Mid-Week Song: Solo Wilson

 

After the legendary Supremes disbanded, founding member Mary Wilson, who passed away Monday,  had a solo career that allowed her to show her great individual singing talent. Here's "One Night With You, " from her 1992 solo album "Walk The Line."

Mary Wilson, 1944-2021

 

We have a special place in our hearts for Mary Wilson, co- founder of The Supremes, who passed away suddenly yesterday at the age of 76.  Considered the steady linchpin of the iconic group, she survived its many lineup changes, and on her own maintained the group's presence into the late 1970's.  It took a special person to subsume her own great talent in being a "backup" vocalist for Diana Ross.  But, in so many ways she was the beating heart of a group of "dreamgirls" that brought so much joy and pleasure to so many.  Rest in peace.

To a female trailblazer and forever Sweetheart of Motown, who brought many timeless records for generations to come - Thank You.

Your art and your legacy will forever live on in the Motown story. From our Motown family, rest in paradise @MWilsonSupreme 🕊 pic.twitter.com/YwsZM41g9v

— Motown Records (@motown) February 9, 2021

 

RIP to iconic soulful pioneer Mary Wilson, original member of The Supremes and author of ‘Dreamgirl: My Life As a Supreme.’ pic.twitter.com/iaZBRej5Nt

— DJ Soul Sister (@djsoulsister) February 9, 2021

Weekend Birthday Song

Sunday will be the 72nd (!) birthday of Mary Wilson, a founding member and anchor of The Supremes, one of the greatest musical acts of all time.  One of their best songs, 1963's propulsive  "When The Lovelight Starts Shining..." was their first top 40 recording in the Billboard Top 100.  It was also the first Holland- Dozier- Holland song written for The Supremes.  One other factoid:  the background sounds (grunts?) at the beginning and end of the instrumental bridge (starting at approx. 1:47) are The Four Tops.  Happy birthday to a great lady.