Mary Wilson who, along with Diana Ross and the late Florence Ballard, co-founded the iconic Supremes group, has died. She was 76.
According to the news media, Mary Wilson died in her home in Henderson, Nevada, US, on Feb 8, 2021. Before her death, it was reported that Mary Wilson was about to release a new album.
Mary Wilson, a legendary singer and a best-selling author, was best known for founding the iconic Motown singing group The Supremes and releasing several popular albums and songs in 1960s, including many No. 1 singles and countless classics.
Before The Supremes, Mary Wilson co-founded The Primettes in Detroit in 1959, alongside Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Betty McGlown. When Betty McGlown left the Primettes, Mary Wilson, Diana Ross, and Florence Ballard went on as a trio, forming The Supremes.
She was one of the major artists in Motown, which was founded by Berry Gordy. Under the Motown Records label, the Supremes group scored 12 no. 1 hits with songs like “Baby Love”, “Stop! In the Name of Love” "Where Did Our Love Go”, “Baby Love”, “Come See About Me”, “Back in My Arms Again.”. The Supremes still remains influential today.
Mary Wilson remained with The Supremes until the group split in 1977. Mary Wilson pursued a solo career after The Supremes, used her fame to push for social change in the US, and became a successful motivational speaker.
Paying tribute to Mary Wilson, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy said in a statement:
"I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of a major member of the Motown family, Mary Wilson of the Supremes,
The Supremes were always known as the “sweethearts of Motown.” Mary, along with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, came to Motown in the early 1960’s. After an unprecedented string of number one hits, television and nightclub bookings, they opened doors for themselves, the other Motown acts, and many, many others.
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.
Mary Wilson was extremely special to me. She was a trailblazer, a diva and will be deeply missed.
Berry Gordy,
Founder, Motown
February 8, 2021"
