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The Detroit Praise Network | Playing the Biggest Inspirational Hits Mary Wilson, Supremes Co-Founder, Dies at 76
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Mary Wilson, Supremes Co-Founder, Dies at 76

Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter
February 9th, 2021 8:59 AM

Mary Wilson, one of the co-founders of The Supremes, has died. She was 76.

Wilson’s death was confirmed by publicist Jay Schwartz who said in a statement that she died suddenly in her home in Henderson, Nevada. A cause of death was not disclosed.

In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy said, “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 were always known as the ‘sweethearts of Motown.’ Mary, along with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, came to Motown in the early 1960s. After an unprecedented string of No. 1 hits, television and nightclub bookings, they opened doors for themselves, the other Motown acts, and many, many others.”

Berry’s statement concluded, “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.”

The Supremes were one of the most iconic, successful groups on the Motown label and the music industry at large in the 1960s netting 12 number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including becoming the first group to score five consecutive number one hits with “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love,” “Come See About Me,” “Stop! In the Name of Love” and “Back in My Arms Again.”

The Supremes classic lineup of Wilson, Florence Ballard and Diana Ross were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.

GALLERY: Classic Photos of The Supremes Through the Years

  • The Supremes

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    American vocal trio The Supremes in London for their first time on a promotional visit arranged by EMI, 8th October 1964. From left to right, Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diana Ross. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

  • The Supremes Arrive In London

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    American Motown vocal group The Supremes arriving at London Airport (now Heathrow), London, 15th March 1965. From top to bottom: Diana Ross, Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson. The group are in the UK to take part in the Tamla-Motown Revue tour. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

  • The Supremes And Vandellas

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    American vocal groups The Supremes (left) and Martha and the Vandellas in London during a 24 day music tour, 15th March 1965. (Photo by Michael Webb/Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

  • Supreme Trio

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    circa 1965: Wearing identical suits even though not performing, The Supremes, one of the most popular of American female vocal groups. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

  • Motown Girls

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    American Motown band The Supremes, left to right, Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard (1942 - 1976) and Diana Ross arrive at London's Heathrow Airport. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)

  • The Supremes

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    American vocal group The Supremes out shopping in Oxford Street during a visit to London, 6th October 1964. From left to right, they are Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard and Diana Ross. (Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

  • The Supremes

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    American all-female singing group The Supremes at Heathrow Airport, London, UK, 22nd January 1968. (Photo by George Stroud/Daily Express/Getty Images)

  • The Supremes

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    Popular vocal soul group Diana Ross And The Supremes. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)

  • The Supremes

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    American Motown pop vocal trio The Supremes; Mary Wilson, Cindy Birdsong and Diana Ross, centre. Original Publication: People Disc - HL0212 (Photo by George Stroud/Getty Images)

  • The Supremes

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    Top Motown soul pop group Diana Ross and the Supremes, left to right, Mary Wilson, Diana Ross and Cindy Birdsong, 1968. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

Erica Banas is a rock/classic rock news blogger who's well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights
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Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter
Category:
  • Music
  • The Detroit Praise Network
Tags:
Celebrity Deaths,The Supremes

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