Douglas Mcpherson pays tribute to Mary Wilson of the Supremes
Douglas Mcpherson pays tribute to Mary Wilson of the Supremes.
FOR anyone who grew up in the Sixties, it’s hard to think of the Supremes without thrusting out your palm, traffic-policeman-style, as they did while singing their signature song, “Stop! In The Name Of Love”.
With glamorous gowns, stylish choreography and hits including “Baby Love” and “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”, the three young women from Detroit defined the look and sound of the era just as much as four lads from Liverpool.
Mary Wilson, who always stood in the centre of the trio, was born in Mississippi on March 6, 1944, but grew up in Detroit where fellow Supremes Diana Ross and Florence Ballard lived in the same federal housing project.
While still in their teens, they first sang together as the Primettes, a sister group to male vocal group the Primes (later the Temptations).
“When we first got together, I felt complete,” Mary recalled.
After tasting local fame, they auditioned for rising record company Motown, but boss Berry Gordy thought they were too young.
Undeterred, “the girls”, as they became known, took to hanging out after school on the lawn outside the Motown building, where Gordy lived above the studio.
One day a producer came out and invited them to contribute handclaps on a Marvin Gaye record.
Convinced of their seriousness, Gordy offered them a contract under the new name of the Supremes.
Like all the label’s acts, they went through the in-house finishing school led by Maxine Powell – the “Miss Manners of Motown” – who schooled them in etiquette and deportment.
“We were preparing them for Buckingham Palace and the White House,” Powell, who dressed them in the dazzling outfits that became their trademark, said.
For three years, they were nicknamed the “no-hit Supremes”, as song after song failed to make the charts.
Their persistence paid off when they recorded “Where Did Our Love Go” by Motown’s songwriting and record production team of Lamont Dozier and brothers Brian and Eddie Holland.
The group didn’t think the song suited them, but they were proved wrong when it shot to No. 1 in America and No. 3 in the UK.
At the height of the British invasion of the US charts, the Supremes led a counter attack with a string of number ones, including “Baby Love”, “Come See About Me” and “You Can’t Hurry Love”, becoming the most successful female group of all time.
In 1966, their album “Supremes A’ Go-go” was the first by an all-girl group to top the American album charts, knocking the Beatles off the No. 1 spot.
The trio’s success survived the departure of Florence Ballard in 1967, and lead singer Diana Ross, who left to pursue a solo career in 1970.
“I didn’t want my dream to die,” Mary said, and she continued with a line-up of Cindy Birdsong and Jean Terrell.
“Everyone else was giving up the ship. I was the ship. I was the Supremes.”
The hits kept coming, including “Up The Ladder To The Roof” and the anti-war anthem “Stoned Love”.
In late 1977, the Supremes disbanded after an appearance at London’s Drury Lane theatre, but Mary continued to promote the trio’s legacy.
Her 1986 memoir, “Dreamgirl: My Life As A Supreme”, was a “New York Times” best-seller and one of the most successful music autobiographies ever.
She also appeared in the musical theatre shows “Dancing In The Streets” and “Supreme Soul”.
In 1988 the Supremes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Most recently, Mary competed in “Dancing With The Stars”.
Mary passed away on February 8 this year.
“The Supremes were always known as the sweethearts of Motown,” Gordy said.
“They opened doors for themselves, the other Motown acts, and many, many others.
“Mary Wilson was a trailblazer, a diva, and will be deeply missed.” ■