Do you remember when the Supremes first appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” back in the 1960s? An artist or entertainer who was afforded the chance to perform live on “The Ed Sullivan Show” was guaranteed a meteoric rise to fame. So when three black women from Detroit graced the stage of “The Ed Sullivan Show” on the night of December 27, 1964, America was introduced to the Supremes, one of Motown’s biggest acts.
Mary Wilson performed as a background singer behind Diana Ross, but make no mistake about it, her contribution was significant as co-founder of the group. However, it was what Mary Wilson did off stage that made her more than just a pretty face in high heels.
Wilson, who was also an author, motivational speaker, and humanitarian, used her celebrity status to fight poverty, homelessness, and AIDS. She has also served as a US Cultural Ambassador. Mary Wilson passed away on February 8, 2021 at the age of 76 in her home in Las Vegas. America now knows that there’s a lot more to that pretty lady they saw on stage for the first time back in 1964. She has enhanced the lives of us all through her music, her time, her money, and her heart.