Wilson, Mary (1944–)
Wilson, Mary (1944–)
African-American singer. Name variations: The Supremes. Born in Greenville, MS, Mar 6, 1944; dau. of Johnnie Mae Wilson (d. 1999) and Sam Wilson; from age 3 to 9, thought mother's younger sister I. V. Pippin was her mother; at age 57, got her associate's degree in arts, New York University, 2001; m. Pedro Ferrer.
With Florence Ballard, organized a singing group called "The Primettes" (1959); joined by Diana Ross, recorded 1st song for Motown (1964), under group's new name "The Supremes"; saw recording of "Where Did Our Love Go" reach Billboard's Top 100; had 7 #1 hits and was rarely out of the Top 10 (1965–69) with such songs as "Your Heart Belongs to Me" (1964), "Baby Love" (1964), "Come See about Me" (1964), "Stop! In the Name of Love" (1965), "Back in My Arms Again" (1965), "Nothing But Heartaches" (1965), "I Hear a Symphony" (1965), "My World Is Empty Without You" (1966), "You Can't Hurry Love" (1966), "You Keep Me Hangin' On" (1966), "Love Is Here and Now You're Gone" (1967), "Love Child" (1968), "Someday We'll Be Together" (1969); when Ross left the group (1970), continued to tour and record with various replacement singers until the group was disbanded (1977). Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1988).
See also autobiography Dreamgirl (St. Martin, 1986); Dreamgirls, loosely based on The Supremes, opened on Broadway (1981); and Women in World History.