MARY WILSON (ABC/Eric McCandless)

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 1960’s.  After an unprecedented string of number one hits, television and nightclub bookings, they opened doors for themselves, the other Motown acts, and many, many others.

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.

Known as “The Chairman,” Berry Gordy, the founder and architect of Motown Records — an American original that arguably featured the most exceptional assembly of talent in music history — has retired. (File Photo)

Berry Gordy,

Founder, Motown

February 8, 2021