Mary Wilson Of The Supremes Chats: Motown, Musicals and Performing In Manchester
| 3rd September 2015
Mary Wilson is one third of the most successful female singing group in recording history alongside Diana Ross and Flo Ballard. The Motown legendary group was one of the most influential and memorable groups of all time, with many huge hits that include; ‘Baby Love’, ‘Where Did Our Love Go’, ‘Nathan Jones’, ‘You Can’t Hurry Love’, ‘You Keep Me Hanging On’, ‘The Happening’, ‘Stoned Love’, ‘Love Child’, ‘Reflections’, ‘Some Day We’ll Be Together’, ‘Come See About Me’, ‘Stop in the Name of Love’ and ‘Back In My Arms Again’. As testimony to the success of the Supremes, Mary shared the stage with Mick Jagger, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison when the Supremes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Supremes were also given their own exhibit for the museum opening in Cleveland, Ohio and were honored with their star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame. Wilson is also a bestselling author with her autobiography, ‘Dreamgirl… My Life As A Supreme’ which is one of the most successful rock and roll autobiographies of all time.
VIVA caught up with Mary ahead of the Legends Live Tour, hitting Manchester on the 6th of October.
V: Tell us about your upcoming Legends Live 2015 Tour. Are you excited?
M: The tour is a wonderful tour. It’s with Roberta Flack. I’ve never worked with her before, but I’ve known Dionne Warwick since the 60’s, so it’s going to be so much fun, I’m really looking forward to it. We’ve got London on October 3rd, Birmingham on October 4th and Manchester on October 6th – it’s all large venues, so it’s really exciting.
What are you looking forward to about performing with Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, The Drifters?
Well as it’s entitled – they are ‘living legends’ – and it’s exciting not to be performing alone but with two artists I look up to; I’ll be like a fan. I’ll be enjoying the music.
Are there any differences between preforming in the UK and the U.S?
The differences are that you have different kinds of audiences; in the US – yes they like music but they are different to here – the UK audiences adore the ‘older ones’, whereas audiences in the US seem to be more focused on the ‘new thing.’ More mature acts are put into an ‘oldie bag,’ of course, they also love the music too – it’s just different.
You’ve had over three decades performing as a solo artist and after securing 12 number ones with The Supremes – do you still find that people recognise you as a member of The Supremes?
Yes, people always recognise me as a Supreme, as we had a lot of success, so my quest has been in the last three decades to be known as Mary Wilson, in my own right.
Do you prefer performing solo rather than as part of a group? If so why?
I couldn’t decide – we had so much success as a group, and now I’m a soloist, it’s no better or worse.
You’ve definitely made your mark on Motown music, what do you think of the 2015’s Motown music and industry?
To be honest, I don’t know a lot about new Motown artists, but it’s wonderful it has continued on and is still current, but it did have its day in the 60’s and 70’s. I still listen to Marvin Gaye, Gladys, The Temptations and go to concerts. I also worked with 4 Tops and The Temptations.
You’ve done a lot of humanitarian work leading to you being named Goodwill Ambassador in 2003- what other things, if any, do you want to achieve outside music?
I’m currently studying acting classes and ‘improv’ classes as I’m studying to become an actress. I’ve done off-Broadway plays – I did the Vagina Monologues and I’ve done musicals and bit parts in a couple of films. I wont give up music, just adding on to what I do. I’m also putting together a coffee table book, which will be my 3rd book.
LEGENDS LIVE TOUR 2015
DIONNE WARWICK
ROBERTA FLACK
THE DRIFTERS
MARY WILSON of THE SUPREMES