Mary Wilson talks possible Supremes reunion
Mary Wilson, the longest-reigning member of the original Supremes, is open to
a reunion tour with the legendary pop trio's best-known member, Diana Ross.
Ross, Wilson and Florence Ballard made up the first successful configuration
of the group. Cindy Birdsong replaced Ballard in 1967. With 12 No. 1 singles
from 1964-70, The Supremes (later, Diana Ross & The Supremes) became the
biggest female vocal group in chart history.
"People always ask if we will ever reunite," Wilson said in an interview in a
Hollywood recording studio. "But that's very difficult, because Florence passed
away (in 1976). And, unfortunately, Cindy is having a few illness problems. And
I think Diane is into her own stardom. She is a diva, a superstar. Sometimes
it's hard to go back."
But reflections were no problem for the 70-year-old Wilson, who reminisced on
a major milestone -- the 50th anniversary of the Supremes first No. 1,
million-selling song, "Where Did Our Love Go," released June 17, 1964.
The Associated Press: What did you think when you first heard the
song?
Wilson: I don't think we liked it at all. ... So, I remember
Eddie (Holland, the song's co-writer) saying, "Trust me. This is going to be a
smash."
AP: You were touring during that period. When did you realize The
Supremes finally had a smash?
Wilson: I remember that instead of going home on the bus, we
flew. That was our first plane ride. We flew home. We had really hit big.
AP: It would be the first of five consecutive No. 1s -- still the
most in a row for a female vocal group.
Wilson: After we did that, the music became more
sophisticated. It wasn't a bubblegum as "Where Did Our Love Go" or "Baby
Love."
AP: You ended up becoming the longest-reigning original Supreme,
staying with the group until it was officially disbanded by Motown in
1977.
Wilson: I recall when we first got together, when I met
Diane, Flo, Betty (McGlown) -- the fourth member, when we were The Primettes --
I absolutely felt complete. I absolutely never had another thought of doing
anything else in my life.
AP: Still, it wasn't always easy being a Supreme.
Wilson: It's not easy for girls to stay together. We're
different than guys. Guys can be on a team, fighting, and then they go out and
have a beer together. Girls cannot do that. We hold on to it for a long
time.
AP: When last did you see Diana?
Wilson: At the Broadway musical ("Motown: The Musical,"
which premiered April 2013), which was beautiful. ... Everyone was there and we
all embraced: Berry (Gordy, Motown's founder), me, Diane.
AP: Has the musical has revived interest in The
Supremes?
Wilson: Just like when the movie and the Broadway play
"Dreamgirls" was out. I tell everyone, "It's not about The Supremes," because I
know, because I didn't get paid. (Laughs.) But, still, it did bring a different
demographic to that era.
AP: Girls groups have been in and out since the record business
began. Right now, there aren't so many.
Wilson: (The music business) is a male world. It's women who
listen to and love male singers. That's why males are more constant in the
arena. Whereas women, we kind of come and go.
AP: What do you think the impact of The Supremes has been on today's
female artists?
Wilson: I think that they really leaned a lot from the past.
They come out as real women, saying, "This is who we are." So, you've got this
movement where women are in charge of their lives, in charge of everything.
AP: Do you talk to Diana?
Wilson: Yes, we do talk, but not as often as I would like
to. We do. And we are. The hearts are there. We're like sisters. I love Flo and
Diane to this day, almost as much as I love my own sister.
AP: There were plans for an original Supremes reunion tour with Ross,
but you didn't sign on. How do you feel about doing it now?
Wilson: I mean, I'd be happy. The situation would have to be
really where I felt wanted and paid well. So, yeah, if the opportunity came and
it was all done right and correctly, yes, I'd love it. Are you kidding? It would
be the culmination of that dream. That's what people are asking. But I'm only
one part. We were a trio.
Comments
Post a Comment