An Evening With Mary Wilson

On Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, Mary Wilson, a founding member of The Supremes, joined us to celebrate our special exhibition, "Motown: The Sound of Young America," and her latest book, "Supreme Glamour." The conversation was moderated by Judy Maggio, Editorial Director - Austin PBS KLRU.
The program was part of the Friends of the LBJ Library's "An Evening With" speaker series. Learn more: www.lbjfriends.org
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/// About Mary Wilson
Ms. Wilson is an original member of The Supremes as well as a best-selling author, motivational speaker, businesswoman, former U.S. Cultural Ambassador, wife, mother, and grandmother. This fall, she joined the cast of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars."
As an original member of The Supremes, Ms. Wilson achieved an unprecedented 12 No. 1 hits, five of which were consecutive from 1964 to 1965. In 2018, Billboard celebrated The Supremes' 60th anniversary with a list of The Hot 100's Top Artists of All Time, where the group was ranked at No. 16 and still remain the No. 1 female recording group of all time.
An irresistible force of social and cultural change, Berry Gordy's legendary Motown Records made its mark not just on the music industry, but society at large, with a sound that has become one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the 20th century. The music of The Supremes and other Motown artists communicated and brought together a racially divided country and segregated society, touching people of all ages and race around the world.
Listen to Mary Wilson's biggest Motown hits on Spotify or Apple Music: classicmotown....
/// About the Book
As Motown's leading act in the 1960s, The Supremes became synonymous with glamorous, elegant, coordinated ensembles. "Supreme Glamour" presents Mary Wilson's unparalleled collection, showcasing 32 of the group's most eye-catching gowns.
In addition to the fashion history of The Supremes, the book chronicles the evolution of the group and celebrates the cultural icons they became. Packed with anecdotes and insights, Ms. Wilson tells the complete story of The Supremes, both on and off stage, from their founding in Detroit in 1959 as The Primettes to their 1964 breakthrough hit, "Where Did Our Love Go," and from the departure of Diana Ross to The Supremes' disco hits of the 1970s. "Supreme Glamour" builds a complete picture of the charm, sophistication, and magic of The Supremes.

[@manuelesparza1081]

Oprah doesn't realize that we saw her bad side when she never invited Mary too her T.V. show or the Legends Ball. She offended All the fans of The Supremes and we will never forget. Mary doesn't need Oprah because she has Us. Wendy Williams trying to do the same move but let's face it MARY WILSON IS A TRUE LEGEND. WHO NEEDS THEM AND MARY PROVED IT.

[@anthonyyusef5897]

Did you ever think maybe Oprah doesn't like Mary Wilson?

[@vanchewebb9717]

Mary. Didn't. Need. Daine. Daine. Ross. Slep. Her. Way. To. The. Top. Sleeping. With. The. Men's. At. Motown. She. Ran. Over. People. To. Get. Her. Way. Throwing. Fits. With. Different. ]eople. I. Dont. Fell. Sorry. For. Daine. Ross. Mary. Was. A. Quite. Person. My. Prayer. Goes. Out. To. Her. Rest. In. Peace. Mary.

[@motownbaby]

She was better off NOT going on Wendy! And the announcer was wrong in saying the Supremes were the first black act on Ed Sullivan. They were the first Motown act on that show.

[@wagnerpotter5095]

She was nothing but a back up singer.

[@final1fantasy]

True, true, TRUE.

[@USNAVDC]

Mary Wilson, in person, is just as great and nice as she is in this interview.

[@laurenbaker8803]

She is like a friend! It’s great that she made changes so the Supremes and other could still get royalties for their music that was still being played. She has done so much!

[@rickposner]

At 14, in 1964, I not only saw them in person at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, but later after Flo left, I spent four days trying to contact Diana or Mary to ask about Flo by calling all over the country person-to-person (if any of you remember what that was)-- as if they were going to tell me anything other than what everyone already knew. It took four days tp reach them calling person-to-person for Diana or Mary. Diana had the operator cut me off. Mary answered, my heart all aflutter upon hearing her voice, and it sounded as though there were guests in her room . She (I imagined) sat down and answered all my silly questions, including: "Did Flo sing in Reflectons?" Her answer was yes and after more chatting, she said: "I hope you don't mind, but I have some guests here." So even though she was receiving company she had the time to sit down and talk to a 16-year-old boy flutzing with my Question sheets, screaming to my sister and brother, 'I'm on the phone with Mary! Shut up!" Lesson learned: Miss Mary was for real and had the same realness when I again met her a few times as an adult! Lovely to look at, and more lovely to be with, I feel like saying: Always in my prayers, Mary, but she would have it that I would be in her prayers. That's just that way she was.

[@SherrilynnGrayer.prettyeyes]

Watching this just after her passing. Thank you touching my life from Windsor ,Onatrio.

[@janbriggs3387]

Miss Mary Wilson remains.not just a Singer, not just a Recording Artist.nit a Basic Performer.but a Consummate ENTERTAINER...I THINK THAT ITS JUST HER..A NATURAL THING THAT INSIDE OF HER...SHE BRINGS EXCITEMENT TO THE STAGE , EVERY TIME!!!! WE LOVE THE REALNESS OF MISS MARY WILSON. WE LOVE YOU MISS WILSON....TOUCH...

[@deandavisusa]

Mary Wilson was a total class Lady... she had such a great voice... her music lives on... may she rest in God's Peace.

[@alexandradillard2077]

RIP Ms. Wilson. You are a legend who is truly missed.

[@motownmondays1892]

I've always wanted to attend one of these events with Mary Wilson. She's not only extremely talented, beautiful, etc. She is also a wealth of knowledge of what is essentially the history of the Mid- 20th Century in the United States and our shared Pop Culture.

[@joycemeeks3965]

She gave GREAT interviews. Good conversationalist. Ms. Wilson will be missed. R.I.P

[@ThienPhuViktorLassley]

Her voice has gotten only better with age. I was so pleasantly surprised. Way to go, Ms. Wilson!

[@cravendubose3024]

Stop lying, mary can't sing.

[@terrancetyson7535]

That's your personal opinion. I've heard several times that Diana Ross cannot sing but I still think otherwise.

[@skip031890]

@@terrancetyson7535 lol

[@DetroitLives313]

I voted for you Mary! Loved you for years!

[@ronaldlawrence2229]

Like fine wine she just gets better with time! MARY WILSON - "Quintessential Supreme!"

[@theronedawson3236]

What a fascinating woman Mary Wilson and your voice is very lovely.

[@DCGuy1997]

I know! I love her voice.

[@theronedawson3236]

My this interview was just wonderful

[@kevinharris3993]

Absolutely fantastic . Mary definitely came to peace with her life. In the 80's she was exposing secrets. Before she died, she exposed the treasures of making good music. Mary found peace on earth and now she is resting in peace. Thanks Mary for showing us how to be young, gifted and black.

[@Vincent50]

Awesome awesome awesome. Love Ms Mary

[@leonjones2117]

Love you, MS. Mary Wilson..!

[@byronwoods270]

Missing you Mary Wilson. Thank you for your music. Rest in Heavenly Peace.

[@lillymcdonald551]

RIP Mary Wilson We will always remember your kindness

[@yeracmitchell9971]

I love this woman

[@mmarie294]

Such a beautiful gracious woman. She will be missed.

[@laurenbaker8803]

I followed her for a while and planned to buy “ Dream Girl”. Mary had her own spirited personality and singing style. Mary we will miss you. You lived a full life keeping the Supremes alive. ❤️💕

[@tonyb65]

That is one smooth voice.....beautiful.

[@Dion_Mustard]

LEGEND. Respect.

[@rosemacintosh5528]

BEAUTIFUL IN AND OUT . REST IN PARADICE, TALENTED AND BLESSED . U WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

[@delpeay1]

RIP MARY WILSON

[@vinnywa]

My God, what a gracious lady, and so beautiful, she caresses my emotions.

[@jasonws1972]

A great conversationalist and a beauty. She lived a life that only a few will every experience. An Icon, a legend, a SUPREME always! Flo, Mary and Diana - Never to be forgotten - Much Love!

[@hunkhk]

so very true - may she rest in peace

[@arthurmauricio6539]

OMG! Living legend on stage!

[@janbriggs3387]

Miss Wilson is a Wonderful Entertainer and Can Sing.....

[@terrancetyson7535]

R.I.P Mary Wilson. You lived a magically supreme life. 💜

[@jaycorwin1625]

Nice interview. Thanks. I really like Mary Wilson.

[@c.j.galloway9227]

I literally grew up on the legendary Supremes. I was in the first grade in 1963 when they first broke nationwide. We had almost every Motown LP that I could find in our house.Where Did Our Love Go, Baby Love, I Hear A Symphony, Love Is Here, Reflections and dozens of others, ,were always on the stereo. Later on as I graduated high school their last big song "He's My Man"' was making it big in the disco's. I truly hurt inside when we lost Ms. Wilson. RIP my Motown queen.

[@georgemusic4all4seasons]

Rest In Peace Mary Wilson and condolences 💐 to your family.

[@ladymusic7425]

I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Wilson several times and I swear I had never seen a more beautiful lady in my life. Her skin was incredible, her smile was like the shining sun. her personality was bubbly like champagne. On top of all that, she could sing! I´ll never forget her.

[@ms.gertrudesworld2952]

RIP Ms. Wilson! You were always so gracious and beautiful. Your honesty set you apart and you kept it real.

[@dwayneduncan5934]

RIP Mary Wilson Legend

[@marlenelewis7563]

What a gorgeous classy lady. I love you for WHO YOU ARE! Thankyou for ALL THE MUSIC. REST IN PEACE & POWER!

[@tonyrossbackinthedaymusicv3107]

Wow love me some Mary Wilson,great interview.

[@janbriggs3387]

Wonderful Interview..

[@carlosleon9699]

WE IN NY LOVE YA MARY!

[@TWTR4EVER]

VOTE...VOTE..VOTE..Ms Mary Wilson is so right, she's our dear "Wise Owl". Without a doubt because her undivided attention to the accurate historical preservation of the groups meteoric rise and achievement , today she's the bonafide QUEEN OF THE SUPREMES.

[@samthesham5294]

🤪😳🤣🥴😂😳😳🤯

[@ukunsigned5937]

Very classy & talented. Very underrated singer. RIP.

[@mozartbabe]

RIP songbird! 💐💐💐

[@obnoxiousoboe]

May she remain supreme. RIP Mary. Good night and farewell, my dove.

[@milesclarke6592]

Rest in heaven beautiful!❤️🙏🏿

[@topoftopanga7712]

RIP Mary ❣️💖❤️💓💗💕

[@anthonyortiz1387]

You gotta love Mary, when she speaks about her career she is so proud of herself and she lights up, she is so beautiful, R.I.P Queen.

[@gdeharris8261]

RIPS Mary Wilson, you were a beautiful Class Act until the very end. Your music will live on for generations to come.

[@andyroo9381]

WOW! Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Mary Wilson has left the building....

[@jamesparker9012]

I love you mary

[@richardpullen953]

Rest in peace, dear Mary.

[@gregorypope3899]

CLASS.....💕...Rip beautiful one

[@claudiascott6484]

Really enjoyed this. RIP Mary.

[@userneedsname]

I wish Mary Wilson had recorded an album filled with music similar to Here's To Life.

[@kevin90034]

Get Mary's UP CLOSE CD or DVD. It's a beautiful, jazzy concert recorded in San Francisco. The only Supremes' song is "My World Is Empty Without You".

[@judyknight2168]

The end is near , Mary we love you. Rest in PEACE.

[@beggandpartners]

Truly amazing. Wow.

[@Mackon645.]

RIP Mary Wilson ❤️

[@mrty8330]

Mary gives some of the best interviews, but I wish she would speak more on the 70s Supremes and its members as well. It seems she only talks about the original group and their struggles during the civil rights movement which is all fine and necessary however the 70s group is a part of the Supremes legacy as well. Just my opinion.

[@phillycheez6288]

That's true..The Supremes legacy carried on because of Mary but I don't think she meant any disrespect to other members. Interviewers probably always wanna know about the founding members because that put them on the map.Toping the charts,battling the Beatles in terms of success. So I think Mary justs try to stay on script with what people are most interested in. 🤔in my opinion..

[@carolholmes5911]

Mary, 💔 In "HEAVENLY PEACE ABIDE!" 🙌🏽

[@josephrainonejr.4381]

Such a wonderful interview. May Ms. Wilson be at peace.🌹🙏🌹

[@shellywigley9758]

Respect 💯💯💯 and LOVE 💕😻

[@sylviabibbs9820]

I WAS IN LVITED TO BY MARY WILSON TO BE HER GUEST AT A CONCERT AND BACKSTAGE AFTERWARDS WE HAD A BALL EVERYTIME WE WERE TOGETHER WHEN SHE WAS PERFORING I KNEW EDDIE KENDRICKS AND DAVID RUFFIN DENNIS EDWARDS OF THE TEMPTATIONS SHE ATTENDED EDDIE'S FUNERAL IN BIRMINGHAM ALA SHE WASAN ELEGANT CLASSY WITH A HUMBLE SPIRIT KIND AND SHE MADE ME FEEL SO SPECIALI LOVED HER LIKE A SISTER WE HAD SO MUCH FUN AND SHE WILL ALWAYS BE THE SUPREME SUPREME OF THE GROUP TO ME I HOPE SHE GETS THE ACCOLADES HONOUR AND POSITIVE COVERAGE SHE DESERVESFROM HER LIFE WORK BEYOND HER SINGING WHICH SHE DID TO ALL MARY WILSON'S FANS MUCH LOVE TO YOU FROM ME REMEMBER HER IN LIFE AS A LIGHT THAT GOD GAVE US TO REFLECT UPON WITH JOY I STILL CRY ABOUT EDDIE KENDRICKS AND DAVID RUFFIN NOW MARY GOD HELPUS ALL

[@alanross8356]

Beautiful

[@unclegarysglobalmediaforme9351]

I love you Mary BUT why do people including you have to keep saying that other groups were BETTER than The Supremes? I get so sick and tired of people saying that The Supremes' success was because of TV exposure or the LOVE between Diana Ross and Berry Gordy. Why not just go by what happened instead of what we THINK was the reason for their phenomenal success? More people all over the world responded to what they heard on the recordings, the music, songs, talent, charisma, & human essence than they did anyone else. Even today, Destiny's Child with Beyonce, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, & all the white girl groups of every generation did not accomplish what the Supremes did. Why is it so hard to understand that we do NOT have to have an answer for everything in life? Why not simply acknowledge the fact that Diana Ross & The Supremes are the top female group of all time & one of the biggest groups ever & simply leave it at that?

[@Ron-cw7wt]

This fed my fifty-five-year crush on Mary Wilson--even though it breaks my heart that she got a tattoo on her right upper arm. And so many famous singers cannot sing a cappella, and not that beautifully. Love her still--even after her passing.

[@yolandaIamloved76]

RIP MS.WILSON❤

[@martyrobinson4474]

Love Mary Wilson, but why does she say in so many interviews that they were 13 in 1959? She knows that she and Diane are just weeks apart in age and we’re both born in 1944. Florence is almost a year older than both of them. 🤔

[@augustofernandes9669]

Florence was always right. She always said they started singing when she was 15 (that meant 1958-59) but Mary and Diana tried to correct her saying that she was 14 and that they both were 13.

[@cravendubose3024]

Because she's good at lying.

[@davidmiller8856]

rip, my friend. we love you!

[@davidgoveia8613]

Love Mary's version of SOMEDAY !!!

[@smurf5388]

Legend

[@jparker7621]

I miss her 💔❤️

[@kikichristian4859]

RIP Mary wilson

[@ralphstamm4456]

A beautiful lady in always....

[@REDD_BLITZ]

Mary got raw...big time 23:15.

[@Ron-cw7wt]

Barry "Gordon" Jr.?

[@zz424]

She was sooo charming

[@kirk5487]

He needs to get his info right!

[@russelwilliam6051]

How can Mary tell you what to do? when she lost her love so true..and Flo she don't know.cause.the boy she loves is a Romeo. loves is a Romeo.

[@eddiewhite5001]

Ms. Mary Wilson did her best singing on the hit song "FLORD Joy" where she colead with Diana Ross replacement Linda Terrill.

[@MOMO-hx1hr]

Beautiful inside and out

[@briansummers843]

Fans you know you were sad when the Supremes first broke up, regardless of which one was your favorite. And you knew nothing/ inner stories about The Supremes until Mary wrote those books. And when they was at the top it never crossed your mind and you were saying oh I hope they break up.

[@russelwilliam6051]

Superstar mega diva Diana Ross leavy my girl name out of your mouth Because everyone knows that Mary was second hand Rose from second avenue..... be real with your self Diana made it happen.. Mary sit back and watch what happened., terribly sad for her.. she probably trying spin these same old lies on Jesus right now .. but Jesus told the angels to tell Mary to go back to sleep honey Better luck next time........ .

[@Ron-cw7wt]

Mary always refers to Ross as "Diane," her real name. Gordy changed it

[@zz424]

A great lady

[@wilsondwight7817]

❤

[@jerrywilliams5235]

How did Mary Wilson died she was looking so well and good in2021 want went wrong?.

[@steppbrotha]

❤️

[@briansummers843]

The Supremes had the beats

[@shawshaw3389]

I dont blame Sweetie Pie Pisces Mary Growing up enduring I must be first syndrome(ONE OF MARTIN LUTHER kINGS FAMOUS QUOTE,,, I MUST BE FIRST) Gladys Night The Empress of Soul Flowering Flo had to go threw unnecessary nonsense! Enough I DONT BLAME THE EMPRESS OF SOUL I WOULDNT WANT TO SHARE THE STAGE WITH A PERSON SO DISTRUSTFUL . I wouldn't Treat my sisters Like that Im sorry! I came from Brooklyn projects yes I had 3 sister friends also. I would have never treated my sisters so useless. I dont blame Flowering Fab Flo I wouldn't took a check neither ! Look Mr. Gordy Im the Star but these are my sisters at least let them sing one song!!! SACRIFICE TRUTH RESPECT FOR MONEY AND A LARGER FAN BASE KEEP IT !!! LEVI STUBBS DIDNT TREAT HIS BROTHERS THAT WAY !!! I ADORE YOU EMPRESS OF SOUL

[@briansummers843]

Tell it Mary

[@lakishascott2132]

🙏

[@skip031890]

Dang, I didn't know Mary was all in to the BLM stuff. Makes me look at her differently now.

[@gdeharris8261]

Why, because she didn't forget her blackness and could see the racial inequalities she went through 50 years earlier?

[@Ron-cw7wt]

I hate those computer-interpretted captions

[@echance12]

I love me some Mary Wilson but she need to learn how to stay on track and answer the question instead of going left field

[@briansummers843]

Tell it Whoopi