Entertainment, Music The Incomparable - Mary Wilson
From the Brewster Projects of Detroit to the hallowed grounds of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the tale of Mary Wilson is almost mythological. To rattle off a few snippets of her bio, Wilson has been the sole source of continuity in the revolving roster of iconic trio The Supremes. She has been an author, a revered humanitarian and a Cultural Ambassador. Wilson’s story was the inspiration behind the award winning film Dreamgirls. Since she first seduced us on our black and white televisions, women have aspired to look like her; men have been content to simply look at her. Undoubtedly in her path lies dozens of lifetime achievement awards- accolades and statuettes she just might collect, if only she could ever slow down.
Launching her career at fifteen for the label she helped build (Motown), Wilson, the glue to The Supremes legacy, has never been able to sit still. The songstress’s sultry, smooth, jazzy voice has been on display for Presidents and royals the world over, and has parlayed Mary into a series of alternate career journeys. Her unrivaled ascent into American folklore has enabled her to pave landmark strides for her other passions, such as artist rights, AIDS awareness, world peace, and the eradication of hunger. Essentially, Wilson’s musical chops have not only opened doors for the graceful songbird-they have also served as a battering ram, smashing many doors to many different houses. And that is the true beauty of Mary Wilson; to the fortunate, she is a cultural and musical giant. To impoverished people in underprivileged sectors of the world, people who have never heard her hum a note, still they see a hero, her valor coming in another form.
These days Mary Wilson continues to steal our breath with her enchanting lyrical styling and confident poise. She attacks her craft, as well as her causes, with a fierce tenacity, still the same impassioned girl from Motor Town, USA, that she was in 1959. If ever such a concept could exist, the notion of a diva that truly lives for others, it could only be her- the one and only Mary Wilson.
Our favorite dreamgirl took some time to enlighten us about her music, her philanthropic callings, and life in general in an American Project Exclusive.
Mary you’re like moving targets all over of the place, always working. Don’t you ever get tired?
I do get tired but it’s really wonderful to enjoy what you’re doing, it’s a happy tired. You know traveling these days with security issues is not as much fun , it’s a new world.
But back in the day the Motown reviews; I guess you took tour buses.
Oh yeah, buses, Volkswagen Vans, then flights, all first class and at times very luxurious champagne and caviar.
I have a fairly vast music collection, I guess eclectic, but in preparation for our discussion downloaded everything you’ve ever recorded and spent the last couple of days in my car enjoying your music.
Well thanks.
January 1965 Motown's Studio A
Could you guess my favorite?
Hmm … no.
Flo Joy.
Ah thank you … well of course that’s one of my favorites.
You were tremendous on that cut. It was always spinning on the jukeboxes.
I just started listening to the Supremes songs again recently. Funny there were so many that I actually don’t member recording some, but of course can hear my voice.
The timeline was 60’s Detroit but then Berry moved everything to Los Angeles?
Yes the early music, artist development, and so many great songs from everyone, that was all Detroit, then we began recording in LA in the early 70’s.
With your smash hits backed by the legendary Funk Brothers. A major component in the hit machine.
Yes, the magic of the Funk Brothers, you mentioned the early bus tours which also included the Funk Brothers.
We’ve always wanted to do a piece on the American Project with the guys, and just reached out to Bob Babbitt.
Oh … and you should they deserve all the recognition they can get. Such talented musicians, many were jazz players, some even school teachers in addition to their work with all of the Motown artists.
And they played with everyone on the label?
Yes , the entire roster, the Temptations, Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Miracles, Supremes, Martha Reeves, Marvin. You know much of what they created has been copied, the licks from the drummers, bass and guitar, a sampling as they would say.
And the incredible writers and arrangers, in house, no less … Holland- Dozier-Holland.
Yes and Norman Whitfield, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smoky, and so many others. You know you’ve really got to give Berry Gordy credit for corralling this body of talent. He had such a great talent for finding and developing talent, and the insight to bring it all into one place. We had so much fun, everybody was different, I was always in awe everyday. Berry put it together he knew what he wanted for the Motown Sound, knew what would sell, and he keep tight control. The music is still viable today. As it's called; The Sound of Young America.
The Motown lineup, Mary Wilson bottom right
Those controls and packaging lead to commercial appeal, or cross over, that's been unprecedented. Movies, TV, advertising.
Well he had this wonderful talent for not overlooking talent … except (laughs) with me.
Wonder if maybe he was just looking in the wrong direction at that moment, you know distracted
Hmm ... maybe, okay, and he also missed out on Aretha.
Oh yeah, I hadn't thought of that, and she was in his backyard, maybe not a perfect record. Okay ... I need to ask … was there simply something in Detroit's water?
I know it sure seemed that way. I’ve thought that so many times.
Well this was really a very condensed area, sometimes a matter of blocks, certainly folks from the Detroit area.
Yes it was. You know a lot of people migrated from the south to Chicago and Detroit. I always thought that brought R&B and blues rhythms. In fact I grew up listening to jazz around Detroit.
You were really very young when this all started.
The Supremes were the youngest group on the label and we actually began singing as a little group in elementary school. In fact you may not know that Berry originally turned us down.
An audition?
We later found out he just didn’t want four High School girls running around Motown. He told us to come back after graduation. I remember walking home after being turned down and Flo saying, “ I thought he was supposed to be so great, if he doesn’t want us, he doesn’t know what he’s doing.”
That's funny, from everything I've heard Flo was well, spunky for sure. She sounds like a real kick as they say.
Oh and she was.
So at that moment you were still the Primettes sort of the sister act for the Primes, which of course later became the Temptations?
Yes before the name change and don't forget there were four of us.
I think people, well maybe not the die hard fans, forget that there were four Supremes.
Yeah well the fans know everything, the first fourth was our friend Betty McGlown, when she left the group Barbara Martin took her place. Barbara was actually on our first album Meet the Supremes. She was also married and decided to leave the group.
So she decided to stay home and quit the Supremes, please tell me she remained married, to the same man.
Oh she sure did … unlike the rest of us I always say. We're still great friends and speak all the time. Once in awhile she will joke; “ Yeah girl sometimes I wish I had gone on with you.” She remains very happy.
The Supremes were inducted in the Rock Hall of Fame 1988. I believe this was the class of all classes. Inductees included the Beatles, Beach Boys, Bob Dylan Les Paul, The Supremes, The Drifters, and Berry Gordy.
Well it was a tremendous group of people, and honor, but it was really a bittersweet moment for me. I was the only one there, Florence had passed, and Diane didn’t come, it was lonely.
Let’s speak about artists’ rights, or lack of rights. This is something that you brought to my attention. All artists face these problems but let's focus on your situation. The incredible body of work developed by Motown and specifically the Supremes; the staggering achievements 12 consecutive number 1 hits, performances around the world. Work, creativity, and devotion, by both the artist and the label. Let begin with present day live performances. Do you have any protection regarding imposter groups cashing in on your fame?
No, and it’s amazing that these imposters are parading as the original stars. The artists that created the music really have no-rights and won't until national laws are passed.
And to be clear to our readers we’re speaking about groups pretending to be the original Supremes and others … not tribute shows.
That’s correct and in my case we estimate that it’s personally cost me $2M, which would be nice to have. This would never happen to say the Beatles.
Well it’s simply stealing and wouldn't be tolerated in other industries.
Yes and we really need the agents and venues to only have the original performers or the people should demand their money back. It's only fair.
This is brazen, who are these performers?
You know at times, just a single former backup singer that has put a group together.
It's my understanding from speaking to other entertainers that in addition to the pirated download problem, and posers playing live shows, recording artists don't get compensated for radio air play. People may assume that you're paid a royalty every time a record spins. Billions of dollars earned in the U.S. radio industry but the content they serve up, the music, almost cost neutral. So ... under current law traditional stations have an exemption from paying the performers.
Yes, and I've never met anyone that didn't think the artists should be paid. It isn't that way in other businesses. Our music enables them to sell ads and make money.
The old formula was make a record, promote it on tour, and make another record. The most efficient method to get the music out, if you were fortunate, was the Ed Sullivan Show.What's your memory of those classic performances?
Ed was wonderful and it seemed that we were on his show all the time. Certainly, every time we released a new record.
The Supremes were on fifteen times probably more than any other act.
On no, don't forget Topo Gigio
How could we forget the puppet mouse. Ed would make the country sit through that act, seemingly weekly, before we could watch people like you. Did anyone but Ed like that mouse?
Hmm, I doubt it.
In watching the tapes it's clear he was fond of the group.
Oh he loved us and we loved doing the show. It made for a great Sunday evening in America and recording artists quickly became household names. I remember once when we were doing his show from Miami Beach a women approached me in the hotel's pool area and said " I just want you to know that I always allow my children to watch you perform on the Ed Sullivan Show." My brother, that was more of a Black Panther type said" She allows her children to watch you ... what does that mean?"
Ah ... the real definition of cross over?
I always say we became citizens and divas in the same year- 1964.
Well Mary Wilson my life is now complete I just interviewed my favorite Supreme, and to be candid my boyhood crush.
Ah you've made my day ... Michael let me ask you a question; Are you going to say the same thing to Diane when you speak to her? It's okay if you do.
Oh no ... it's always been you.
Mary Wilson & Beyonce Knowles
http://www.marywilson.com
Reader Comments (5)
Mary is an American treasure.
I love Mary Wilson and was lucky enough to attend an event last year where she was the key note speaker. What an amazing woman and journey.
Just great, love Mary Wilson and always will. The soundtrack of so many lives.
Thanks for the lovely interview with Ms.Mary Wilson. I've always admired Mary for her elegance and grace. Her contributions to society are even greater than her musical talent.
I went to Mary's concert a couple of years ago and can tell you the audience adored her. A charming and talented lady.