DEATH OF MARY WILSON, AT THE AGE OF 76 YEARS OLD

Mary Wilson co-founded the flagship group in the 1960s and 1970s, which revealed Diana Ross. A few days ago, she announced new solo pieces.

Singer Mary Wilson, who co-founded Les Supremes at the age of 15 in the late 1950s, died Monday night at her home in Henderson, Nevada. She was 76 years old. The cause of her death has not been released. Her agent, Jay Schwartz, announced that a public tribute would be paid to her later this year when health conditions permit, as reported in the New York Times.

The Supremes, arguably one of the most popular bands on the Motown label, hit the charts in the 1960s and 1970s. With songs such as You Can't Hurry Love and Stop! In The Name of Love, the female trio of Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard and lead singer Diana Ross rose to become a legend in American popular music. The members of the group evolved over time, but Mary Wilson remained attached to it until it was disbanded in 1977.

"I was extremely shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of an important member of the Motown family, Mary Wilson of the Supremes," said Berry Gordy, the label's founder, in a statement relayed by Variety. "I've always been proud of Mary. She was a star, and over the years she continued to work hard to promote the legacy of the Supremes. Mary Wilson was very special to me. She was a pioneer, a diva, and she will be sorely missed."

New tracks in preparation

Born on March 6, 1944 in Mississippi, Mary Wilson spent her early years in Detroit with her aunt and uncle, thinking they were her parents. She didn't discover the truth until she was 6 years old, when her mother moved in with them. She met Florence Ballard as a teenager, and the group was formed.

Mary Wilson published several books during her life, including her memoirs in 1986, Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme. In it, she portrayed Diana Ross as an ambitious rival who would go to any lengths to achieve her goals.

On Saturday, two days before her death, Wilson posted a video on YouTube in which she announced her plans for the coming year: solo songs released by Universal, including a previously unreleased album recorded in 1970, Red Hot.

Source: AFP