Mary Wilson

Early life

Mary Wilson was born on March 6, 1944, to Sam, a butcher, and Johnnie Mae Wilson in Greenville, Mississippi. She was the eldest of three children including a brother, Roosevelt, and a sister, Cathy. The Wilsons moved to Chicago, part of the Great Migration in which her father joined many African Americans seeking work in the North, but at age three, Mary Wilson was taken in by her aunt Ivory "I.V." and uncle John L. Pippin in Detroit. Her parents eventually separated and Wilson's mother and siblings later joined them in Detroit, though by then Wilson had come to believe I.V. was her real mother. Wilson and her family had settled in the Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects, a housing project in Detroit where Wilson first met Florence Ballard. The duo became friends while singing in their school's talent show. In 1959, Ballard asked Wilson to audition for Milton Jenkins, who was forming a sister group to his male vocal trio, the Primes (two members of which were later in The Temptations). Wilson was soon accepted into the group known as the Primettes, with Diana Ross and Betty McGlown, who lived in the same housing project with Wilson and Ballard. In this period, Wilson also met Aretha, Erma and Carolyn Franklin, daughters of the pastor at her local Baptist church.

Wilson graduated from Detroit's Northeastern High School in January 1962.

Career

The Supremes: 1959–1977

In 1960, the Primettes signed a contract with Lu Pine Records, issuing two singles from which Wilson sang lead vocals on "Pretty Baby". Shortly after, McGlown left to get married and was replaced by Barbara Martin. During that year, they kept pursuing a Motown contract and agreed to do anything that was required, including adding handclaps and vocal backgrounds. By the end of the year, Berry Gordy agreed to have the group record songs in the studio. In January 1961, Gordy relented and agreed to sign the girls to his label on the condition they change their name. Motown lyricist Janie Bradford approached Ballard with a list of names to choose from before Ballard chose "Supremes". Gordy agreed to sign them under that name on January 15, 1961.

The group struggled in their early years in comparison to other Motown acts, garnering the nickname "no-hit Supremes" as a result. One track, "Buttered Popcorn", led by Ballard, was a regional hit, but still failed to chart. Before the release of their 1962 debut album, Meet The Supremes, Martin had become pregnant and subsequently left the group, leaving the Supremes as a trio.

In December 1963, the single "When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes" peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. Following the single's success, Gordy assigned Ross as the group's lead singer. In the spring of 1964, the Supremes released "Where Did Our Love Go", which became their first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, paving the way for ten number-one hits recorded by Ross, Ballard, and Wilson between 1964 and 1967.

By 1965, the group had become international stars, appearing regularly on television programs such as Hullabaloo, The Hollywood Palace, The Dean Martin Show, and, most notably The Ed Sullivan Show, on which they made 17 appearances. As early as 1966, Ballard's chronic alcoholism led to her missing press conferences and recording sessions. To serve as a stand-in for Ballard, Gordy selected Cindy Birdsong, a member of Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles. In July 1967, following a contentious performance at the Flamingo, Ballard was removed from the Supremes and replaced with Birdsong. Simultaneously, Gordy renamed the group "Diana Ross & the Supremes", beginning with the single "Reflections".

In 1968, Wilson sung lead on "The Ballad of Davy Crockett", a cover the group recorded for their album Diana Ross & the Supremes Sing Disney Classics in 1968. The album was shelved and never released. However, the song still appeared on the 1987 compilation The Never-Before-Released Masters. In 1969, Wilson sang the duet "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (a Frankie Valli cover) with Eddie Kendricks for the album Together, in preparation for Ross' departure from the Supremes with many assuming she would step up and eventually take the lead in the group.

Solo career: 1977–2021

In July 1977, just one month following her farewell performance with the Supremes, Wilson began a touring "Supremes" show with two background singers as the "Mary Wilson of The Supremes" show. The show was the result of Motown's allowance of the group to go into hiatus despite the fact that there were still several uncancelled international tour dates to complete. Mary therefore hired former Supreme, Cindy Birdsong and Debbie Sharpe to complete a summer tour of South America to fulfill contracts so venues would not sue. The three-week tour began in Caracas, Venezuela, and was composed of mostly small clubs. Despite the company's displeasure and the fact that it owned the rights/distribution rights to the name "Supremes", Motown never cancelled the tour. Later that year, Wilson hired Karen Jackson and Kaaren Ragland to tour with as background singers. She and Cindy rehearsed them for a year end's tour of Europe, that was composed of dates at officers' clubs and swank discos.

After an out-of-court settlement, Wilson signed with Motown for solo work, releasing a disco-heavy self-titled album in August 1979. A single from the album, "Red Hot", peaked at number 90 on the pop charts. Midway through production of a second solo album in 1980, Motown dropped her from their roster. Throughout the mid-1980s, Wilson focused on performances in musical theater productions, including Beehive, Dancing in the Streets, and Supreme Soul.

In 1983, Wilson appeared on the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television special. Early in the program, Wilson made a brief tribute to Florence Ballard, and former label mate Paul Williams of the Temptations. Later, she joined Diana Ross and Cindy Birdsong for a highly anticipated Supremes reunion. Wilson found major success once more with her memoir: Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme in 1986. The book remained on the national best-seller list for months and established a sales record for the genre. The book focused on the early career of the Supremes and its success during the 1960s. Four years later, in 1990, Wilson released her second memoir: Supreme Faith: Someday We'll Be Together, also a best seller, which focused on the Supremes in the 1970s. In between this period, Wilson became a frequent guest on several television programs and talk shows and began regularly performing in Las Vegas casinos and resorts. Wilson then recorded a cover version of "Ooh Child" for the Motorcity label in 1990. In 1992 she signed with CEO Records and released the album, Walk the Line. The label filed for bankruptcy the day after its national release. Wilson maintained that she was deceived about the financial status of the label. The available copies of the album quickly sold out, however, and Wilson continued her success as a concert performer.

Personal life and death

Throughout her career Wilson was romantically linked to Flip Wilson, Steve McQueen, and David Frost among others. Wilson also had a short affair with Tom Jones, and was briefly engaged to Duke Fakir of the Four Tops in the mid-1960s.

Wilson married Dominican businessman Pedro Ferrer, whom she had chosen as the Supremes' manager, in Las Vegas on May 11, 1974. They had three children: daughter Turkessa (b. 1975) and sons Pedro Antonio Jr. (b. 1977) and Rafael (1979–1994). Wilson and Ferrer divorced in 1981. She was also the adoptive mother of her cousin, Willie. In January 1994, Wilson and her 14-year-old son, Rafael, were involved in an accident on Interstate 15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas when their Jeep Cherokee veered off the highway and overturned. Wilson sustained moderate injuries; Rafael's injuries were fatal.

On February 8, 2021, Wilson died in her sleep from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease at her home in Henderson, Nevada, a suburb of Las Vegas, at the age of 76. Two days before her death, she had announced on YouTube that she was planning to release new solo material with Universal Music Group, and hoped it would come out before March 6, her 77th birthday.

Motown founder Berry Gordy said he was "extremely shocked and saddened" by the news of her death and said Wilson was "quite a star in her own right and over the years continued to work hard to boost the legacy of the Supremes." Diana Ross reflected on Wilson's death, posting on Twitter: "I am reminded that each day is a gift. I have so many wonderful memories of our time together. 'The Supremes' will live on in our hearts." Ross would later say to Entertainment Tonight, "I remember Mary's joy and love during happier times and our love and years together. I recall 'the good old days' with a smile in my heart and a song in my heart during these changing times."

At the time of her death, Wilson had 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Wilson was interred next to her son Rafael on March 16, 2021, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.

Honors

In 2001, Wilson earned a degree from New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

Wilson was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Paine College in Augusta, Georgia.

In 2020, Wilson received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Wilson was also, along with The Supremes, inducted into National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame class of 2013. Wilson also served as the master of ceremonies for the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame from 2016 to 2019 and served as a board member.

Legacy

The character of Lorrell Robinson in both the play and film versions of Dreamgirls was inspired by Wilson.

Motown: The Musical is a Broadway musical that launched on April 14, 2013. It is the story of Berry Gordy's creation of Motown Records. Wilson was portrayed by Ariana DeBose in 2013.

As a member of the Supremes, her songs "Stop! In the Name of Love" and "You Can't Hurry Love" are among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. The Ross-Wilson-Ballard lineup was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 (Video on YouTube), received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994, and entered into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998. Wilson was the only Supreme present for all three ceremonies. In 2004, Rolling Stone placed the group at number 96 on their list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".

As a member of the Supremes, Wilson was named as one of eight recipients to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023.

Supremes discography

Singles

Note: The seven of fourteen Diana Ross & the Supremes 1967–1970 singles Wilson appeared on are listed above. The seven singles she did not appear on are listed below:

Note: Wilson sang lead on several songs recorded by The Supremes during the group's career and shared lead on 12 songs. Wilson recorded lead vocals to "Send Him to Me" and "If You Let Me Baby" during the Right On sessions which remain unreleased until 2022. Some of Wilson's unreleased lead vocals appeared on several post '77 releases including; "Our Day Will Come" from There's a Place for Us, "Still Water (Love)" from This Is the Story, "Can We Love Again" from The '70s Anthology, "You're What's Missing In My Life" [Mary Wilson Lead Version] also "Mr. Boogie" and "Give Out, But Don't Give Up" [Mary Wilson Lead Version] from Let Yourself Go. The recordings where she had lead vocals are listed below:

1960: "Pretty Baby"

1961: "The Tears" (unreleased from Meet The Supremes)

1962: "Baby Don't Go" (from Meet The Supremes)

1965: "Sunset" (co-lead with Diana Ross from The Supremes Sing Country, Western and Pop)

1965: "It Makes No Difference Now" (co-lead with Florence Ballard and Diana Ross each singing a solo verse from The Supremes Sing Country, Western and Pop)

1966: "Come and Get These Memories" (from The Supremes A' Go-Go)

1967/1970: "Falling in Love with Love" (co-lead with Diana Ross from The Supremes Sing Rodgers & Hart; live solo version from Farewell)

1968/1987: "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" (unreleased from Diana Ross & the Supremes Sing Disney Classics; later released as a part of The Never-Before-Released Masters compilation)

1969/1970/1973: "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (co-lead with Eddie Kendricks from Together; live solo version from Farewell; The Supremes Live! In Japan)

Solo discography

Studio albums

1979: Mary Wilson

1992: Walk the Line

2021: Mary Wilson Expanded Edition

Extended Plays

2021: Mary Wilson: Red Hot Eric Kupper Remix EP

2022: Mary Wilson: Celebrating Pride

Compilation albums

2000: I Am Changing

2022: Mary Wilson: The Motown Anthology

Live album

2008: Up Close: Live from San Francisco

DVDs

2006: Live at the Sands

2009: Up Close: Live from San Francisco

Album guest appearances

with Neil Sedaka on Come See About Me (one song) – "Come See About Me"

with Paul Jabara on De La Noche Sisters (one song) – "This Girl's Back"

with Turtle Creek Chorale, The Women's Chorus Of Dallas and Brant Adams on the album Sing For The Cure, Vol 1 (one song) – "Come to Me, Mother"

with the Four Tops on From the Heart (2006) (one song) – "River Deep – Mountain High"

with Human Nature on Get Ready (2007) (two songs) – "River Deep – Mountain High" and "It Takes Two"

with Ernie Couch & Revival on Christmas Time (2009) – "Go Tell It on the Mountain"

Singles

Motown releases

1979: "Red Hot" / "Midnight Dancer"

1980: "Pick Up the Pieces" / "You're the Light That Guides My Way" (UK only)

Nightmare/Motorcity releases

1987: "Don't Get Mad, Get Even" – Nightmare Records

1989: "Oooh Child" – Nightmare Records

CEO releases

1992: "One Night With You"

1992: "Walk the Line"

Other releases

1980: Gus Dudgeon produced four master tracks for Motown; released as part of the 2021 Mary Wilson: Expanded Edition:

"Love Talk" / "Save Me" / "You Danced My Heart Around the Stars" / "Green River"

1995: "U" R&B Mix with Groov-E – Contract Recording Company

1996: "Turn Around" – Da Bridge Records

1996: "A Little Bit of Love" (with Clas Yngström on guitar) – Boderline Records

1996: "Ships in the Night" (with Clas Yngström on guitar) – Boderline Records

2000: "Got to Keep Movin'"

2011: "Life's Been Good to Me" – Motor City Works

2013: "Darling Mother (Johnnie Mae)" – Motor City Works

DVD appearances

T.A.M.I. Show – performer, with the Supremes (1964)

Beach Ball – performer, with the Supremes (1965)

Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever – performer, with the Supremes (1983)

Girl Groups: The Story of a Sound – herself (1994)

Jeff Barry & Friends – Chapel of Love (2000)

Jackie's Back (movie) – Vesta Crotchley (2002)

Rhythm, Love and Soul – herself (2003)

Tiger Town (movie) – National Anthem singer (2004)

Only the Strong Survive – performer (2004)

From the Heart: The Four Tops – 50th Anniversary Concert – performer (2005)

Live at the Sands – herself (2006)

Greatest Hits: Live in Amsterdam – performer, with the Supremes (2006)

Reflections: The Definitive Performances (1964–1969) – singer (2006)

Mary Wilson; Up Close: Live from San Francisco (2010)

Golden Shoes (movie) - Mrs. Donna King (2015)

Other notable appearances

Soul Train – Guest star with The Supremes; danced down "the Soul Train line" with Don Cornelius (May 12, 1973) "Soul Train" The Supremes/Lloyd Price (TV Episode 1973) ⭐ 8.0 | Music, Talk-Show

The Scene – Guest star/dancer (1982)

227 – Guest star; season 3/episode 8 (November 21, 1987)

Brenda Russell: "Walkin' in New York" – cameo in music video

Motown 40: The Music is Forever – herself (1998)

Motown 45 – performer (2004)

Motown: The Early Years: PBS Special (2005)

My Music: Motown Memories: PBS Special – hostess (2009)

Unsung: Florence Ballard – interviewee (2009)

"RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" - guest judge (2012)

Unsung: The Marvelettes - interviewee (2012)

Unsung: Eddie Kendricks – interviewee (2013)

60's Girl Grooves: PBS Special – hostess (2013)

Dancing with the Stars – contestant on season 28 (2019)