Diana Ross Pays Tribute To Supremes' Sister Mary Wilson

Diana Ross: Former pop star, Diana Ross paid tribute to her longtime bandmate and friend Mary Wilson in a Twitter post on Tuesday.

Diana Ross and Mary Wilson had co-founded the popular band from the 1960s, The Supremes when they were teenagers. Mary Wilson passed away on Monday aged 76. 

Offering her condolences, Diana Ross wrote, " I just woke up to this news, my condolences to you Mary’s family, I am reminded that each day is a gift, I have so many wonderful memories of our time together. The Supremes will live on, in our hearts."

I just woke up to this news , my condolences to you Mary's family ,I am reminded that each day is a gift ,I have so many wonderful memories of our time together "The Supremes " will live on ,in our hearts 💕

— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) February 9, 2021

The Supremes

Before joining the Supremes, Mary Wilson briefly was a vocalist in a group led by Aretha Franklin’s younger sister Carolyn. Later, she was approached by Florence Ballard to form a new group that would serve as a 'sister act' to the Primes. Meanwhile, Primes was a boy band that included the musicians, Paul Williams and Eddie Kendricks. 

Wilson and Ballard were soon joined by the third member of the music band, Diana Ross. Initially, they used to perform under the name the Primettes. Later in 1961, they renamed their band themselves as the Supremes. 

The band in the early days had a fourth member, Betty McGlown who was succeeded by Barbara Martin. 

The girl's group had 12 No.1 pop hits during the period of 1964 to 1969. Considered as one of the biggest acts during that time, they charted 16 top 10 pop singles and 19 top 10 R&B songs.

The American record executive, Berry Gordy said in a statement, "I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of a major member of the Motown family, Mary Wilson of the Supreme."

He further added, " The Supremes were always known as the ‘sweethearts of Motown.’ After an unprecedented string of No. 1 hit, television and nightclub bookings, the Supremes 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."

Picture credit: NY Daily News