Mary Wilson

"DREAMGIRL" MARY WILSON MAKES FOLLIES DEBUT
Original Supreme Performs Classic Hits At Plaza Theatre

A vision of musical stardom inspired a teenaged Mary Wilson to found, along with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, one of the most successful singing groups in recording history — The Supremes. Since then, she has been a part of dozens of hit records and is regarded as a singer who set the standard for females in the recording industry. Now, she makes her debut appearance with The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies.

Growing up in Detroit’s Brewster Projects, Wilson fantasized about performing and formed The Primettes with Ross, Ballard and Betty McGlown, who was later replaced by Barbara Martin. The quartet signed with the fledgling Motown label, Martin dropped out, and the trio became known as The Supremes.

Success first eluded them, then Motown founder Berry Gordy connected them with his top writing and producing team. Twelve number-one hits followed, including five in a row — "Where Did Our Love Go," "Baby Love," "Stop, In The Name Of Love," and "Back in My Arms Again." With these hits, the Supremes set the precedent for super group success.

After Ballard and Ross left the group Wilson worked hard to keep the Supremes dream alive. With Jean Terrell and Cindy Birdsong, she racked up three Top 10 hits, "Up The Ladder To The Roof," "Stoned Love" and "River Deep, Mountain High" (with The Four Tops). Her first solo album, "Mary Wilson," was released in 1977 by Motown. It yielded the dance hit, "Red Hot."

The Supremes were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, which Wilson personally accepted.

Wilson’s autobiography, Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme, sold over 250,000 copies in hardback and became one of the most successful rock-and-roll autobiographies of all time. The success of the award-winning film, Dreamgirls, made her a much sought-after interview. She went on to pen a sequel, Supreme Faith . . . Someday We’ll Be Together. Her current The Complete Works by Mary Wilson combines the two books with additional chapters added.

In 1988, Wilson debuted in Beehive, a musical tribute to the female groups of the '60s. She’s also starred in a national tour of Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, the celebrated tribute to the music of the legendary jazz great. Her film credits include Disney’s Tigertown and Miramax’s Only The Strong Survive, a documentary that catches up with the soul music stars of the '60s and '70s.

Since the late '70s, Wilson has shared her "Dare To Dream" story on the lecture circuit with such organizations as the American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, UNICEF and many more. In 2003, as a US Cultural Ambassador, she undertook missions throughout the world. The tireless humanitarian was recently awarded a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. She has also received the National Foundation of Women Legislators’ Lifetime Achievement award.

Still living her dream, Mary Wilson shares her hits with Follies audiences this season on the stage of The Historic Plaza Theatre.