By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, March 01, 2003 - 05:15 pm:

Here's to you Mary Wilson!

Thank you Susan Whitall. You are the greatest.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, March 01, 2003 - 05:16 pm:

http://www.detnews.com/2003/entertainment/0303/01/d01-96763.htm

By 65 memories (66.72.185.175) on Saturday, March 01, 2003 - 05:37 pm:

Sue...I had a question for you on the Rhythm, Love and Soul thread: the photo of Mary Wilson in your article looks great. We had an argument about when it was taken. Thanks.
Gary Torgerson

By Aljaydu (68.18.114.222) on Saturday, March 01, 2003 - 06:22 pm:

Mary's 58??????? Good grief !!!!!
She looks GOOD !!!!!

Dang, Mary.....

By Sue (152.163.188.68) on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 04:17 pm:

Mary looks great for her age. Gary; I don't know when that shot used in the News was taken; it could have been earlier last year. I can tell you that Mary was wearing her hair in braids last summer, and also in November, because I personally eyeballed her each time.

I can also tell you that if she used a slightly older pic, it certainly wasn't to make herself look better or younger. She looks fantastic in person or via photograph, right now.

I was backstage at the Apollo when she met up with Marshall C. and his wife; we all marveled at how good she looks.

By 65 memories (66.72.187.6) on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 05:46 pm:

Thanks, Sue, for the information. She does look great.

By Andy Skurow (24.151.70.17) on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 08:13 pm:

And soon Mary will look great at 59, her birthday is March 6.

By cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 01:07 pm:

At BB King's February 7, Mary looked incredible. She has lost some of the weight that she had put on (in fact she is now thinner than when she taped the PBS Rhythm Love and Soul in November). By the way after looking at that special, I am convinced that God just broke the mold when he made Mary Wilson and Freda Payne. These women are gorgeous.

By kelly (205.188.209.38) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 01:25 pm:

i know i'll get a little flack from this but
in my opinion mary wilson can't sing lead.her
voice is gravely.i'm a supreme fan to the
bones,but i was disappointed in her appearance
because i thought she would have gave us a
treat by singing her own up-dated material.
sing maybe two supreme songs.diana ross would
some songs from the good ole days,but she did
her own material as well.i wish mary had sung
i can't get my eyes off of you.that would have
been nice. please don't all gang up on me,
but that's just my opinion.

By Fury13 (209.69.165.10) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 02:42 pm:

And in my opinion, Mary Wilson sounds fantastic! Lots of color and character in that voice, but I wouldn't say it's gravelly at all.

By Sue (63.85.105.20) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 03:22 pm:

If you've seen any of the PBS specials, they aren't about "updated" material, they're about the classic songs these performers were on in the '50s, '60s and '70s. They even recreate the arrangements as closely to the originals as possible. Mary's new material wouldn't be appropriate for that ...

I'm looking forward to it. I found her voice smoky and interesting, not gravely. I could see her in a jazzy mode ...

By stephanie (64.63.221.159) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 04:42 pm:

Mary Wilson is always being compared to Diana Ross a lot and I think that is why people have to get used to her voice. Mary doesnt have a unique voice but if you see her live you will be amazed she has a very strong instrument. Its better than it was twenty years ago. Mary also comes across much better in live performances than she does on television when you see her live you will be utterly amazed at how well she can sing.
Stephanie

By kelly (152.163.188.68) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 05:16 pm:

stephanie then i will have to see her live,
because i just don't think she sings well.i think maybe she need to do more of her own material.
she will always be a supreme the rest of her life.
i just think she don'tsound like lead singer material.

By cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 05:44 pm:

Kelly:

I do think you need to hear her live. I have been to see her a few times over the years and there have been times she has shocked me (and I have been in the business over 25 years). To be honest, she is not at her best when she sings Diana-led Supremes material, the Diana cloud is far too big. Even when I listen to Former Ladies of the Supremes, I do not think they sing the Diana-led Supremes material well. However, when Mary sings songs such as Piano in the Dark, How Lucky Can You Get, Fields of Gold, Brown Sugar, I Am Changing from Dreamgirls or songs written for her, she sounds quite wonderful. Especially if you are being fed a diet of Ashanti-type singers (that Grammy performance was just awful). She could easily lead (and has) led hit material (Floy Joy, Automatically Sunshine, Touch, He's My Man). The music has to be tailored to her low, throaty sound.

By kelly (152.163.188.68) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 06:28 pm:

maybe you're right,she may sing better with her own material,but to me when she doing her supreme
material she more singing off key.i'm not an
expert,i'm a vocalist,i see why she sung background.i saw her on motown 25 singing
she was off key. i don't care for ashanti either
amerie,either.i can say she got heart though

By Edgar (200.46.12.34) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 07:00 pm:

Kelly, if your point of reference is Diana Ross, then you will not like Mary nor anybody else doing the lead on those songs, as Stephanie and others have told you. In my case, I like Mary on them, they sound different. Imagine if everybody had to sing "El Condor Pasa" as Bolivian Indians, then Simon & Garfunkel and others would not have a chance. In my opinion, Mary is not in the same category as Diana Ross. She is a soulful rocker, Diana is not, which you could see (hear) when she was unwisely made to sing "Funky Broadway" or "Respect" with the Supremes and Temptations. Even "Shake" sounded boring. Diana's forte is pop and those Michael Masser songs. Now, I can imagine Mary tearing down the house doing "Shake". Mary is more in the vein of a Tina Turner. Michael and others have mentioned the ballads she does very well, but I prefer Mary when she does "Green River", "Early Morning Love", her version of "Ooh Child" or "Stronger On the Broken Part". She shines!

By kelly (152.163.188.68) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 07:08 pm:

mary can sing this ole man and i still wouldn't
like her voice, she can't sing to me,but i
understand your devotion.

By Edgar (200.46.12.34) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 09:15 pm:

Devotion? News to me.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 09:54 pm:

Kelly - LOL - Well, this is Mary Wilson's thread. If you want I can give you the link to Diana's fan club.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 12:04 pm:

Kelly:
To each their own, my dear.
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 12:27 pm:

Kelly:

Your opinion is noted and accepted. I have been a professional vocalist (4 Broadway shows) for 25 years. My comments on Mary's voice are not based on devotion but seeing her live. If you have a chance, go see her live, you might possibly change your mind. However, if this is one of those Diana/Mary arguments, your mind will not change.

Unfortunately, I have seen forums destroyed by going back and forth, and back and forth arguing about Diana Ross and Mary Wilson. It got particularly ugly during the Return to Love debacle. Diana Ross fans are loyal and rabid and a good deal of them were not around or born during the Supremes height of fame. They tend not to understand the importance of Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard, or Cindy Birdsong and say things like "she is just a background singer." I accept and appreciate your opinion of Miss Wilson's voice. You are not the only one who feels this way. However, this is a Mary Wilson thread started to celebrate her warmth, humanity, talent, and sheer survival ability. She is my friend and there is not a sweeter, dearer person on the face of this earth. Does all of this make me ignore an occasional bad note? YOU BET!!
Peace
Michael

By kelly (64.12.97.7) on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 04:32 pm:

michael to each his own.if i want to venture
on the forum where i want i will.i still stick to my opinion.

the end

By kelly (64.12.97.7) on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 04:41 pm:

p.s.actually i'm not a diana ross fan either,
i prefer,sade and natalie cole,pattie labelle

i just voiced my opinion.

By John Lester (81.132.25.69) on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 06:28 pm:

Well it is nearly midnight in London so let me be one of the first ones to wish Ms Wilson a Happy Birthday

Have a Happy Day Mary!!

By cleoharvey (65.145.21.15) on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 09:29 pm:

Kelly:

You are definitely entitled to your opinion my friend, that is what this forum is about.

I just received a very nasty email because of my recent posts (I have never received one like it) so I will drop this particualr subject and move on to something positive.

Happy Birthday Mary!!!

By KeithSC (205.188.209.38) on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 06:38 am:

I have to say reading some of the comments above..
Mary to my mind has a sexy voice..breathy and atmospheric..
She is always in the shadows of Diana and it's unfair..
Mary has a fantastic personality and Aura that contributed (naturally)to the success of the Supremes..
I am sure she is very happy with the way her career has progressed as are all her fans..
Long may she be "Supreme" :-)

By BankHouseDave (195.93.50.9) on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 09:20 am:

Happy birthday, Mary and thanks for all the joy you and the girls have given us. It's immeasurable.

By R&B (138.238.41.118) on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 09:35 am:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY FROM ONE OF YOUR LEGION OF FANS!

By soulboy (213.105.242.198) on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 09:39 am:

Happy birthday mary, i was reminded of this on the radio early this morning!

By Vickie (205.188.209.38) on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 10:36 am:

Happy B-day Ms. Mary!!!!!

Vickie

By Fury13 (209.69.165.10) on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 10:50 am:

Happy Birthday Mary Wilson!

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 01:33 pm:

Have a happy birthday, Mary - and keep singing!
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By stephanie (64.63.221.181) on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 09:57 pm:

Happy Birthday Mary
Stephanie

By TonyRussi (68.18.48.42) on Friday, March 07, 2003 - 04:38 pm:

From one Pisces to another...Happy Birthday Mary Wilson.Health & Happiness Always!

By Common (209.2.55.170) on Friday, March 07, 2003 - 04:42 pm:

To the Supreme Supreme, Happy Birthday!

Peace!

By Marv (205.188.209.38) on Saturday, March 08, 2003 - 10:22 pm:

A very Happy Birthday Mary Wilson! I know I am two days late here but have a good one any way! You look and sound MARVELOUS!

By oglethorpe (205.188.209.38) on Sunday, March 09, 2003 - 10:36 pm:

Happy Birthday Mary I'm late with this but have a good one .

By shawn1 (64.154.127.23) on Sunday, March 09, 2003 - 11:36 pm:

I think Mary Wilson is a very good singer maybe not as unique as Ross I have seen perform the Supremes and she could make me forget about Ross !I love them both almost as much as I my MARTHA REEVES!Shawn

By KELLY (205.188.209.38) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 03:27 pm:

NOW MARTHA MAY HAVE ONCE BEEN A GOOD SINGER
BUT HER VOICE IS A LITTLE WEAK.BUT MARY IS NOT A GOOD SINGER AT ALL.

By Randy Russi (169.139.180.100) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 03:30 pm:

One thing is for sure, Mary sure could sing great
harmony with Florence and Diana. Listen to their
early recordings as a trio (when it really WAS
them) or any of their live recordings or per-
formances available on video.

By fayette (205.188.209.38) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 04:50 pm:

randy like a stated earlier mary is a excellent
background singer but not lead singer material.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 05:52 pm:

That 45 is cracked, it keeps repeating the same thing over and over.

By Edgar (200.46.132.151) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 06:18 pm:

I don't think Fayette's going to like to have her name used like that...

By Fury13 (12.2.196.17) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 06:21 pm:

Sometimes, you just agree to disagree. I feel that, without a doubt, Mary Wilson definitely IS lead singer material. I love her voice, whether in harmony or out front.

By Vickie (64.236.243.31) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 06:56 pm:

Sis LOL.."its' the same old song"

whos' who on this thread anyways...


Vickie

Mary is divine PERIOD!!!!

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 07:36 pm:

Edgar - I wasn't referring to Fayette.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 07:45 pm:

I just want to know why post under this thread if you don't like Mary Wilson. You should make your own thread called "Negattive Posts, or Just my Opinion on Who Can't sing."

I don't want to continue to come to this thread to read negative posts regarding Mary. Mary Wilson has all kinds of message boards and yahoo clubs. If you want to bash Mary or Diana for that much, go on their message boards. This is not a bashing forum. This is a private forum by some very positive people. However, if you must continue to crash this thread, then you should look left of this board where it says "Support Us", follow my lead, and send in a money order.

By Vickie (64.236.243.31) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 07:50 pm:

Ditto what Sis says..

Vickie

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 08:00 pm:

I have always maintained that this is a forum and all are entitled to their opinions....but Man!!....You don't want to start dissing Mary here. kind of like poking a hornets's nest with a stick. Blondie and Sis will be all over you like something out of an Alien movie. And I'll just stand out of the way.

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 08:02 pm:

And since I seem to be in so much trouble today...I meant that with ALL the repsect and love in my heart ladies.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 08:29 pm:

LOL - I remember what DMeikle said when we had that thread going for Diana. And you deleted it. So, I learned from that.

By Vickie (64.236.243.31) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 08:54 pm:

People will always have their favorite Supreme, just as people have their favorite Beatle,Temp or Top - but there is no need to dis any of the ladies here..The ladies are well loved by millions as a group...It's about respect, I can respect that someone may not like who I like ...An opinion can be different than mine and that is ok, but no need for any negativity about my Supremes..I will defend them til the end...as solo artists and as The Supremes..

Nuff Said...

Vickie

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 10:04 pm:

Vickie - I liked the Supremes from the beginning. When Florence was with them, I purchased all of their LP's. Diane was great on her leads. After Diane left, I only purchased one LP by the Supremes. I did not purchase any Diana solo's except "Good Morning Heartache." I may have one other. So, Motown moved on and left me in the shadows. (LOL)

Mary has a beautiful voice. Her own style. Which is good. She doesn't want to be left back in the 60's. She moving on and doing a fine job. I do not compare her with anyone else. She is Mary. And that's how I rate her abilities and performances.

Keep on keeping on Mary!!!

By Vickie (205.188.209.38) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 10:19 pm:

Right on Sis....

Vickie

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 10:24 am:

Vickie - We have invited so many of our artist to visit us on the Forum, and they have come to post with us. How could we invite Mary Wilson to come over and read the postings and give us some insight on her recording and travels? She would never come back if she read over and over that we thought she couldn't sing. Would anyone bring Mary here to this thread??

Several artist have come of whom I've invited. I don't want them to come aboard and get their feelings hurt.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 10:58 am:

http://www.marywilson.com/jukebox_welcome.htm

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 11:13 am:

Sis:
Mary Wilson's attorney is a colleague of mine and he has made her aware of the Soulful Detroit site.

I will bring your request to his attention.

Regards,
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Vickie (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 11:16 am:

I agree Sis,
I don't know if any of the folks I have recomended to come here have, but I plug this site all the time. Especially when I've done interviews for the book with some of the Motowners, I have personally given Mary's assistant info from this site...I tell all of them they've got to visit here...When I tell them who posts here they are happy to hear that a lot of folks are keeping in touch with each other and the fans as well..You never know who may pop in..I think it's our responsibility to the forum to keep it respectable for any visitors..If we are a family here, we need to make sure our guests have a good time when they come to supper.

Vickie

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 11:21 am:

Oh no, KevGo please don't invite her over here. I want her to come to something positive. :o)

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 11:26 am:

Sis:
I understand your sentiment. Like I said, her attorney made her aware of the site & the Forum. It's sad that a couple of rotten apples had to keep spoiling the fun but that's the price we pay for "freedom of speech & expression." If you & others feel that now is not the time, I will not speak to my colleague about having her visit the Forum.
Regards,
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 11:28 am:

Thanks Kev. We're gonna clean up our act.

By Vickie (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 11:31 am:

Mary has 2 threads I recall...the other one is much more complimentary to her...

Vickie

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 11:33 am:

I know. A Mary Wilson Fan has a great site, and her songs over there are outstanding.

By Sue (63.85.105.20) on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 11:45 am:

Mary already knows about the Forum and I'm sure has read much that's here.

This thread isn't what this Forum has been about in the past -- we can only hope that the majority desire that this place not devolve into a Diana vs. Mary fansite prevail.

By Edgar (200.46.12.144) on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 05:49 pm:

Sis, sorry, I thought Kelly had used Fayette's name.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 07:37 pm:

ok Edgar.

By Tyrone (209.219.209.68) on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 10:45 pm:

I love all the GIRLS, Mary, Diana and Florence. I've seen Ross many many times. I've seen Mary quite a few times also. Never seen Flo though nor have I seen the Supremes as a group. They all can/could sing and I would not change one thing about the GIRLS and their musical history. To the person who said Mary isn't lead singer material, listen to her lead vocals on "You Are The Heart Of Me", "Early Morning Love", "Where Is It I Belong", "We Should Be Closer Together" or "I Keep It Hid" (a song I've just began to really really like, she gets down). She also has a wonderful track on the Walk The Line cd "One Night With You". She's fantastic live, too. I, also, think she did a great rendition of "Someday" with Johnny Bristol on the Rhythm Love & Soul program.

By the way, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, Ms Wilson.

Love you much,

(Talk to me-talk to me-Touch)

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 11:29 pm:

I Keep It Hid has always been my favorite Mary performance-lush,passionate, restrained,powerful-her voice is magnificent.

By stephanie (64.63.221.81) on Saturday, March 15, 2003 - 10:18 am:

I think the best Mary Wilson performances are on the Supremes 75 album!!!! I DO think We Should Be Closer Together is one of her strongest vocals.
If anyone doesnt have it get the Mary Wilson CD from her website Im Changing.....this woman can blow I defy anyone to say Mary Wilson is not a great vocalist when she sings this.
Stephanie

By Vandelron (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, March 15, 2003 - 11:31 am:

I just think that Diana got so ingrained in peoples minds they have a hard time accepting Mary's talent. Its really a non-issue. Mary gets consistently stellar reivew from CRITICS who often say she is better or just as talented as Diana-and I say this w/respect to Diana's talent. Eddie Holland,a musical genius, wanted Mary to sing lead on Where Did Our Love Go.

By John Lester (217.40.227.216) on Saturday, March 15, 2003 - 03:27 pm:

I felt Eddie virtually got his way cos Mary can be heard very easily on Where Did Our Love Go. It is on a par with Diana's contribution on Mary Wells' "You Lost The Sweetest Boy".

I am really looking forward to Mary's new HDH LP..

By boynextdoor (65.238.140.155) on Saturday, March 15, 2003 - 09:02 pm:

"Don't Let My Teardrops Bother you" by Mary is a killer!

By John Lester (213.123.152.158) on Sunday, March 16, 2003 - 02:45 am:

and so is "I dont wanna lose you" and "Come And get These Memories" and "Baby Don't Go" and "Pretty Baby" and "Touch" and, of course


Your real name may be Smith or Jones but it's not your claim to fame

lol

By Promises Kept (12.227.139.195) on Sunday, March 16, 2003 - 11:34 am:

Hey John Lester!!.......that's MINE!! LOL I'm just glad I have a very rare JMC track of "Boy From Crosstown".........Miss Terrell just makes it her own, don't cha know!

By John Lester (217.40.227.97) on Sunday, March 16, 2003 - 02:22 pm:

Promises...

A Linda Griner song comes to mind.....ENVIOUS!!

By Promises Kept (12.227.139.195) on Sunday, March 16, 2003 - 03:44 pm:

I was only joking about the JMC xtown track.....of course, who knows what lurks in those vaults!

By theboyfromxtown (217.40.233.104) on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 01:33 am:

Promises...........

I would have been surprised cos it falls in the pre-JMC era. Nevertheless, you got me going there!

By Cleoharvey-Michael (160.79.83.208) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 11:32 am:

I'm BaaaaaaaaaaaacK! LOL!!! To KevGo, Susan Whitall, Common and others I would like to say thank you for the kind emails you sent me. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated them. The piece of "hate" email that I received set me back a bit but your words gave me some perspective.

Now for some great news!! I am not sure whether you all were aware of this in my absence but I received an email from Miss Wilson this morning and she said that she is presently working with the Holland Brothers now and would keep me posted on how it was going. This is extremely exciting news because I believe that the Holland Brothers produced some of Mary's better solos. Their work with her on the High Energy and Mary, Scherrie, Susaye albums proves that they understand her voice and could come up with some hit material.

By TonyRussi (68.18.230.25) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 11:41 am:

That is great news!Thank you for keeping us updated.Mary Wilson is a legendary artist and the Hollands are legendary writers/producers...hope we hear the results soon.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 03:03 pm:

Cleo/Michael:
I know I already posted something to you but I'll say it now - welcome back.
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By kelly (152.163.188.68) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 05:01 pm:

welcome back cleo

By Michael/Cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 05:03 pm:

Thanks Kelly and KevGo
Michael

By kelly (152.163.188.68) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 05:25 pm:

still sticking to opinions but welcome back

By Michael/Cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 05:30 pm:

Kelly

LOL!! As you should my friend, that is what this forum is presumably all about.

By Common (209.2.55.168) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 05:53 pm:

Welcome back ((((((Cleoharvey))))))! :o)

Peace!

By stephanie (64.63.221.59) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 06:08 pm:

Welcome Back
Stephanie its good to have you here!!!

By Marv (205.188.209.38) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 11:17 pm:

Love me some Mary Wilson! She can sing to me anytime!