She was dedicated to the Supremes to her very end as it was part of her DNA and now will always be. Sealed forever with love. The Supremes were Mary Wilson, Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, they were the Motown trio of the mid-’60s while she was the glue that held the group together.

She will be remembered as a trailblazer as her action confirmed such to be true, per Berry Gordy Jr. , Motown Founder. Her first №1 single, 1964’s “Where Did Our Love Go” was a hit that remained on many lips, then and for years to come. During her career the group racked up 11 more chart-toppers by the end of 1969.

So many hits that the World identified with are “Baby Love”, “Come See About Me”, and “Stop! In he Name of Love”. As they sang these songs of love to the world, they were adorned looking like queens on runaways as they were breathtaking to behold with tailored gowns like none other. Their songs and culture looked challenged white listeners’ ideas about Black music. They were true trailblazers charting a course never taken before as it led toward a political change.

These three ladies had their humble beginning at a housing project in Detroit, Michigan. Over the years after the loss of Florence Ballard, other singers performed with the Supremes, Cindy Birdsong, Jean Terrell, Scherrie Payne and Susaye Greene. Diana Ross’s departure from the group slowed the group’s momentum.

In 1977, the Supremes’ breakup was chronicled in the first of her memoirs about Ms. Ross’ ambition, her unhappy financial dealings with Berry Gordy Jr. and the other trials faced during their lives together and apart.

After the groups’ split, Ms. Wilson launched her own solo career in 1979 with a self-titled LP which received a cool reception. This slowed things down a bit, until 1992, when she released, “Walk the Line” and went on to perform steadily in concert halls and cabarets.

In addition to her music career, she became an activist for women’s health issues and efforts to modernized copyright laws. These issue probably came out of much reality around her and her own exposure.

In conclusion, Ms. Wilson’s influence, and legacy can be heard and seen in many groups to follow, En Vogue, TLC, Destiny’s Child and Fifth Harmony. Even the late Little Richard, likened himself and their influence upon his life and career. Ms. Wilson published her four book in 2019, “Supreme Glamour”, detailing the Supremes’ highlights, memorable looks and journey. In the words of Ms. Wilson, “Our glamour changed things”, and “We were role models. What we wore mattered.” RIP, trailblazer.

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