LB wrote:

Thanks for the interview with Mary Wilson. I've been singing "The Happening" all morning since reading it (much to my cube-mates' chagrin).

I used to live in Downtown Detroit with a view of Cass Tech High School. Every time I saw it I would think, "That's where the Supremes came from!"

Happy Hannukah!
LB

posted on December 15, 2006 at 10:44 AM

mickeyitaliano wrote:

Hey Andy;
Great Interview. You seemed to have been 'peppered' with great questions to ask. I'm not a big fan of R&B/Motown, but I'm a gigantic fan of Jennifer Holiday. I was working at "The Shelbourne Hotel" when she was starring in 'Dreamgirls.' She was the greatest, most gracious woman I have yet to meet. The impact of her 'star status' on Broadway alluded me at the time, and later on, after working in a lot of high profile celeb friendly places, I now realize how down to earth she is in real life. The word 'kind' comes to mind. I hope you can get an interview with her soon. BTW, she gave me tickets to a performance just like, on the fly one day.
As for Mary Wilson, I have read her bio and I hope she sells more copies due to this movie.
It seems that I always enjoy the 'supporting' cast members rather than the 'star.'
Take Care, Mick

posted on December 15, 2006 at 1:25 PM

maxie Halston wrote:

LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

posted on December 15, 2006 at 2:31 PM

bernard wrote:

“I’m a great human being…” (hmmmm?)

Well, there are 5 children out there who don’t think Diana Ross is such a “villain”…and in that knowledge you should be ashamed for baiting the interview that way.

Berry & Diana feel in love with one another (and have Diana's eldest daughter to prove it...) and ambition in an era where they were told they couldn't / shouldn't…and they both had the TALENT + stamina to do it.

And for many African-Americans with TALENT & desire...they paved the way and Diana has always WORKED for what she wanted rather than rest on her laurels...which might have had her ending up playing "Laughlin, Nevada" as well.

'Nuff Said,

Bernard Pollard
Marina del Rey, CA

posted on December 15, 2006 at 5:34 PM

Marvin Davis wrote:

I never thought I'd say this but the Supremes would not have been a success with Florence singing lead on those 12 number hits. Diana Ross is the Supreme being and made the Supremes the legends they are.

posted on December 15, 2006 at 5:54 PM

Marvin Davis wrote:

Mary Wilson is simply wonderful! She is one of my all time favorites and reading this brief interview quickly reminded me of why. She is not only beautiful, talented and intelligent.. she is honest and giving! All the best to Mary in the New Year and I am very much looking forward to getting her new CD.

posted on December 16, 2006 at 10:49 AM

LP wrote:

Andy, did you have to fight barbara walters or diane sawyer to get this interview? Seriously, that's a good get at this particular time. It was a great interview and you asked all the right questions, as usual.

love - a satisfied reader

posted on December 16, 2006 at 12:32 PM

C.J. wrote:

Mary, Mary, Mary!
She NEVER ceases to STUN me in ONE way or another, and I'm her adopted Godchild! But she always comes out of the bag with such wisdom and rhetoric and strength and truth that will stand up to ANYbody and be delightfully receivable, even if and when it may sting a bit! I LOVE her, and I am sooooo thrilled to have found this bit of concourse! I thank YOU for doing so! I wish the world would KNOW that HER STAR DOES SHINE above all others, and will ALWAYS be QUEEN MARY! ALWAYS! And I'm glad to have been and to BE a part of her life!

posted on December 18, 2006 at 1:27 AM

Kari wrote:

I'm inspired to read her bio now! Great interview, Andy.

posted on December 18, 2006 at 11:14 AM

R. Christian Anderson wrote:

I grew up during the 60s and I was a huge Motown fan. The Supremes were my favorite group, but also loved Martha and the Vandellas, The Temptations, Four Tops, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and the Velvelettes. In those days, I can tell you from personal experience that though the lead singer, in this case Diana Ross, had "the voice", they did NOT sell the song for the Motown fans, it was the Funk Brothers backing the group, the strings and the back up singers like Mary Wilson. It was called "The Motown Sound" for a good reason. Those of us kids who held those old transistor radios to our ears seldom sang along with the lead vocals, but rather with the chorus. It was singers like Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard of the Supremes, The Vandellas, Marvelettes, Elgins, Spinners and Temptations who we sang along with. We WERE the chorus backing the lead up... so for many of us, we identified more with the backup singers. We sang in their key, danced along with them and felt the Funk Brothers beat and felt those Detroit Symphony Strings. It was a total sound that made the music so infectious and which still makes my foot stomp to this day. Few other groups during the 1960s had the kind of passion, power and energy Motown had. Diana Ross, Levi Stubbs, Jr. Walker, Gladys Horton and other leads were great, but it was the Motown Sound that made the hits and there were hundreds of amazing records that still sound fresh to this day. Thank goodness young folks are re-discovering these great recordings and they are being released in stereo now!

posted on December 18, 2006 at 7:54 PM

Dorez wrote:

I'm so glad to see this interview with Mary Wilson. I'm 56 years old, born and raised in Detroit. So, I grew up with their music and watching all the Motown artists perform at The Fox Theater. (Wow, what a trip down memory lane you just gave me.)
I had quite a talent for singing back then and wanted be part of the Motown records family. But my mom said, 'I'm not gonna have you singin' that worldly music.' I'm paraphrasing. At any rate... I later met Jessie Reeves (sister of Martha from The Vandellas) and we became friends. Sometimes we would play 'dress up' and pretend we were various Motown girl groups. In closing, I'd just like to add that seeing Diana Ross and The Supremes was the first time I saw women who were dressed like that. Who looked so classy and elegant. Made me want to be just like them.

Thanks for bringing Mary back into my life - in a sense. I can't wait to buy her book. You're a great interviewer, by the way!
- Dorez

posted on December 24, 2006 at 11:21 PM

Maria wrote:

So tired of this woman, she seems to crawl out from under her rock when the publicity suits her.....She was and is no singer...Sorry, but it was Dianas voice that made them famous..not some bimbo singing back up... When she dcomes out with hits of her own then she is a singer....she missed the opportunity to record Holiday (madonna), she missed out on being Claire Huxtable (Phylisha Rashad), she turned down the Reunion Tour and now wants one (wishful thinking)...and seems to Bash "HER FRIEND DIANA" anytime she has the opportunity.

posted on January 2, 2007 at 11:28 AM

Reggie Garner wrote:

As much as I loved the Suprmes I am absolutly sick & tired of Mary Wilson. Instead of her continuously bashing Diana Ross, if she would take the time to go through therapy, perhaps she could put the whole Supremes thing in perspective. These girls were all teenagers & young adults when they discovered World Stardom. Both Diana & Cindy has grown & matured since then as all human beings. I am not so sure about Mary however. She really needs help. If it was not for Diana Ross voice, there would be no Legendary & historic Supremes. They would have been just another girl-group with little or not cross over appeal. As much as I feel for Florence Ballard, she was no Aretha Franklin , Etta James, rolled into one voice as I have heard Mary say over & over again. She had talent, a big voice, but nothing any different than any other singer in any neighborhood Church choir. At that time period, Crossover appeal is what was needed. Again, if it was not for Diana Ross, Mary would have nothing to write about. Grow up Mary. As for a great book to read, perhaps Andy should read the soon to be released book called "A Lifetime to Get Here". This book perhaps would give some balance to the whole Supremes Story. I am really tired of hearing from Mary Wilson who had become nothing more but an oppurtunist that needs some therapy to be free from bitterness & jealousy.

posted on January 2, 2007 at 3:14 PM

Kimmie wrote:

I don't think we will ever see a Supremes' reunion, and that is too bad. And, I can see why Ross would not want to although and intimate setting with them performing in the round would be lovely.
Mary Wilson always seems to have a chip on her should, and this love her/hate her commentary. Too bad thise ol' girls can get along, but after someone wrote a book about me that I feel was filled with untruths, why would ever be on stage with her. I remember a quote from Wilson saying "Ross is generous with her money, but not her time." WTF does that mean. You paint her as a which, but she helps you in times of need (Flo Ballard too). Every drama needs a nasty story-line to sell it sometimes, I guess. But, we can still YouTube these girls and see how great they were (are). History can't be erased.

P.S. I think Flo Ballard was a fine singer, but didn't have the stamina (sp?) to deal with record industry snakes and b.s., and Ross had that unique voice and charisma. She is fascinating to watch. And that is not to take anything away from Flo Ballard's greatness. I just don't think she could have sold "Baby Love" like Ross.

Mary Wilson needs to let Ross go and move on....

posted on January 3, 2007 at 12:52 AM

SupremeFanMan wrote:

Dear gawd, the VMF strikes again!
When will the old hairy queens over on the VMF grow up and stop bashing Mary Wilson on these chat boards and forums? They gush all over her in person, then they slam her with their anonymous postings on forums like this.
Mary Wilson is a living legend, and she is 1/2 of the surviving members of the greatest female singing group in the history of the world. Anyone who doesn't believe that should destroy their Supremes CD's and never listen to another Supremes song as long as they live. Diane Ross was NOT the only Supreme. She is no more than 1/3 of the original group, now 1/2 of the surviving members. To anyone who thinks Mary Wilson was only one of Diane's "backup singers", you have no idea of what the Supremes were back in the day; you're clueless, HELLO! The Supremes were 3 women, not one woman and two backup singers. They were fabulous because there were 3 of them, and we all loved them, all 3 of them. It was never about Diane Ross, it was about the 3 young ladies who became the world's #1 female singing group of all time.

posted on January 6, 2007 at 3:05 AM

Satya wrote:

Florence Ballard 's sister (Maxine Ballard Jenkins) has a forthcoming book - "The Real Effie", that could/should put an end to some of the urban legends that have been embraced as fact/history. The Detroit New Online (detnews.com) has an interview with Maxine (& a preview of the book) that is a must-read for all Motown fans.

Peace!

posted on January 7, 2007 at 10:59 AM

frednsf wrote:

I can't believe that Mary! Sometimes I love her, other times she's appalling. This interview is the latter. I've seen her in concert three times and Diana Ross seven times and everytime I see either one of them, I feel I'm the luckiest guy to see these legends standing and performing before me. But when Ms. Wilson goes and speaks her garbage as if they were truth, I just roll my eyes! Mary has a beautiful voice that chills me whenever I hear it,' but she's no Diana Ross. Of all people, she should know better than sing the Supremes songs - it's not her voice in the lead! And yet, she continues to sing the Supremes legendary classics as if, she WAS the lead! I certainly hope her 'Truth in Music Committee' really GETS it (in her words), and bar her from singing those wonderful Supremes songs that I've heard and grew up on the radio. I love ya' Mary, but that's not your voice on all those hits. Ms. Wilson, you've got to learn humility, stop being hypocritical and give credit where credit is due...stop making Diana Ross the bad guy! You can't be her so stop trying. Why are you faulting Ms. Ross for the lack of a reunion tour when in reality, you're the one who said "no." And you want to speak the truth? The Supremes songs are exactly what they are because of the way they were made...with Diana Ross singing lead. Coming from Motown, where they exchanged the same songs between artists, you know it is the right combination of sounds that makes a hit. They wouldn't have been the same songs if you or Florence sang lead. So heed your legislation and give the Supremes songs a break. You should be concentrating on the music of the Supremes 70's where your voice was more dominant and more original material. You have a beautiful voice but you need to be more confident in yourself (despite what you said about liking yourself in your interview) and sing your own songs. Being a hyprocrite is not pretty.

posted on January 12, 2007 at 4:24 AM

Ra SHAWN CHISOLM wrote:

Thanks for the interview with my hero.
I've been a fan of Mary since receiving her book as a Christmas gift in high school. What I love about her is how she keeps the group's legacy alive by accepting awards on the group's behalf and for fighting to stop fake groups from performing. I've met and intrviewed her many times and she is a real down to earth person. Of course I would love to see a reunion with her, Cindy and Diane, but if that happens all 3 ladies needs to set down and work as a team because the world fell in love with 3 Black females from the Detroit Projects and as well as a female from the projects in New Jersey (Cindy Birdsong who replaced Flo) and I was so dissapppointed about the Return To Love mess that I refused to go. Even if I was offered free tickets I wouldn't have went. Mary keep doing your thang and keep on maintaining that Supreme love you've been blessing us with.

posted on March 11, 2007 at 10:06 AM

Mauricio Leite (Mike) wrote:

Great questions and great answers. Brilliant interview. Bravo!!! I just disgree when Mary states that a new reunion would depend on Diana Ross. In fact it depends on the three of them, (Diana,Mary and Cindy). Diana tried to do it by herself for the "Love Tour" hiring Scherrie and Lynda and failed terribly. If Mary states that it depends on Diana, seems that she (Mary) would accept any deal for any money. WITHOUT Mary and Cindy, anything that Diana plans around The Supremes name will simply be another fiasco.
By the way Mary's recent show in Fort Lauderdale was quite an event. Not only was a sold out night, it also raised U$42.000 toward the homeless cause. Her "UPCLOSE" show features a mature and great performer. Having my idol singing "Bossa Nova" songs from my native Brazil, was the best gift I could get for my upcoming bithday. I was proud to pay a champagne seat and know that the money would go toward a great cause. As usual, count on me Mary. Mike

posted on March 14, 2007 at 2:53 PM

lax wrote:

Mary Wilson is such an amazingly talented, beautiful woman. I am a huge fan of her lovely voice and have always enjoyed her work. On many of the Supremes hits you can very clearly her her smoky voice- it sends chills down my spine! I hope to have the honor of meeting this living legend sometime. The best gift, however, would be to see Mary, Diana, and Cindy live in concert.

posted on March 17, 2007 at 12:38 AM

wayne dwyer wrote:

It's funny how we claim that those who lived it should "Get over it" when we, who were at best, on the sidelines, cannot. If you're really over it, why the running commentary? I confess, I'm not over it so why should I tell those who lived it to "Get over it?" I mean really, what happened during this era still effects their lives to this day, professionall & personally.

posted on March 28, 2007 at 3:26 PM

tony thompson wrote:

as a young boy in the 60's this amazing trio of girls came on the music scene. now in 2007 i still absolutely love those three girls and there fantastic music. i live over in England and unfortunately we havent seen Mary perform here for way too long. i have scoured the music news for a tour or at least a few dates from Mary but nothing. in my weary eyes, Mary has been a light in this life, everyone who has left comments have their own opinions. i wont let any bad comments cloud my vision of Mary. i have met her a couple of times and she has always recalled me no matter how small the recollection and for this i LOVE her. she makes no bones about who she is, ive never heard her blow the star trumpet. yes there was 3 girls in the 60's and 70's. each one of then brought that something into the Supremes, one went on to be a star of the highest degree, but sadly tales have told us that she can be a diva, so what.... isnt she allowed to be? she has worked very hard for that status, i dont love her any less. Mary has gone on to become an advocate in other things, well done Mary. ive probably lost the thread of what i wanted to say but the bottom line is i sincerely thank the Supremes in whatever combination be it Mary, Diana,Florence,Cindy,Jean,Lynda, Scherrie, Karen, Kaaren and the others i cant recall!! for all 41 years of wonderful music that has kept me very happy. if i had to pick a favourite it would have to be Mary

posted on April 8, 2007 at 9:23 AM

michiganmusic wrote:

For some reason (many reasons?) the Supremes have left a mark on lots of us. We have to remember that they are human beings and are worthy of love and respect as people. With Diana and Mary and Cindy it would be a "blessing" if they would simply see fit to come together, rehearse and do some shows for the good of their art and also for the love of their fans. It would be very healthy for a lot of people if it could come about; it would be a miracle, actually. Can you imagine how happy some people would be if this happened with simple, basic human love as the motivation? Diana, Mary and Cindy with perhaps the Boston Pops and a funky rhythm section. Their hits, Rodgers and Hart, famous "covers", show tunes..... It could be absolutely beautiful. I believe there would be a lot of "historic healing". They could even be billed as "Diana, Mary and Cindy". In 10 seconds everyone would know who they were! It would be a real return to love. Maybe we should pray??

posted on April 19, 2007 at 2:45 PM

Geret Coates wrote:

This is a great interview and really paints Mary Wilson in a positive light. Reading her books, listening to her speak and sing last night (Mary Wilson Concert... yea!!!) and now reading this interview confirms what I have thought for along time; Mary Wilson is not only beautiful, she's a talented woman with an enormous heart! I wish her ALL the best.
- GERET

posted on May 25, 2007 at 7:21 PM

Thomas Stafford wrote:

I've been a Supremes fan practically all of my life. The interview was fun to read. I understand where some people think that Mary may be bitter, but when one is handed a leading question, it is important to answer it honestly. I believe Mary did this. To all of the original Supremes, Mary, Flo, Diana, Cindy, Jean, Scherrie, Lynda, and Susaye, all the best. Now to get all of these ladies on stage to take us through a complete reunion show would be fabulous!

posted on June 3, 2007 at 6:40 PM

bob frank wrote:

I am one of the original Supremes' biggest fans. These comments were all amusing if not always accurate. In hindsight it seems that Berry Gordy dropped the ball when he didn't allow all three girls to shine. He could have given Mary and Florence a lead song on every album and a solo spot in every concert, kept the group together until January 15, 1970, then cultivated each girl's career. He could have taken personal charge of Diana if he had wanted to. The truth is, it was the group, not one singer, that mattered. Things were handled badly and a lot of feelings were hurt. It was the unique chemistry of all three women that made them special.

posted on July 1, 2007 at 4:35 PM

Michael O'Neal wrote:

Good interview. As usual, in the comments,people take sides in the old feud that both Wilson and Ross feed fuel to at every oppurtunity.

I am beginning to wonder if they are conspiring in this to keep up interests among the fans and media!

That said I do think a group comprised of 3 people is a group comprised of 3 people and each of them made a contribution to a unique and lovely sound. Solo, I like Mary's voice better. Her newly released album is a study in great artistry, with range, feeling and power.

As for Ross, no denying the appeal of her pretty if one dimensional voice, especially if enhanced in a studio to hide its reedy thinness.

posted on September 7, 2007 at 7:11 PM

SupremeFanMan wrote:

WELL HERE'S WHAT I SAY: Diane Ross should go take a flying leap of the stage and let Mary Wilson have the entire Supremes legacy all to herself once and for all. After all, did Diane do anything to preserve the Supremes image all these years? HAY-ULL no! (Snap!) Miss Ross be too busy gettin' da weave all wove! Missy Ross too busy getting the checks all cashed and all the money on up in the bank, hall-O! (Snap! Snap!) Missy Ross she been too busy getting her shit all done up while Miss Mary Wilson be all busy cleaning up for the Supremes by accepting all them awards and shit that that ol' weaved-up Missy Ross cain't be all bothered up with! (Snap!) Give it up to Miss Mary, Diane, you 'ho! (Snap!)

posted on October 2, 2007 at 3:53 AM

JEROME HOPSON wrote:

First of all, I have been a supreme fan from Diana, Mary and Florence until Mary, Scherrie and Susaye. Diane Ross thought it was all about her, which in my opinion IT NEVER WAS. I am glad that Mary is getting all of the glory she was always my favorite supreme and there was never nothing phoney about her. Diane Ross thought that the supremes would not make it without her. I followed both for a while but then dropped Ross, I also think that Mary is a much more talented singer, It was Berry Gordy and Diane Ross who tried to hide that fact. Mary you keep on keeping on for yourself and Florence Ballard.

posted on November 10, 2007 at 12:38 PM

Be Real With It! wrote:

All of you people need to stop hating on the rest of the Supremes, talking bout it would not have been what it was without Diana. When you look at it the others weren't really giving their chance to shine so it was what it was; what happend, happend; and now the group is where it is because of what took place. We all could see that a little more was giving to Diana because of her ex-husband hey where human and it was human instinct to show favoritism to someone you loved. Hence Diana doing the lead. But no one really knows what really took place that cause the group to broke up only those that were there at the time and it had to be really bad if they still aren't friends. So stop speculating and making shit worse with all the hype ups and shit. All three Florence, Mary & Diana mad ethe group what it was so lets all cut the bullshit and be real with it.... Damn Instigators!!!

posted on April 20, 2008 at 2:21 AM

BeRealWithIt wrote:

All of you people need to stop hating on the rest of the Supremes, talking bout it would not have been what it was without Diana. When you look at situation, the others weren't really giving their chance to shine so it was what it was; what happend, happend; and now the group is where it is because of what took place. We all could see that a Diana more spotlighted than the rest, probably because of her ex-husband! ...hey where human beings and it was human instinct to show favoritism to someone you loved. Hence Diana doing the lead. But no one really knows what really took place that cause the group to broke up only those that were there at the time and it had to be really bad if they still aren't the best of friends to this day. So stop speculating and making stuff worse with all the hype ups and stuff. All three Florence, Mary & Diana made the group what it was so lets show love to all the then and even now present Supremes because they all give the group a little something. Not one more that the other, so cut the bullcrap and be real with it.... Darn Instigators!!! I LOVED this interview and it kind of show that Mary is not bitter with Diana as some may lead you to think. Thanks for the insight

posted on April 20, 2008 at 2:52 AM

BeReal WithIt wrote:

.....also I would LOVED if they do an actual movie about "THE SUPREMES" the real truth. Do it from all the group members point of view at that point in time, not just one person. I would love to really know what happen and everyone could stop with their speculations and stuff!!! 

posted on April 20, 2008 at 2:59 AM