Mary Wilson in Detroit, 2018 (Photo: Alan Stamm)
One of the original Supremes, Mary Wilson, died Monday night in Henderson, Nev., near Las Vegas. She was 76.
Wilson and the Supremes generated 12 No. 1 singles and were a key part to the success of the Motown sound that still resonates today worldwide.
Born in Greenville, Miss., Wilson grew up in the Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects in Detroit and graduated from Northeastern High School in 1962. Her mother wanted her to pursue a college degree, but she opted to focus on her musical career.
Wilson met Florence Ballard at an elementary school in Detroit.
The two, along with lead singer Diana Ross, became the original Supremes. In 1964-65, they released hit songs including “Where Did Our Love Go?” “Baby Love,” “Come See About Me” and “Stop.”
Wilson remained with the group even after the original members, Ballard departed in 1967, and Ross in 1970. She left in 1977, ending the legendary trio.
She continued on as a concert performer in Las Vegas and in 1986 wrote a New York Times best-selling autobiography, "Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme."
She and the two other original Supremes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 together as the influential group.
Robin Terry, chairwoman and chiuef executive of the Motown Museum, says in a statement: "The world has lost one of the brightest stars in our Motown family. Mary Wilson was an icon. She broke barriers and records. ... She was a legend who was not only extremely talented, but equally beautiful. We join Mary’s fervent fan base in remembering her life and profound cultural impact."
“I was always proud of Mary,” Motown founder Berry Gordy said in a statement quoted by The New York Times. “She was quite a star in her own right, and over the years continued to work hard to boost the legacy of the Supremes.”
To a female trailblazer and forever Sweetheart of Motown, who brought many timeless records for generations to come - Thank You.
Your art and your legacy will forever live on in the Motown story. From our Motown family, rest in paradise @MWilsonSupreme
