### Mary Wilson Biography
#### 1. Early Life
Mary Wilson was born on March 6, 1944, in Greenville, Mississippi. Her family moved to St. Louis and then to Chicago before finally settling in Detroit, Michigan, when Mary was still a young girl. Growing up in the Brewster-Douglass public housing project, she faced many challenges but also discovered her passion for singing. Mary attended Northeastern High School, where she met Florence Ballard, Diane Ross (later known as
Diana-Ross), and Betty McGlown. In 1959, the quartet formed a singing group initially called "The Primettes," aiming to become the sister act to the local male group,
The-Primes.
#### 2. Career
Mary Wilson's professional career took off when The Primettes signed with Motown Records in 1961, changing their name to The Supremes. Though initially struggling to find chart success, the group eventually became America's most successful vocal group. Wilson, alongside
Diana-Ross and
Florence-Ballard, enjoyed a string of hits including "Where Did Our Love Go," "Baby Love," and "Stop! In the Name of Love." After Ballard's departure and Ross's subsequent exit in 1970 to pursue a solo career, Wilson continued with the group until their disbandment in 1977.
After The Supremes, Mary Wilson embarked on a solo career, releasing her debut self-titled album in 1979. Although it did not achieve the same level of success as her work with The Supremes, she continued to perform and release music, including a second album, "Walk the Line," in 1992. Wilson also authored several books about her experiences, notably "Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme" in 1986.
#### 3. Notable Achievements
Mary Wilson's career with The Supremes helped to define the sound of Motown in the 1960s. The group was phenomenally successful, achieving twelve number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Individually, Wilson was honored by many institutions; she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Her autobiography, "Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme," became a bestseller and is considered one of the most revelatory insights into the inner workings of Motown and The Supremes. Wilson was also an important cultural ambassador, participating in various humanitarian efforts.
#### 4. Personal Life
Mary Wilson was married to Pedro Ferrer in 1974, and the couple had three children: Turkessa, Pedro Antonio Jr., and Rafael. They divorced in 1981. Tragically, Wilson faced personal loss when her son Rafael died in a car accident in 1994. Throughout her life, Wilson was known for her resilience and dedication to her family. She was also an advocate for artists' rights, fighting for better royalty arrangements for musicians and performers.
Mary Wilson continued to perform and make public appearances until her death on February 8, 2021. Her legacy as a founding member of one of the most iconic musical acts in history remains influential, and her contributions to music and society continue to be celebrated.