Who Was the Real SUPREME?

During the first part of February, I read/heard that MARY WILSON had died rather suddenly of unknown causes at the age of 76. I, at first, did not know why that name “rang a bell with me,” but it stayed in my mind. A few days later, I heard on a television broadcast the news that “a founding member of the singing group, “The Supremes,” had passed on and that a memorial would be held later on in 2021—and then I remembered! Mary active in public life as she appeared Wilson was the main force behind the continued success of “The Supremes,” even though many people first think of Diana Ross when hearing their songs or group name on the “oldies” program of a radio station!

Mary Wilson, according to Berry Gordy, Motown Records founder, was a trailblazer, a diva, and will be deeply missed,” and she “was a star in her own right and always worked hard through the years to boost the legacy of ‘The Supremes.’”

Mary Wilson (March 6, 1944—Greenville, Mississippi) was the oldest of three sisters and was raised by her Uncle and Aunt in Detroit and thought they were her “blood parents” for quite some time. Her Uncle liked to listen to rhythm and blues records, and helped to “hook” Mary on this type music.

Mary’s Mom finally moved to Detroit and reunited the family as they lived in “the projects,” where Mary first met Diana Ross and Florence Ballard. Not too long after that, the three ladies added another, Betty McGown, and the four of them became a quintet, called “The Primettes.” They signed with Motown and thought all was going to be wonderful, but they just did not all four seem to “connect” as she called it!

BUT THINGS CHANGED! 1963 was the year! “When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes” began it, and then 1964 saw the group’s first #1 Hit with “Where Did Our Love Go?”

As the 1960s ended, Wilson, Ballard, and Ross, as “The Supremes,” had beehive hairdos, heavy eye make-up, and “eye-catching” sequined slacks/gowns with THOSE STRAPLESS TOPS! Their #1 Hits kept on coming with the likes of “Back in My Arms Again” and the magnificent blast, “Stop! In the Name of Love!”

BUT ALL WAS NOT GREAT! Although the public could not get enough of the “Supremes” trio and their “pop-soul” music, combined with an “elegant” look that was being matched by no other group, Ballard became resentful of Ross’s growing PROMINENCE and left the group in 1967—replaced by Cindy Birdsong.

Then, Ross wanted more and set out on a solo career (doing quite well), leaving MARY WILSON as the ONLY “Supreme” who appeared on all twelve #1 Hits! The group continued to do well, but not as great as it had earlier.

In 1977, the “Supremes” disbanded permanently.

Mary Wilson wrote many articles, stories, and even books about her times with the “Supremes,” including Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme, which showed things about Ross that were not too complimentary. However, in 1983, Wilson wrote this about Diana Ross: “I still love her and am proud of her!”

In 1988, Mary Wilson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of “The Supremes.” She released two solo albums (without the rest of the group) and became a strong activist, fighting to keep “imposter groups” from “stealing and taking on the names of top groups from the ‘50s and ‘60s.”

In 2019, she was still active in public life as she appeared and competed in Dancing with the Stars and continued posting YouTube videos about Black History.

Paul Riser, a big name at Motown, said the following: Mary did not know any strangers. I remember the way she would greet EVERYONE: always smiling and giving people the best of what was in her heart.

I remember watching the group on television and would agree with what Mr. Riser said.