Mary Wilson (1944

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Biography

Mary Wilson was an American singer. She gained worldwide recognition as a founding member of the Supremes, the most successful Motown act of the 1960s and the best-charting female group in U.S. chart history, as well as one of the best-selling girl groups of all-time. The trio reached number one on Billboard's Hot 100 with 12 of their singles, ten of which feature Wilson on backing vocals.

Timeline

The story of Mary Wilson, told in moments.

1964 Event

The Supremes' "Where Did Our Love Go" hits number one. Five consecutive number-one singles follow. Three women from the projects outselling the Beatles some weeks. Motown puts Diana Ross's name in front. Wilson and Ballard watch the shift happen.

How did it feel watching Diana Ross's name move to the front? Were the Supremes three equal parts or was the shift inevitable? Did outselling the Beatles some weeks feel like justice?

1970 Life

Performs the Supremes' farewell concert at the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas. Ross leaves for a solo career. Wilson stays and recruits new members. She keeps the Supremes going for seven more years. Most people don't realize she's the one who stayed.

Was staying when Ross left an act of loyalty or stubbornness? Did keeping the Supremes going for seven more years feel worthwhile? Does the world know you were the one who stayed?

1986 Life

Publishes Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme, a bestselling memoir. She doesn't sugarcoat Motown's politics or Berry Gordy's favoritism. The book sells over a million copies. Diana Ross is reportedly furious.

Was Dreamgirl the book you needed to write? Did not sugarcoating Motown's politics feel liberating? Was Diana Ross being furious the confirmation it worked?

In Their Own Words (2)

Poem: Lines on the Death of my Husband

Poem: After the Bomb had Fallen

Artifacts (15)

Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme

"The greatest girl group of all time. Their songs are part of our lives... Motown's fabulous superstars... until the dream dissolved in tragedy deeper than any outsider ever knew." - back cover.

1987

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King Abdullah, Britain and the Making of Jordan

King Abdullah played an active role in the partition of Palestine and, as a result, has always been viewed as one of the most controversial figures in modern Middle East history. This book is the...

1987

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Dreamgirl and Supreme Faith: My Life as a Supreme

Chronicles the life of a Supreme.

2000

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The Many Moods Of Mary

Paperback version of short stories and poetry reflecting the many moods of this author. You will laugh, you will cry. One way or another you will be moved by this heartfelt compilation of words.

2005

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Health, Medicine, and Society in Victorian England

This work offers a social and cultural history of Victorian medicine "from below," as experienced by ordinary practitioners and patients, often described in their own words. Health, Medicine, and...

2009

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Supreme Glamour: The Inside Story of the Original Pop Fashionistas

Sumptuously illustrated, engaging, and insightful, Mary Wilson’s book charts the glittering story of The Supremes, as it showcases their glamorous and iconic ensembles. As Motown’s leading act in the...

2019

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Henry Becomes a Superhero for the Planet

Henry becomes a Superhero for the Planet is the wonderfully amusing adventure story of a lovable bear and will entertain boys and girls ages 4 to 11. Adorable Henry is personified as ambitious,...

2022

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Sandcastles

Sandcastles is an exciting adventure story about the dangers and challenges that two adolescents, Peter and Penny, and their friend’s encounter. Their curiosity leads them to often dangerous and...

2025

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Bob Goes to Mars: Book 1 of the Adventures of Bob the Starfish

Katie Mary Wilson is a ten year old whiz kid with a head full of ideas and a heart full of talent. She's been writing books since she was seven, when her first eBook, Mars Needs Pumpkins, was...

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No, but if I play for you, will you name it?

ent approached Ma after one of his classes in Salt Lake City and asked if the cello had a nickname. Ma replied, "No, but if I play for you, will you name it?" The student chose Petunia, and it stuck....

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A broken string was not an option. It was wicked cold.

over speakers and on television out of concern that the cold weather could damage the instruments. Ma said, "A broken string was not an option. It was wicked cold." On May 3, 2009, Ma performed the...

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Crip

1886

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Famous Firesides of French Canada

1899

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Retrospection

1909

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New Poems

1979

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Explore what happened on the days that shaped Mary Wilson's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.