Mary Wilson, co-founder of The Supremes, one of the most successful Motown acts of the 1960s and the best charting female group in US history, has died.
Mary Wilson along with Florence Ballard and Diana Ross changed the game permanently. Hit after hit after hit, on re… https://t.co/Kgy2Lg5Atn— Beverley Knight💙 (@Beverley Knight💙) 1612860656
Wilson passed away in her sleep last night in Las Vegas. Only two days ago, Wilson announced via her YouTube channel that she planned on releasing new music in time for her March 6th birthday.
Wilson was a, "trendsetter who broke down social, racial, and gender barriers," said her publicist Jay Schwartz, who announced her death this morning.
Wilson was among the first women to find commercial success in America's music industry, let alone black women. Her work and incredible commercial success created a precedent that's been followed ever since the group's disbandment.
The Supremes released a record setting twelve number one hit singles on the Billboard 100. Along with Florence Ballard and Diana Ross, the trio created such a dominant run in the 1960s that they remain the best selling female group of all time, ahead of iconic acts such as Spice Girls and Destiny's Child.
After Ross and Ballard left the band, Wilson remained with new members, although the group officially disbanded when she departed in 1977.
The world has lost one of its greatest legends, Mary Wilson, original and founding member of the Supremes. https://t.co/KJzNutx9lQ— Classic Motown (@Classic Motown) 1612858989
After the disbandment of the band, Wilson found success once again as a concert singer in Las Vegas, as well as a great deal of charity work.
Wilson, along with fellow founding members Ross and Ballard, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as members of The Supremes in 1988.
Her funeral will be a private service due to COVID-19 restrictions.
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