The departed vocalist formed the original lineup of The Supremes with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard.
Born on March 6, 1944, in Greenville, Mississippi, as detailed on her IMDB profile, Wilson embarked on her musical journey in Detroit in 1959 with The Primettes, who would eventually evolve into The Supremes.
Wilson, alongside Ross, aged 76, and Ballard — with Birdsong stepping in for Ballard later — featured on every one of The Supremes’ twelve chart-topping pop hits between 1964 and 1969. Their legendary tracks include “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love,” “Come See About Me,” and “Stop! In the Name of Love,” among others.
Just days before her passing, Wilson uploaded a video on her YouTube channel revealing her intentions to unveil a collection of solo works. This included the previously unreleased album “Red Hot” from the 1970s.
“In hopes, some of this will be available by my birthday on March 6,” she mentioned in the video. Additionally, she planned to share interviews she had conducted regarding The Supremes’ encounters with segregation, as a tribute for Black History Month.
Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, expressed his deep sorrow over Wilson’s passing, stating he was “extremely shocked and saddened to learn of the loss of a significant member of the Motown family.”
“Known as the ‘sweethearts of Motown,’ The Supremes, featuring Mary, Diana Ross, and Florence Ballard, joined Motown in the early 1960s. Their remarkable run of Number One hits, alongside appearances on television and in nightclubs, paved the way not only for themselves but also for other Motown artists and many more. … I have always felt immense pride in Mary,” he remarked. “She emerged as a star in her own merit and devoted her life to enhancing the legacy of the Supremes. Mary Wilson was truly extraordinary to me. She was a pioneer, a diva, and her absence will be profoundly felt.”
Wilson’s legacy is carried on by her daughter, son, numerous grandchildren, a sister, and a brother.