Founding Members Of The Supremes, Mary Wilson Passes Away At 76

Mary Wilson: Mary Wilson, a foundering member of an American female singing group The Supreme passed away at the age of 76, according to reports. 

The news of her demise was confirmed by Wilson's friend and publicist Jay Schwartz. In a statement, Schwartz said that Mary Wilson passed away suddenly on February 9 evening. Wilson is survived by her son ad daughter, grandchildren and two siblings. Her family and friends are going to have private service because of the pandemic but her publicist said that a public event celebrating Wilson's life would be organised later this year. 

Schwartz in the statement expanded on Mary Wilson's life and traced her musical and personal journey through the years. The statement called Wilson a "trendsetter who broke down social, racial and gender barriers." 

Mary Wilson started her singing career in Detriot in 1959 in a band called 'The Primettes'. The same group was later called The Supremes. "Motown's most successful group in the 1960s," the statement stated. The group came out with 12 number one singles which included "Where Did Our Love Go", "Baby Love"  and " Stop! In The Name of Love". 

According to Schwartz, The Supremes had an influence on contemporary R&B music, soul and pop and it paved the way for Black artists in all genres. Billboard celebrated 60th anniversary of Motown in 2018 when they released Hot 100 Top Artist of All Time List. The Supremes had the 16th spot in it, according to the statement. 

It further expanded on Wilson's life apart from her music career. According to Schwartz, Wilson was a bestselling author, motivational speaker, businesswoman and US Cultural Ambassador.