Mary Wilson, Co-Founder of the Supremes, Dies at 76

So sad. Mary was an icon. The Supremes...the greatest female group of all time.

RIP

Grim Reaper certainly has been busy lately....

*RIP* Mary Wilson, you were loved and will be missed.

Why is everyone looking at me?

This is major news. Waiting to hear from Diane.

Oh, no! She was always a blast to hang out with. Girl liked to dish. RIP Mary.

bump for original thread

Mary Wilson, 76

6 March 1944 - Greenville, Mississippi

8 February 2021 - Las Vegas, Nevada

RIP

I still have a card autographed by her, Cindy Birdsong, and Diana Ross.

16 years old. Made a big banner that said "We Love the Supremes" and took it to our local fair where they were performing. Hung out in the parking lot, and CB came over to us!

After the show, we waited at the only possible exit for their car, and blocked it with our banner.

And that's how I got Mary's and Diana's autographs!

1967. Good times.

RIP, Mary, now harmonizing with Flo.

I worked with Mary for a few days while she was on tour. Fabulous woman, friendly, chatty, engaging, professional, entertaining. A total class act.

Loved her. Big loss to all those who came of age in the '60s when The Supremes ruled.

Last one standing. (Cindy doesn't count.)

Now you see why I had to be the lead singer and then a solo star.

RIP, Mary! I won't miss your lies, your bitterness and your constant shade.

don't have anything to say...

I’m sure This is Somehow Diane’s fault! (again)Shocked to learn in the past few minutes that not only is Cindy Birdsong still alive, but so is the entirety of Holland Dozier Holland.

R11 unfortunately neither Mary Wilson or Cindy Birdsong recorded 'Someday We'll be Together'.

Rather, Motown studio singers provided the background " sweetening" : Merry Clayton, Patrice Holloway and the on call whenever a piece needed to be rescued fast - the legendary Waters sisters Maxine and Julia.

How can Mary tell me what to do

When she lost her love so true?

I didn't know that, R11. I always assumed that was Mary Wilson.

Mary sang lead on Baby Don't Go

Hollywood Palace 1969

So young.

What a time a for hussy to go.

I have some re-duced on right at this moment.

If Miss Ross decides to follow her career (and Mary) into the great beyond I will even thrown in a second ceremony absolutely free (after expenses of course).

I don't think they want to be together again some day. But thanks for the glorious music.

RIP

Cindy Birdsong counts! She wasn't a founding member with Mary, Florence and Diane, but Cindy was there for the heyday and several hits from 1967 on.

Cindy is still alive and 81 years old. Mary and Diane are 76.

Florence Ballard, 32; 1943-1976. Gone much too soon.

Mary had sweaty smelly underarms

From Berry Gordy:

The founder of Motown Records, 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 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."

Still waiting to hear from Diana Ross.

Has Susan Dey sent her condolences?

Barbara Martin, the fourth original member of The Supremes along with Mary, Flo and Diana. The Supremes started as a quartet; however, Barbara Martin left before the group hit the big time and fame with a string on hits because she wanted to get married and start a family. Once Martin left, the group remained a trio. Barbara Martin died at 76 last year on March 4, 2020.

Diana Ross (then known as Diane), Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard, signed a recording contract with Motown founder Berry Gordy on January 15, 1961 as the Supremes, a name that Ballard had chosen (as she was the only group member in the studio at the time) from a list provided by Motown songwriter Janie Bradford; the group became part of the Motown stable of performers.

A bit of history and the origins of The Primettes later known as The Supremes:

Betty McGlown was an American singer, a member of The Primettes, later better known as The Supremes. She died in 2008 at 66.

McGlown left The Primettes and was replaced by Barbara Martin, whose singing group mates were Diane Ross, Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard. There were four of them altogether. Their group name was changed from The Primettes to The Supremes, which was selected by Florence Ballard. Barbara Martin left the group after a year (1961-1962) leaving The Supremes as a trio, which it remained.

RIP, Mary.

Vocalist? Hmm. Okay.

I interviewed Mary Wilson years ago. She autographed my Supremes Box Set. Super nice lady.

Oh damn. This is so sad. Mary Wilson is a legend. Rest in peace, sweet lady.

EVERYONE is waiting to hear from Miss Ross.

NO! Damn. We thought..the other one, the one who had the DUIs and multiple rehab sejours, would go first.

Was it the Covid?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

I'm shocked! Nobody saw this one coming. Damn. Has Diane commented?

RIH, Mary.

I'm not taking this well. What was Mary's fave drink?

Berry Gordy has commented. Nothing from Diane yet. We're waiting.

Just this past month...Cicely Tyson, Christopher Plummer, Cloris Leachman and now Mary Wilson. The legends are leaving us.

I don’t know her.

R7 I never realized I was born on her birthday (almost forty years later).

Ross is probably waiting for most of the comments to be issued because she doesn't want to take the attention away from all of the tributes Mary will receive, AND... she knows that the world awaits her comment and therefore all of the attention will then be focused on her.

Love that original mix R11, even if Mary’s not on it. Do you know what album it’s on?

Poor Diane still hasn't recovered from the "shock" of Flo's passing. We can't expect her to issue a statement about Mary!

Now, the fight and mess over her estate (if there is any meaningful money left because Miss Mary was a BIG spender) will begin. Mary's children are not as independent and accomplished like the Ross children. Mary's family depended upon her fame and money for their existence.

Loved "Nathan Jones" which Mary and the Supremes put out when Diana went solo. RIP Mary. A class act.

Aww, man. This is sad. She had such a lovely voice.

^Be kind,R47...

So sad.

Mary only has one heiress - her daughter, Turkessa (damn, what a name). Her son was killed years ago in a car accident while Mary was driving. Mary probably left around 6 to 8 million. She was trying to sell her Las Vegas pad at one point. Like to see it? Well, here it go. For tasteful friends.

I'm with R47 - Mary DID have a nice sounding voice.

What, R48? I loved her voice.

Mary has 2 living kids. The third died.

Oh, no! What a shame.

I loved their hit “Hold On.”

And from the obit picture posted it looked like she finally lost a lot of weight.

On National Pizza Day we lost a Supreme.

Irony.

Mary was till HOT in her forties!

Has Tom Jones issued a statement yet?

Why she was not promoted to Diana Ross?

Was she really a co- founder or just a background vocalist who got really lucky? How does Diana describe her?

I thought she was telling us she wasn’t going?

It's appropriate--so to speak, that she died during Black History Month. Hopefully, she will be remembered by future generations in her own right as one of the trailblazing Supremes rather than just a back up singer (along with the other mess) of Diana Ross.

OH! And, I guess the reunion is off...

How did she earn a living after the Supremes? That house in Las Vegas is huge.

She worked, R62. She did a lot of oldies tours, cruise ships, and other small venues. But, Mary's issues were that she always wanted and felt that she deserved and was entitled to the same level (and money) of success that Diana Ross has.

Did Rupaul come along and steal her career? Could she have done “You Better Work!” (Supermodel) better than him?

I suspect that Susan Dey will comment before Miss Ross does.

I think we'll hear Susan Dey commenting before we hear from Diana.

RIP

BUT Why some people are shocked by her death, She was 76 YO.

I can't believe that awful Berry Gordy outlived her. I wonder if that evil piece of shit ex-husband of hers is still alive?

Reports indicated that she "died suddenly" so either stroke or heart attack. She did a lot of coke back in the day - does that catch up with you later re your heart?

Never miss an opportunity to post this

Everybody is concerned about what Diana Ross will say but all should take note that none of the other Supremes (who worked with her), Smokey Robinson, or any of the other Motown artists, have made statements. Only Berry Gordy thus far.

From my understanding, although Mary was very gracious to her fans, she was not too well-liked among her other peers. But, then again, her death was unexpected and so many might still be absorbing the shocking news.

Ms. Ross has spoken:

^HA! Somebody is having Mimosas this morning... FINALLY, that headache is gone!

Diana is the only surviving original member of The Supremes. Florence Ballard died in 1976...didn't know that. RIP Mary Wilson. Great group with many memories.

[quote]Diana is the only surviving member of The Supremes...

I told y'all...

Diana is waking up today and doing her happy dance! The victor gets to tell the history.

I hope she left a no holes barred memoir to be published after her death that puts Miss Ross in her place.

But is she dead dead?

"Mary was very gracious to her fans, she was not too well-liked among her other peers."

There aren't many of her "peers" left. At last count, three quarters of the Four Tops, 80% of the original Temptations, Mary Wells, Junior Walker, Marvin Gaye, most of the session musicians and countless Motowners are now dead.

Mary.

Yes, Mary Wilson died. But much more important, of course, was how Diana Ross would respond. And the first word of it was "I".

The rest was tepid and generic ('this news") and didn't recall Mary as an individual ("our time together").

And, heeeere we go!

Mary had the talent, but Diana had the drive and ambition.

And the ability to suck a golf ball through a straw.

[Quote]I just woke up to this news , my condolences to you Mary's family ,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 💕

R72 Diana must be in utter shock over this. Look at how it rendered her punctuation.

[quote]But is she dead dead?

Yes

[quote]Mary had the talent...

No, she didn't. Mary could hold a tune. Her problem, (IMHO), is that she and her managers chose the wrong material for her voice. I saw her at the Carlyle Room here in NYC and she wasn't that bad. The show was only jazz and blues...and it suited her quite well. But, that's not what she really wanted to sing nor the type of money that she wanted to make, or the adoration she wanted to receive.

Yes r10 Diana, while I do love her, one she was wrong. The way she treated the group. And even after Flo's death, when she and Mary could've reunited, should've been more fair. I totally bought Mary's story about how much of a bitch she was and how she wanted to short pay her. RIP Mary

Dead to me! 🙅‍♂️

Diane, girl, you couldn't even type a proper goodbye to me. Bitch, you're almost 80 and still don't know how to properly use a comma?

[quote]Diane, girl, you couldn't even type a proper goodbye...

Too overjoyed... I mean... emotional, honey. Just too emotional!

Even in death, their cat fight continues.

Oh , r90 ,you had such an opportunity to make that joke funnier than it was !

(And it WAS funny, BTW.)

Their last photo together.

Diane should have tweeted, "My World is Empty Without You, Mary."

R72 What’s up with that passive aggressive comma placement?

Any comments yet from Cindy Birdsong, Jean Terrell, Scherrie Payne, Lynda Lawrence, or Susaye Greene?

Diane is probably dancing around her mansion singing "I Hear a Symphony" since she read the news. Gurlfren was always a nasty piece of work. I want to pimp slap the heifer.

MARY!

[quote] I just woke up to this news , my condolences to you Mary's family ,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

Translation: You lessers can't pin THIS one on me, I was passed out after half a bottle of Tanqueray.

Diana killed Mary, pass it on. It may have taken decades, but she did it.

Sad news.

Im mad that I didnt get a CNN alert about this on my phone. They can alert me about some bullshit republican congressman kicking the bucket, but not Mary Wilson dying during Black History Month? Bitches.

[quote]Diane is probably dancing around her mansion singing "I Hear a Symphony" since she read the news. Gurlfren was always a nasty piece of work. I want to pimp slap the heifer.

You cannot and will not be slapping anyone, heifer. Now stay in your own lane and enjoy your pie.

Loved her in Heart!

Miss Warwick would shed a tear if she still had the capacity for human feeling.

The Today Show did a nice segment.

Diana Ross bullied and killed Mary Wilson!

Make her pay!!

I tell you — if I were not a Supreme, I would want to be a Supreme.--MW, speaking on behalf of millions of gay men

In that real estate video showing Mary's house, Diana Ross' version of "Aint No Mountain High Enough" is blaring. What a slap in the face to Mary.

Can I have her wigs?

That is so sad. She was a good girl. May she RIP.

^Well, shit! The realtor had to try and sell that house some way! What many of y'all are missing is that at the time that house was put on the market Miss Mary was "sort of" in position of needing to sell it. Cash flow issues....

I told y'all... Miss Mary was a BIG spender!

But, she also "helped" elephants...her daughter. Her no good son. Many of her grandchildren (since their parents are shit.). An ex husband to some degree. A mentally challenged brother--kudos to her, and a sister.

Mary had to get up and go to work just like many of us have to do too.

So.....Did she get the gowns back???

"Many of the Supremes dresses are owned by Ms. Wilson, though others are held by the Motown Museum in Detroit. Ms. Wilson wants them back. She said she has “proof that the clothes were debited from the Supremes account at Motown,” meaning that she and her cohorts paid for them." NYT

But, that's how it works, R112. Berry Gordy ripped all of those kids off. That's why most of them don't have any money now. That's the record industry. Read up on the TLC case (which is now featured in many business and law school classes) about record contracts.

HECK! Even when Ross left Motown (the best decision she ever made financially) Berry only gave her a check between $100-500k. She was just as shocked as everyone else over how much money was actually hers.

Oh no! I met Mary Wilson years ago and she couldn't have been nicer. She actually gave me her phone number to contact her regarding a project on which I was working.

Rest in peace, Miss Wilson

Kelly Rowland should play her in the Supremes film biography.

So she did have talent, r86. She just picked the wrong music for her voice. Diana wasn’t the greatest singer but she picked the songs that suited her thin voice. That is what separated her from the pack. Mary didn’t have the drive to figure it out.

[quote]Loved her in Heart!

She was a terrific singing partner.

[quote]Berry Gordy ripped all of those kids off. That's why most of them don't have any money now. That's the record industry.

That's why Aretha Franklin always demanded to be paid in CASH MONEY for all of her concerts and other public appearances. And she wouldn't wait until the show was over. Oh no. She had to see the cash first, before she went on stage and sang a note. So many artists from Aretha's generation were ripped off and victim to shady business practices and she learned from that. You can't blame her one bit.

Nuh-Uh, R116. Ross CAN sing but her voice is just a different style. You must be one of those that is in love with that big heifer that rolls all over the floor, kicks her shoes off, and screams until her eyes bug out. You people think she is the greatest singer who has ever walked the earth. But, ln reality, no one knows who that heifer is except Black folks and the gays...in the United States.

What separates Ross from all of them is that she is indeed an entertainer. She can sing, dance, act, well enough that draws an audience in. She just has this stage presence that's hypnotic and entrancing. Even Aretha Franklin had spoken about the Ross "it" factor.

Mary Wilson knew her place in the group, and she knew how to fuck with Diana oh so subtly to get her digs in when she could. It's funny when you can spot her in action. She's fuckin with Diana here in this clip via the Sullivan show right in the beginning,

What, Diana wanted to play that nice Jewish girl Fanny Brice? This isn’t Pearl Bailey stepping into Hello Dolly???

R121 Diane must have LOVED making Mary sing on national TV that Diane was "the greatest star."

She’s the biggest cunt was more like it.

Diana did not necessarily have the strongest voice, but it was distinctive and she know how to use it, and her songs are very listenable. She also does have that certain it factor that makes one a star.

I tend to believe Mary for most of what she said about Diana, but I do remember reading excerpts from a biography written after Mary's that while not overall flattering to Diana defended her on a few things. I think the main thing is that she did try to help Ballard after the group split. It also said she knew her stuff and came to the studio prepared knowing the music and hitting her notes etc. Still, I have no doubt Mary would be much less "high maintenance" than Diane/Diana.

One of those things that makes you really feel how much time has passed, I mentioned Diana Ross to a coworker and she had no idea who she or who the Supremes were. She did recognize some of the Supreme songs when mentioned. The Supremes really did have some great songs.

Gordy is 91. I'm surprised someone could remove his drool cup long enough for him to spew out his statement

The fact that r119 has to resort to condescending insults reflects more on him than me.

No, no. Gordy is still quite, QUITE spry and cogent - it's amazing, actually. He was 90 here and she 75. Gordy is in AMAZINGLY good health for his age.

[quote]One of those things that makes you really feel how much time has passed, I mentioned Diana Ross to a coworker and she had no idea who she or who the Supremes were.

A few years ago Diana Ross went to some big fancy restaurant in LA and was ahead of her party, so the waitstaff told her she had to wait in the bar, like an ordinary person. Those twentysomethings didn't know who she was.

Even the biggest superstars fade as time goes on and younger generations don't know them.

^^^ For anyone who might care to see it, the full performance is here:

R126 Who ever said upthread let the cat fight continue was right, even in death these bitches cause fights.

Can’t wait until JLo suffers from this r128.

Diana Ross really did have that magic X Factor that makes a star. Her voice wasn't strong, but it was very commercial.

[Quote]So she did have talent, [R86]. She just picked the wrong music for her voice.

R116 I agree. Whenever Mary chose the right music, she sounded sublime.

MMPH... I pegged you correctly, right R126? By the way, the heifer put out a statement/tweet.

Nothing from Gladys, Martha, and many others. But, this was the issue with Mary. She viewed herself on the same level as the other lead singers in many of the major groups. But, she wasn't. She was the backup singing gal. I mean, the girl did good keeping herself relevant, but... GEEZE!

Damn. Sorry, Mary. Even in death, eh? My bad, baby

- R129

It's too bad that they couldn't put their ego and money demands aside for a few hours and do a few concerts. It's not like they were being asked to move it together.

One of the very few songs, (and there are VERY few) that Mary leads that I like. BUT, even with this song one can hear the strength of Scherrie and Susaye because they are LEAD singers. Mary was an acceptable back up girl.

RIP Ms. Wilson, it was a pleasure to have met you.

Mary, Cindy, and Scherrie shared leads on this song. Mary sang first, and did a very satisfactory job. It was also nice to hear Cindy - she rarely led. Scherrie, of course, was exceptional. But Mary certainly did her best.

For R121

R139 The Supremes should never have sung Joni Mitchell.

I can understand Mary being jealous and angry because Diana was fucking the boss. But Berry Gordy had the smarts to put Diana in front because not only did she have an unusual voice, much better than Mary's (RIP) but her enunciation was amazing. You always heard every syllable of every word Diana sang. Added to her natural charisma, Berry made the right girl a star.

Her last video from 3 days ago.

Very nice acknowledgement by "Morning Joe."

R143 Wow, she seemed so healthy and vibrant there! And Universal was going to release some new songs of hers, and reissue some older ones from her "Red Hot" album from the late 1970s. She seemed full of optimism before death suddenly took her out.

R141 I thought you were joking with that comment, but nope... they ARE singing Joni Mitchell. 😳

Will Miss Ross do a Supremes reunion tour with holograms of Flo and Mary now? Easier to negotiate terms with their kids about the use of their likeness than it would have been dealing with Mary demanding $5 million.

Fun fact: Berry Gordy's idea of the absolute apex female pop vocalist?

Doris Day

Diana is a cunt, but Mary was being extremely difficult about the money on that aborted Supremes reunion tour. It was delusional of her to expect to be paid as much as Diana.

She was delusional about a lot of things. It’s sad that she’s gone, though. And Diana’s tweet was about what I expected from her. She was so over Mary.

I'm watching Dreamgirls tonight. I have to.

[quote] It was also nice to hear Cindy - she rarely led.

And now we all know why.

Will you now finally admit that your name is DIANE!

RIP, Mary!

Barry Gordy was schtupping Diane, and Mary was going with some famous football player. Flo was an alcoholic who had a rotten husband who beat herr. She got into drugs. And then she died. Flo was a trainwreck.

Uhm... In R143, is that plastic... PLASTIC! covering the lamp shade???

MMPH... you can take the girl out of the ghetto but obviously you can't take the ghetto out of the girl.

Lord have mercy! Berry fucked Diana/Diane/bitch/or whatever you want to call her, over 50 years ago and you bitches just can't let it go...

So damn weird. I was watching the Supremes breaking the band on Reelz yesterday, and Mary was interviewed for it. Then I see she died before I went to sleep last night. Does anyone know what terms Diana and Mary were on recently? That Twitter response was quite lukewarm from Diana. But they looked all smiles at the Oscar party 2 years ago.

Looking at their photos in their heydays, Mary was easily the prettiest. She could've been the visual of the group.

^They had no contact, R156. Mary was still riding Diana's coat tails and still teasing about a reunion by telling reporters that it's up to Ross.

While Ross, (who now does a question and answer session during her show) answered an audience member's question telling the audience that she has no contact with Mary, doesn't know where she is, and that she could be sitting right there in the audience at that moment and wouldn't know it unless someone brought it to her attention.

Probably Mary's last interview. January 18, 2021

Thanks for the link, R159. That last line is gut wrenching!

[quote]R95: ....passive aggressive comma placement?

Oh, dear.

Seldom can be said without reservation, “That’s my friend” How privileged I am to be able to say “MY FRIEND” Mary Wilson has made her transition. It’s never expected as this is a truly unwelcome experience for me and without a doubt so many others. Our laugh times, and long chats I most certainly will miss, not to mention that radiant smile and energy she possessed. My heartfelt condolences goes out to her children, grandchildren, family members and host of friends.

- Dionne Warwick

Rest in Heaven Mary We’ve crossed paths many times over the years & your wonderful soul will be so missed Your music with the Supremes was one of the foundations of my youth that played in my parent’s homes & helped shape my musical base

- Chaka Khan

I am deeply saddened by the passing of the beautiful Mary Wilson! She was a legend and an icon and what she contributed to the world cannot be overstated. I send my deepest condolences and prayers to her family, loved ones and fans.

- Patti Labelle

"Mary Wilson brought something wonderful to the Supremes. The warmth in her voice and music came from her soul. She was a good friend and I will miss her smile, her voice, and her heart.”

- Gladys Knight

This is so hard to believe. She paved the way for so many like myself. I am grateful to have had the chance to know and work with her. Style, grace, talent was and is #MaryWilson. Thank you for everything you gave this industry. Rest well Queen

- Stephanie Mills

I’m at a total loss for words. Mary Wilson was a trailblazer and an icon. She was also one of my dearest friends. I grew up collecting records of The Supremes and was fortunate enough to befriend her in the 80s - and that friendship never faded. We attended each other’s birthdays every year and dined together as often as possible. I started out admiring her from a far, mostly for her talent and fierce outfits, but I ended up admiring her for being one of the most loyal friends a gal could ask for. We’ll miss you forever, Mary.

- Jackee Harry

Rest In Peace, Glory & Glamour Original Supreme & Co-Founder Trailblazer Mary Wilson. Very sad news to wake up to. I had the joy and honor to meet her in 2019 at the Walk of Fame Ceremony for my godfather Jackie Wilson.

- Jody Watley

RIP Mary Wilson! Godspeed

- Viola Davis

A true legend. Rest in Peace Mary Wilson

- Kerry Washington

I just woke up to this news , my condolences to you Mary's family ,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

- Diana Ross

Remembering waiting in line for hours for Mary Wilson to sign my book when I was a college freshman. I was so excited I’d met a Supreme! She was dazzling.

- Andy Cohen

The Supremes were known as "The Sweethearts of Motown." Thank you for your music, talent and gorgeous voice. Congratulations on joining the ultimate heavenly choir. Rest in glorious peace. The Supremes changed so many things about music, entertainment, race and grace. Mary then went on to a great solo career. Every time I ever saw her interviewed she seemed as beautiful inside as out.

- Pee Wee Herman

My deepest condolences to the loved ones of the iconic Mary Wilson! You gave us great music!

- Latoya Jackson

Thank you so kindly, dear James. What a shock. Mary was so loved worldwide. My phone hasn’t stopped ringing since 5am. I can’t help but think she is smiling in Heaven, basking in the love. She affected so many lives.

- Susaye Green

All hail the supreme queen. Rest in sweet peace. Mary played Vesta Crotchley, Jackie Washington’s third grade teacher. An absolute pleasure to work with. Rest in sweet peace

- Jenifer Lewis

Diana said this to ET:

[Quote] "I remember Mary's joy and love during happier times and our love and years together," Ross tells ET. "I recall 'the good old days' with a smile in my heart and a song in my heart during these changing times. I'm happy to have known her. Love and condolences to her family."

I win, Bitch!

Miss Ross's PR Team kicked in. That first morning tweet was really her and all that she wanted to say. She probably grimaced at typing that. But, she probably heard Ernestine saying; "Now, Diane..." and therefore put her PR team into action. After all, what do you pay then for?

Then she had a good morning drink to celebrate! Rather, mourn.

Mary was always the prettiest and sexiest Supreme. Fuck you, Diane.

This makes me reflect back on Mary and Diana's so-called "feud" over all these past years..

It must have always weirded them out to know rabid fans wrote or said that they knew every little detail of their public lives, song lyrics, performances, choreography, wigs, gowns, you name it. To big Supremes fans, that was all the entertainment and pizzazz. But to them, that was also a business, their job. How were they to know that almost all their televised performances, and unearthed recorded interviews and from-the-vault extra song cuts, would persist and be played/viewed over and over to new generations with the explosion of social media, into several decades now later?

There are a lot of friends' and relatives' stories and photographs of different events or memories that I was in, that they might recall enjoyable but I don't necessarily because of something going on with me at the time, or I wasn't feeling well, etc. How do we know how Mary and Diana viewed or remembered all the stuff that their most devoted fans might recall, hate or love very differently? I've always been endeared in a way to the blandness with which Mary or Diana described "earth-shattering" moments in Supremes history that drama-queen fans might otherwise make out to be the coming of some WWIII. I figure it's because to these two ladies, those were just bits of moments of their everyday lives from over a century ago, while the fans keep on reliving them over and over again into perpetuity.

I hope Mary looks down from jamming with Flo and realizes that she accomplished a lot, carved out a space for herself as a true survivor in pop music history, and learned to stand up for herself and tell certain oblivious others, so to speak: "Excuse me, but I'm a human being and will be respected, too." I think a lot of folks at Motown got the message and at least had to give Mary her props for doing all that, eventually.

[quote]It was delusional of her to expect to be paid as much as Diana.

Mary never expected to be paid as much as Diana. She knew Diana was the superstar and was going to reap millions in sales, merchanising, etc. She was insulted, however, when she was only offered $1 million. This was going to be a grueling, cross continental tour. As a founding member of a legendary, history-making group, she felt she deserved more.

It's tragic that some of you are mourning Mary Wilson by watching an unauthorized mediocre Beyonce movie

[post redacted because linking to dailymail.co.uk clearly indicates that the poster is either a troll or an idiot (probably both, honestly.) Our advice is that you just ignore this poster but whatever you do, don't click on any link to this putrid rag.]

Going down the Soul Train line with Don Cornelius.

Mary was the heart of the Supremes. She kept the group going after Diana left. She preserved their legacy while Diana would only briefly acknowledge them with a truncated medley of their hits in her concerts. They had TWELVE number one songs in America alone.

The '70s Supremes released some great material. If you've never heard any of the post-Diana Supremes songs, do yourself a favor and buy/stream some of their albums. There's some really terrific material.

[quote]The '70s Supremes released some great material. If you've never heard any of the post-Diana Supremes songs, do yourself a favor and buy/stream some of their albums. There's some really terrific material.

This is lovely — Jean Terrell was the new lead singer, but it still felt like The Supremes rather than JEAN TERRELL AND THE SUPREMES.

[quote] RIP Mary Wilson! Godspeed. - Viola Davis

Looks like St V figured out she couldn't use poor Mary's death as yet another thing to use in her shameless Oscar campaign, so she mercifully wrote a short tweet.

Jackee Harry begins her message with how she is truly at a loss for words and then proceeds to write something that could take up half a page.

It’s not every day you get to perform with a legend.

Poor Mary...

She couldn't even make 200 postings on DL even on the day of her death. It just goes to you that when you are the backup girl, you're just the backup girl.

R178 / Diana -

Get to bed; it's late, girl.

^LOL!!!

Diane at R178 might have a point though. When she kicks the bucket DL may just crash.

Mary doing a fine rendition of Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now

Here we see Mary proudly on display in the front/center spot - okay, no doubt it was done to fuck with Flo, but still!

A Dream Girl speaks!

Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight and Patti La Belle all issued statements of condolences that were heartfelt, dignified and respectful all far outshining that piece of shit message that cunty, insincere Ross released. It just showed that Ross is vile and cruel. Even the punctuation in her Tweet was trash and sloppy. Ross couldn't even be dignified in death in her dismissive cold attempt to pay tribute to someone with whom she rode to fame and had known since childhood.

Not even 200 posts for a gay icon and music legend, yet 3 MAGAt deplorables shoot and kill each other and that bullshit generates thousands of responses.

What the fuck is wrong with you people?

Diana Ross, I can understand, but what makes Mary Wilson a gay icon? Would any former member of the Supremes be considered one?

“There was something magical about The Supremes. Even I don’t know what it is. And, certainly, Diane doesn’t. But it was something magical and, I think, perhaps the gay community probably zeroed in on that magic, because it’s something they know.”

“The realization (hit the Supremes) when we started doing TV shows and a lot of the guys who would design gowns for us were gay. They would bring all those gorgeous design sketches and we looked like little Barbie dolls – three little Barbie dolls – and so that’s when we realized there was something about that that was different from the way you were normally perceived, because they saw us as these glamorous, gorgeous Barbie dolls. Black Barbie dolls!”

Damn, the ladies look fabulous in those red glitter jump suits in the Up the Ladder to the Roof clip. Beautiful.

Mary was tenacious as can be. She road that sinking Supremes ship until it became just a piece of drift wood floating at sea. Anyone know how long she was dancing on DWTS before being eliminated?

MMPH...

200 is a struggle....

Bye-Bye, Mary...

For Mary...

Another...

Unusual video, singing in Italian.

Supremes dressed up as Geishas during their mid 1960s tour of the Orient.

Has her brother been reached for comment?

She liked the white meat, you know.

Up the Ladder To the Roof is a fabulous song.

And who wants to be the one to post the next comment so that we give Miss Wilson that respectable 200 comments marker?

We did it for you, Mary!

I'll help out. SHEESH! This was like trying to raise money for the dead relative who died and left no money for the funeral and repast...

Wow...

Martha must have been high when she did this interview.

But, here's something... IMHO, Mary Wilson made these old Motown stars even more relevant. I mean... yes, Martha Reeves, and the others, are famous and had their own hits. But, none of them had the number of memorable and international hits like the super duper Supremes. Grouping all of these old folks together and having a Supreme (although not Diana Ross) only helped ticket sales. Now that Mary is gone how many concerts do you think that Martha can successfully pull off by herself?

R201, who is Martha Wilson?

R201 Wow, so sad. You'll never know when death will suddenly take someone away from you.

[Quote]I'm really in pain right now for the loss. Because we had a tour schedule. We've been working for the last six years at the Legendary Ladies [of Motown]. We had a gig scheduled for July the 4th in Texas.

[Quote]Before the pandemic hit, Wilson and Reeves toured as the Legendary Ladies of Motown. (Business Wire)

[Quote]And I recently wrote Mary a letter and I asked her — because show business is dead right now; I haven't worked on the stage since January 26st of 2020 — and I wrote her a letter and asked her could we sing, Oh Mary Don't You Weep, Tell Martha Not To Moan. It's a gospel song made famous by James Cleveland. And Aretha Franklin featured it in her Amazing Grace video of her last video performance in church.

[Quote]Mary had written me a letter — and it's right here by me, dated January 22nd — where she agreed that we would open the show with our cast, her backup singers and my band, and we'd have two arrangements of the song. Because show business has been dead to us, and once it's revived, we were planning on singing that song to each other. And the letter she wrote to me, said she was ready to do it and she was willing and looking forward to it.

[Quote]Well, we'll sing it in heaven.

R203

Interesting...

If any of you are members of Facebook then you might want to look at some of the Diana Ross Fan Group pages. HUN-NEE...! It's like all out war in many of the comment sections. It's looks as if fans of Mary Wilson swooped down like locusts to rip that bitch Ross apart!!!

What gets me is that folks are still fighting over stuff that happened over 50 years ago! "Ross killed Flo;" "Ross is only where she is because she slept with Gordy;". "Will Ross show up to Mary's funeral;" "That cunt Ross only thinks about herself. " On and on.... AND, these folks are serious too!!! I've noticed that some Moderators had to shut some posters down. It can be truly engaging.

But, I'm so happy that we are all in agreement here on DL, and we know who the STAR is, while being respectful and giving Mary her well-deserved honorable mention!

Indeed R206 rabid Supremes/Diana Ross/Mary Wilson fans are crazy and can give Janbot and Madonna stans lessons in fanaticism. I remember a guy in old Yahoo groups who taught his parakeet to sing along to Mary and Flo on Supremes recordings and he'd post pics of himself blocking Diana's face to get back at her for her stage hogging ways back in the day.

Oh, Lord...

The OFFICIAL press statement.

Rather, the first chapter for some book ...

Clearly she craves for attention and has a "Look at me. LOOK AT ME!" attitude even on death.

Still can't believe this. She seemed like one of the healthier old-timers in body and mind. RIP, gurl.

I wonder if she and Aretha are bitching about Diane while helping themselves to a fourth slice of pie somewhere.

She was one of the "healthier" (rather, heftier) old timers, R208. Keep in mind that Mary suffered a heart attack 10 years ago and had heart by-pass surgery. While she did lose a lot of weight she was still a big girl for her size. I believe she was 5' 6". But, hey! She was in her seventies. At that age just live and enjoy the remaining days of life.

I read somewhere that her autopsy stated that she died from heart disease and the she died while asleep. So...

Dying at 76 and in fairly good health wasn't such a bad run.

Mary Wilson was a survivor and a star of classic pop music. Of that whole generation of Motown artists she was one of the few who could still generate interest. Nay she rest in peace,

.

[quote]I win, Bitch!

[quote]—Diana Ross

Isn't Cindy Birdsong still alive?

Yes, but she wasn't part of the original group.

I do hope that some museum (like the Smithsonian) will acquire her Supremes gown collection and build upon it. Mary put a lot of work into that and did a good job in promoting the collection. She did good with that.

She was very active. So many interesting and meaningful efforts for decades. Love her beautiful smile. Plus never forget she had Tom Jones deeply inside her for 2 years.

"I remember a guy in old Yahoo groups who taught his parakeet to sing along to Mary and Flo on Supremes recordings and he'd post pics of himself blocking Diana's face to get back at her for her stage hogging ways back in the day."

I am literally on the floor.

[215] Not to mention: Ron Ely, Steve McQueen, Flip Wilson, Duke Fakir and many other admirers.

^She loved cock. So do I. Good for Mary. At least all of her children have the same daddy. As for Miss Ross... Well, she loved her men's too. She loves; George, Abe, Andrew, and definitely Ulysses.... plus others...

Hmm... Mary is getting a lot of press coverage. I don't think her press guy, Jay Schwartz, rolls like that. Does anyone else think that Ross's press people might be helping in this? First, it would be a nice thing for her to do in memory of Mary. But second, (and most important), she is controlling the narrative and the story and won't let it get out of hand. I wouldn't be surprised if even Berry Gordy had a hand in this. In this.

I'm surprised that Berry Gordy is still alive.

When Berry Gordy looks in the mirror he sees no reflection.

Cute story about Mary's week as a local TV news reporter in Cleveland.

[quote]who is Martha Wilson?

Mr. Wilson's wife on "Dennis the Menace."

R216, there were posters in the old Yahoo groups who reminisced going to record stores and moving Ross or Supremes records to the front of the store to boost sales, or if they didn't like Diana Ross, move her records/tapes/CDs to more obscure sections of the store.

Hmm Maaary...

I enjoyed her late-in-life shift to supper club chanteuse.

I was at one of Mary's shows in the early 80s when some drunk rushed the stage and threw his arms around her in mid-song. Security tried to haul the guy off and he was putting up quite a struggle. Mary took it all in stride - she stopped the show, told Security to back off and that she would let the guy sit on the edge of the stage if he was cool. He chilled out, took his spot there and she sang "I Hear A Symphony" to him. She was radiant the whole time and never missed a beat. A true professional and a gracious lady who will be greatly missed.

Even Tracie Ellis and Rhonda had kind, reflective, and loving tributes to Mary.

Unlike the venomous bitch that spawned them.

Let's be fair. If it had been Diane who had kicked the bucket, would Mary have gushed about her without even the tiniest amount of shade or sarcasm? The two women had a complicated, uncomfortable history. For the last four decades they were just like a pair of former colleagues who did not get along with each other, so why does Diane need to pretend that she is hearrbroken or shaken by Mary's death?

Gurrrl, if Miss Diane would have died first Mary would have thanked God for a second opportunity to make major money after she screwed up and missed that HUGE payday from the Supremes reunion tour.

"So many times I've tried. Telling him we're through. But, when he takes me in his arms there's nothing I can do."

HELP! HELP ME, MOTHER DEAR!

Yes, Yes, YES!!!

The Supremes were just so glamorous, chic, and sensuously sexy!

This song would have been another hit had Motown really pushed it .

Miss Ross making it clear at about 2:20 that she hates Mary Wilson.

Why Oprah snubbed Mary.

Oh, I recall that interview R233. Oprah never snubbed Mary.

MARY WAS THE BACKUP GIRL!

What are they going to talk about?

You see, this was Mary's problem. She never knew her place and viewed herself on a level that she wasn't. Look... the women made money living on the legacy of the Supremes. GREAT! She did a wonderful job of keeping the Supremes legacy alive--especially with the gown collection. But, without the Supremes Mary is known for what? Writing an "autobiography" of which nothing is really memorable except the parts about Diana Ross and getting fucked by Tom Jones?

Smokey Robinson speaks of the early days.

[quote] But, without the Supremes Mary is known for what? Writing an "autobiography" of which nothing is really memorable except the parts about Diana Ross

Let's be frank here. Mary kinda kept fanning the flames of her old feud with Diane because that was the only thing that kept her occasionally in the spotlight. Diane just ignored Mary and continues to have enough star power to not have to resort to seeking attention through some decades-old "feud".

And Mary should have shut the fuck up about how she cared about Florence while Diane was the backstabber. Flo herself was quoted as saying that Mary was the two-faced one whereas with Diane she at least knew where she stood.

MMPH... All is quiet in Detroit from Florence's children? After all, Miss Mary was SO close to them...

She was an advocate for artists rights in the music industry.

Will Diane attend the visitation or funeral?

Gurl is gettin' it ON!

She seems so happy and steals the show from the lovely Jean. Cindy doesn't even register.

R240, that's Lynda Lawrence there not Cindy Birdsong.

[quote]so why does Diane need to pretend that she is hearrbroken or shaken by Mary's death?

Oh I don’t know - perhaps because they shared a unique path and collaboration success story from rags to fucking riches, stardom and fame? Not too many people in this planet can say that and the privilege of being part of such a journey should - with any sane person - be a bonding experience for life, regardless of petty differences.

r241: Thank you for that! Good eyes on you.

I'll just park this right here as it deserves to be seen one final time - Mary, doing her thing.

In closing, I assert the fact that The Supremes were together FAMOUSLY for only 5.5 years. THAT'S IT! From the time they had their first number one hit in mid August 1964 to their final appearance together at the Frontier in Las Vegas on January 14, 1970 - FIVE AND ONE HALF YEARS. Currently, Diana Ross is a solo super-star ICON for 51 YEARS, and one month today.

What is the verdict?

Mary is guilty of slitting Diana Ross' throat with her books and woe is me schtick just to keep herself relevant from time to time when applicable.

Hypothetical headlines at one point in time: "DIANA ROSS GIVES MARY WILSON 20 MILLION DOLLARS!" Headline: "MARY WILSON REJECTS DIANA ROSS MILLIONS - SAYS IT SHOULDA BEEN 21!"

And there you have it.

I'm surprised she's dead. The last time the Grim Reaper came for her Diana Ross pushed her out of the way

Sexy Mama

Oh! Dear Lord...

But, this was a very nice tribute. It's worth a read.

A Detroit television station report

Cause of death - blood clot

Former Supreme Scherrie Payne remembers her friend.

R251. Very nice tribute for Mary from former Supreme Scherrie Payne. Mary's drive and light came through to all.

Everybody loved Mary.

Almost everybody.

Susaye Green nd Lamont Dozier eulogize Mary.

Mary was buried only yesterday.

[Quote] Oh I don’t know - perhaps because they shared a unique path and collaboration success story from rags to fucking riches, stardom and fame? Not too many people in this planet can say that and the privilege of being part of such a journey should - with any sane person - be a bonding experience for life, regardless of petty differences.

C'mon now. Ross helped out Mary financially not long before Mary wrote that book. Apparently Mary's original manuscript was rejected. The publisher wanted dirt. And Mary complied.

I wish Diana would have said more about Mary’s contributions to music and1960’s Motown, to Civil rights and feminism, to being an example for black women everywhere, and to being a founding member of one of the greatest groups of all time - the Supremes. From being a founding member of this group as a 15 year old child in Detroit and parlaying it into international fame through the decades - Mary really was more than some “backup singer.”

Diana’s tweet was basically like, “oh I woke up and heard the bad news about Mary, I’ll always remember the good times, awkward commas,” and didn’t say much of anything at all.

Mary was unrealistic. Diana couldn't accommodate that.