Mary Wilson, a founding member of Supremes, the pioneering group of the 1960s who numbered 12 singles at number one on the music charts and was the key to Motown’s legendary sound, died Monday at her home in Henderson, Nev. She was 76 years old.
Mrs. Wilson’s death was confirmed by her publicist, Jay Schwartz. No cause of death was provided.
From 1964 to 1965, the Supremes, whose original members included Florence Ballard and Diana Ross as the lead singer, released hit songs like “Where Did Our Love Go?” “Baby Love”, “Come See About Me” and “Stop”.
Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, called Mrs. Wilson a “pioneer” who will be missed. He said in a statement that the Supremes opened doors for other Motown acts.
“I was always proud of Mary,” Gordy said in the statement. “She was a big star in her own right and, over the years, she continued to work hard to boost the Supremes’ legacy.”
Wilson’s funeral services will be private due to Covid-19 restrictions, Schwartz said, adding that a celebration of his life will take place later this year.
A complete obituary will be posted soon.