By Marv (64.12.97.7) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 08:09 pm:

Mary Wilson Gets Her Groove Back

Big news: Mary Wilson, the former "Supreme," is busy recording new songs with the Supremes' former producers/writers.

That's right, famed trio Holland-Dozier-Holland are working with Mary on a new album, which will include a couple of their songs and material from their production house. The yet untitled album may be finished in time for fall release.

I would say Mary stole the show last night at B.B. King's in New York City -- and she did -- but so did the other performers who came together for a historic night of R&B. The Chi-Lites, with original founder and writer Eugene Record, Memphis divas Carla Thomas and Ann Peebles, and Sam Moore were all mesmerizing.

The performers brought fans like Wyclef Jean, Cyndi Lauper, Bob Balaban, Bebe Buell, Ron Silver, One Life to Live star Robert Woods, New York Channel 4's Sue Simmons, and even New York Daily News publisher Mort Zuckerman to their feet with many standing ovations.

It was quite a night. Mary knocked off three Supremes hits -- "Love Child," "You Can't Hurry Love" and "Someday, We'll Be Together" with aplomb, really whipping the capacity crowd into a frenzy. Peebles performed "I Can't Stand the Rain" and "Breaking Up Somebody's Home," two of her gritty Memphis grooves, which Lauper applauded loudly.

And there was Moore -- Sam, that is -- doing Rufus Thomas' "Walking the Dog," and Otis Redding's "I've Been Loving You Too Long," both of which he also gorgeously executed last night on Late Night with David Letterman. (The host now likes to think of himself one half of Sam and Dave.)

It was a mind-blowing night for music fans, considering that the back-up band included the fabled Uptown Horns. All this was to celebrate the premiere of Only the Strong Survive, which I produced and which opens in 10 big cities beginning May 9.

This is not a shameless plug for yours truly, or even a charity bid since none was involved. No, this is for the artists in this movie and all the great R&B legends still working in this country and not getting the proper recognition for their extraordinary talents. If the Kennedy Center is looking for honorees this year, they might consider shining a light on the music that has drawn on and influenced 50 years of pop including rock, blues, country, and gossip. Amen.

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 10:20 pm:

Ive been waiting to see this movie since I first read about it months ago. Is this Mary recording with HDH definite? It first surfaced months ago and then nothing much was reported. Great timing if its true with this movie,SITSOM...PS Mary never LOST her groove-its just that now more people are listening--some of us have been listening since the beginning!

By Marv (152.163.188.68) on Friday, May 02, 2003 - 12:28 am:

I am one that has been listening to Mary before and every since the Supremes ended. Yes it is very true about the HDH recordings. I've read that she recorded part of the CD in Detroit at a very well known studio on the East Side. It is my understanding that 5 -6 songs are already completed.

By TonyRussi (68.18.33.86) on Friday, May 02, 2003 - 07:25 am:

Can't wait to see & then purchase the movie.Mary Wilson with HDH is of Historical Importance, can't wait to hear & buy.

By Michael/cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Friday, May 02, 2003 - 04:39 pm:

I cannot wait for the new Mary Wilson recordings. It would be a kick for her to have a hit again. I was under the impression that Lamont Dozier was not involved with the project and that it is the Holland Brothers who are working with Mary as they did on High Energy and Mary, Scherrie, and Susaye. In any event as evidenced by Early Morning Love, the Holland Brothers understand Mary's voice and should produce some great music.

By Marv (205.188.209.109) on Friday, May 02, 2003 - 08:59 pm:

Michael/cleoharvey, you are so right, Early Morning Love showcased Mary brilliantly and the Hollands do understand how to record Mary. I liked some of her material from independent producers in the late 80's and 90's but this project should really be something special. I hear that it is in the vein of Sade's music with some uptempo cuts mixed in.

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Friday, May 02, 2003 - 10:06 pm:

Great move per Sade-ish. Great pic of Mary in NY Daily News yesterday at BBKings. Early Morning Love was never a favorite of mine-it sure sounded like a B side to me. I think Mary sounds sensational on slow songs especially-eg I Keep It Hid(her best ever in my opinion),One Night With You,Touch...

By Vickie (198.81.26.231) on Sunday, May 04, 2003 - 05:34 pm:

Marv,
I can't wait to see this film. Projects like yours and SITSOM are so significant for the preservation of history..the more people who dream and tell these stories the longer we can keep the wonderful music alive...These are true artists and they should not be forgotten..
It's important that they live on 100's of years from now in books, films, ect..

It's an inspiration for all music lovers..

Vickie
TammiProject@aol.com

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Sunday, May 04, 2003 - 09:02 pm:

I had read on Mary's board or somewhere that somoeone other than HDH was producing her in Detroit. Maybe he works for them or something.

By Michael/cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Monday, May 05, 2003 - 01:06 pm:

Vandelron:

I received an email from Mary about a month ago and she said she indeed was working with the Holland Brothers. I believe the other producer you are talking about is Richard Davis who has worked with Martha Reeves and has worked with the Holland Brothers over the years. I believe Clay McMurray announced the work with Richard Davis in an earlier thread. Mary is working on an entire album, so there may be other producers.

By Common (209.2.55.170) on Monday, May 05, 2003 - 04:09 pm:

Hello everyone,

I'm glad to hear Mary is on the up & up! Would love to hear some samples of her CD when it becomes available. On her previous work, I have to agree that "I Keep It Hid" was excellent, as well as "Touch". I like "Early Morning Love" too, but she didn't sound to comfortable singing in that particular vocal range, IMO.

Peace!

By Marv (152.163.188.68) on Monday, May 05, 2003 - 10:34 pm:

I really liked Mary's single from 1996 "Turn Around". She recorded it in Holland. I don't know if it was ever released commerically in the States. I did hear it on WWRL in New York.