Mary Wilson (singer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mary Wilson
Wilson at the Peabody institute in Baltimore in September 1994
Born	(1944-03-06)March 6, 1944 Greenville, Mississippi, U.S.
Died	February 8, 2021(2021-02-08) (aged 76) Henderson, Nevada, U.S.
Occupation	Singer
Years active	1959–2021
Spouse(s)	Pedro Ferrer ​ ​ (m. 1974; div. 1981)​
Children	3
Musical career
Genres	R&B soul pop dance disco funk
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Motown CEO

Mary Wilson (March 6, 1944 – February 8, 2021) was an American singer. She became famous as a founding member of the Supremes, one of the most successful groups from Motown Records in the 1960s. The Supremes were the top-charting female group in U.S. history and one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. They had 12 songs reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with Mary Wilson singing backing vocals on ten of them.

Mary Wilson stayed with the group even after other original members, Barbara Martin (in 1962), Florence Ballard (in 1967), and Diana Ross (in 1970), left. The group officially ended when Wilson left in 1977. Later, Wilson became a successful author. Her first autobiography, Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme, published in 1986, became a New York Times best-seller and sold many copies. She also wrote another book, Supreme Faith: Someday We'll Be Together.

Mary Wilson continued to perform concerts, especially in Las Vegas. She also worked as an activist, helping to pass "Truth in Music Advertising" laws and supporting many charities. In 1988, Wilson, along with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as members of the Supremes.

Mary Wilson's Early Life

Mary Wilson was born on March 6, 1944, in Greenville, Mississippi. Her parents were Sam and Johnnie Mae Wilson. She was the oldest of three children. When she was three, Mary went to live with her aunt and uncle in Detroit. Her parents later separated, and her mother and siblings joined her in Detroit.

Mary and her family lived in the Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects in Detroit. This is where she first met Florence Ballard. They became friends while singing in their school's talent show. In 1959, Florence asked Mary to try out for a new girl group that Milton Jenkins was forming. This group, called The Primettes, also included Diana Ross and Betty McGlown. Mary Wilson also met Aretha, Erma, and Carolyn Franklin during this time, whose father was a pastor at her local church.

Mary Wilson finished high school at Detroit's Northeastern High School in January 1962.

Mary Wilson's Music Career

Becoming The Supremes: 1959–1977

Wilson (middle) performing with the Supremes

In 1960, The Primettes signed a contract with Lu Pine Records. Mary Wilson sang lead on one of their first songs, "Pretty Baby". Soon after, Betty McGlown left the group and was replaced by Barbara Martin. The girls really wanted to sign with Motown Records. They did whatever was asked, like adding handclaps and background vocals to songs. By the end of 1960, Berry Gordy, the head of Motown, agreed to let them record songs. In January 1961, Gordy signed them to his label, but only if they changed their name. Florence Ballard chose the name "Supremes" from a list, and they officially signed on January 15, 1961.

The Supremes had a tough start. They were even called the "no-hit Supremes" because their songs weren't becoming big hits. One song, "Buttered Popcorn", was popular in some areas but didn't make it onto the national charts. Before their first album, Meet The Supremes, came out in 1962, Barbara Martin left the group. This left The Supremes as a trio.

In December 1963, their song "When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes" reached number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. After this success, Berry Gordy decided that Diana Ross would be the main singer for the group. In the spring of 1964, The Supremes released "Where Did Our Love Go". This song became their first number-one hit! It opened the door for ten more number-one hits for Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson between 1964 and 1967.

By 1965, The Supremes were famous all over the world. They appeared on many TV shows like Hullabaloo and The Ed Sullivan Show, where they performed 17 times. Around 1966, Florence Ballard started having health problems and missed some events. Cindy Birdsong was chosen to fill in for her. In July 1967, Florence was removed from the group, and Cindy Birdsong officially joined. At the same time, Berry Gordy changed the group's name to "Diana Ross & the Supremes".

In 1968, Mary Wilson sang lead on "The Ballad of Davy Crockett", a song the group recorded for an album that was never released. However, the song later appeared on a compilation album in 1987. In 1969, Mary Wilson sang a duet with Eddie Kendricks called "Can't Take My Eyes Off You". This was for an album called Together, as Diana Ross was preparing to leave the group. Many people thought Mary would become the new lead singer.

The new lineup of the group continued to have hit songs, though some didn't reach the top 20. Diana Ross left the group in January 1970. At her farewell concert, Jean Terrell was introduced as her replacement. According to Mary Wilson, Berry Gordy wanted to change his mind and have Syreeta Wright join instead, but Mary refused. From then on, Gordy gave Mary Wilson more control over the group's creative decisions. With Jean Terrell, the group went back to being called "the Supremes". This lineup (Wilson, Birdsong, Terrell) had seven top-40 hits in three years. These included "River Deep/Mountain High" (with the Four Tops), "Up the Ladder to the Roof", and "Stoned Love".

In 1972, Mary Wilson sang lead on "I Keep It Hid". That same year, Cindy Birdsong left the group because she was getting married and was pregnant. Lynda Laurence replaced her. The group's popularity started to drop, and their songs didn't chart as high. Jean Terrell and Lynda Laurence both left in late 1973. Scherrie Payne joined, and Cindy Birdsong returned. From this point, Mary Wilson started singing lead on almost half of the group's songs. She was seen as the main reason the group kept going.

In 1975, Mary Wilson sang lead on the disco hit "Early Morning Love". In 1976, the group had their last Top 40 hit with "I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do the Walking". Cindy Birdsong left again and was replaced by Susaye Greene. The album High Energy was popular, but their next album, Mary, Scherrie & Susaye, released in 1977, was their last. Mary Wilson decided to leave the Supremes to start her solo career. On June 12, 1977, Mary Wilson gave her last performance with the Supremes in London. The Supremes officially disbanded after this.

Mary Wilson's Solo Career: 1977–2021

After leaving The Supremes, Mary Wilson started touring with her own show, "Mary Wilson of The Supremes". In 1979, she released her first solo album, Mary Wilson. A song from the album, "Red Hot", reached number 90 on the pop charts. Motown Records dropped her in 1980 while she was working on her second solo album. During the mid-1980s, Wilson performed in musical theater shows.

In 1983, Mary Wilson appeared on the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever TV special. She honored Florence Ballard and Paul Williams of The Temptations. Later, she reunited with Diana Ross and Cindy Birdsong for a special Supremes performance. Mary Wilson found great success with her book, Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme, in 1986. It stayed on the best-seller list for months. In 1990, she released her second book, Supreme Faith: Someday We'll Be Together, which also became a best-seller. During this time, Wilson often appeared on TV and performed in Las Vegas casinos.

In the 1990s, Mary Wilson fought against groups using the Supremes' name without permission. She helped create "Truth in Music Advertising" laws, which stop fake groups from using famous band names unless an original member is part of the group or they have a proper license. Her efforts led to these laws being passed in over 28 U.S. states.

In late 1999, there were talks about a Supremes reunion tour with Diana Ross. Mary Wilson was offered money to join, but she felt it wasn't fair. The tour, called Return to Love, went ahead with other former Supremes, Scherrie Payne and Lynda Lawrence. However, the tour was canceled after only 13 concerts because it wasn't as successful as expected.

In 2001, Mary Wilson starred in a national tour of a musical. In 2002, she was named a "culture-connect ambassador" by the U.S. State Department, attending international events. In 2004, Wilson, Cindy Birdsong, and Kelly Rowland (from Destiny's Child) performed Supremes hits for the Motown 45 anniversary TV special. Mary Wilson also became a musical activist, supporting the Truth in Music Bill. She toured and lectured, sharing her "Dare to Dream" series about reaching goals. Wilson also did a lot of charity work for organizations like Children Incorporated, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and UNICEF.

Wilson at the LBJ Presidential Library in 2019

In 2008, Mary Wilson appeared on 20/20 for a social experiment. She gave helpful advice to a young woman singing "Stop! In the Name of Love". Wilson also created the "Mary Wilson/Supremes Gown Collection", which is an exhibition of the Supremes' stage outfits. This collection has been shown at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Mary Wilson released new songs, "Life's Been Good To Me" (2011) and "Darling Mother (Johnnie Mae)" (2013). In 2015, her song "Time To Move On" reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Dance charts.

In 2019, Mary Wilson released her fourth book, Supreme Glamour, which was about the history of the Supremes and their fashion. That same month, she competed on season 28 of Dancing with the Stars. She and her partner were the first couple to be eliminated.

Songs Released After Her Death

Mary Wilson's song "Why Can't We All Get Along" was released after she passed away, on March 5, 2021. This song was part of an updated version of her 1979 solo album.

Another project, Mary Wilson: Red Hot Eric Kupper Remix EP, was released on September 3, 2021. It had new dance versions of her 1979 song "Red Hot".

On January 7, 2022, a collection of her songs called Mary Wilson: The Motown Anthology was released. On March 3, 2023, a new song called "Soul Defender" was released digitally.

Mary Wilson's Personal Life and Passing

Mary Wilson married Pedro Ferrer in Las Vegas on May 11, 1974. They had three children: Turkessa, Pedro Antonio Jr., and Rafael. They divorced in 1981. She also adopted her cousin, Willie. In January 1994, Mary Wilson and her 14-year-old son Rafael were in a car accident. Mary had moderate injuries, but sadly, Rafael passed away.

On February 8, 2021, Mary Wilson passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Henderson, Nevada, at the age of 76. Two days before her death, she had announced on YouTube that she planned to release new music.

Motown Records founder Berry Gordy said he was "extremely shocked and saddened" by her death. He said Mary Wilson was "quite a star in her own right." Diana Ross shared her feelings on Twitter, saying she had "so many wonderful memories of our time together."

Mary Wilson had 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter at the time of her passing. She was buried next to her son Rafael on March 16, 2021, in Culver City, California.

Awards and Recognition

In 2001, Mary Wilson earned a degree from New York University. She also received an honorary doctorate degree from Paine College in Augusta, Georgia.

In 2020, Mary Wilson received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Newspaper Publishers Association. She and The Supremes were inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2013. Mary Wilson also hosted the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame events for several years.

Mary Wilson's Legacy

The character of Lorrell Robinson in the musical and film Dreamgirls was inspired by Mary Wilson.

Motown: The Musical is a Broadway show about Berry Gordy creating Motown Records. Mary Wilson was played by Ariana DeBose in the 2013 production.

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 original Supremes group (Ross, Wilson, Ballard) was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. They received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994 and entered the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998. Mary Wilson was the only Supreme who was present for all three of these special ceremonies. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked The Supremes at number 96 on their list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".

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

The Supremes Discography

Supremes Singles (Selected)

Note: Mary Wilson sang lead on several songs by The Supremes and shared lead on 12 songs. Some of these are listed below:

• 1960: "Pretty Baby"
• 1962: "Baby Don't Go" (from Meet The Supremes)
• 1965: "Sunset" (co-lead with Diana Ross)
• 1966: "Come and Get These Memories"
• 1968/1987: "The Ballad of Davy Crockett"
• 1969/1970/1973: "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (co-lead with Eddie Kendricks)
• 1972: "I Keep It Hid"
• 1975: "Early Morning Love"
• 1976: "You're What's Missing In My Life" (co-lead with Scherrie Payne)

Mary Wilson's Solo Music

Studio Albums

• 1979: Mary Wilson
• 1992: Walk the Line
• 2021: Mary Wilson Expanded Edition

Extended Plays (EPs)

• 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 Albums

• 2008: Up Close: Live from San Francisco

DVDs

• 2006: Live at the Sands
• 2009: Up Close: Live from San Francisco

Guest Appearances on Albums

• with Neil Sedaka on Come See About Me (one song)
• with the Four Tops on From the Heart (2006) (one song)
• with Human Nature on Get Ready (2007) (two songs)

Solo Singles (Selected)

DVD Appearances

• T.A.M.I. Show – performer, with the Supremes (1964)
• Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever – performer, with the Supremes (1983)
• Jackie's Back (movie) – Vesta Crotchley (2002)
• Live at the Sands – herself (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 (May 12, 1973)
• 227 – Guest star (November 21, 1987)
• Motown 45 – performer (2004)
• Unsung: Florence Ballard – interviewee (2009)
• "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" - guest judge (2012)
• Dancing with the Stars – contestant on season 28 (2019)

See also

In Spanish: Mary Wilson para niños