MARY Wilson, who co-founded the Motown band the Supremes, has died age 76.
The singer's publicist said she died suddenly at her Las Vegas home but the cause of death was not confirmed.
The Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy, said he was “extremely shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of a major member of the Motown family”.
The popular Motown group's singles included Where Did Our Love Go, Baby Love and Stop! In the name of Love.
The group was founded in Detroit as The Primettes in 1959, when Wilson was 15 years old.
From left: Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diana Ross formed The Supremes
Singer Beverley Knight tweeted:"Mary Wilson along with Florence Ballard and Diana Ross changed the game permanently. Hit after hit after hit, on regular rotation to this day. A Supreme Titan may have left us but that legacy will never be surpassed."
Mary Wilson along with Florence Ballard and Diana Ross changed the game permanently. Hit after hit after hit, on regular rotation to this day. A Supreme Titan may have left us but that legacy will never be surpassed. Rest in power #MaryWilson ❤️ https://t.co/q54gUFLmcl pic.twitter.com/li8ndoy7yx
— Beverley Knight💙 (@Beverleyknight) February 9, 2021
National columnist and media commentator Stuart Cosgrove said Wilson helped him with his book Detroit 67.
Saddened by the death of the remarkable Mary Wilson who was a real help when I writer Detroit 67. RIP https://t.co/uXi6gYRfZW
— Stuart Cosgrove (@Detroit67Book) February 9, 2021
Kiss’s Paul Stanley tweeted: “I was just on a Zoom call with her Wednesday for about an hour and never could have imagined this. So full of life and great stories. Absolutely shocked. Rest in Supreme peace, Mary.”
Wilson was an original member of the group alongside Diana Ross, Florence Ballard and Barbara Martin.
Martin left the group before they became successful, and The Supremes continued as a trio.
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