By Randy Russi (169.139.180.100) on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 08:18 am:

May 13, 1943 was the birthdate of Motown's first
female star, Mary Wells. And, yes, May 13th is
also the birthday of Stevie Wonder. It's hard to
believe it's been 40 years since Mary recorded
all her great Motown hits, but I hope radio
stations that play classic R&B across the
country are honoring her memory today.

By motown_david (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 02:14 pm:

Many thanks for reminding us all of this great singer's birthday, Randy. She won't be forgotten.
It's strange that as the years roll by, Mary's reputation seems to be growing and people are once again remembering her superstardom at Motown. The First Queen Of Motown seems to be an apt description of her.
Although some people are satisfied to quote the old, old stories of her being misled by 20th Century etc., the majority are of the view that many of the songs she recorded post-Motown are equally as valid. One of my own favourites is Mr. Tough, which is sadly not well known.
I met her on several occasions and she was nothing but kindness itself to me. She was a real lady who cared for her fans.
God bless her. She has left behind a rich legacy for all of us to enjoy.
David.

By Randy Russi (169.139.180.100) on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 02:19 pm:

Yes, David, I agree! Her post-Motown work,
particularly her Jubilee recordings, are great
R&B material, written & produced by Mary and
Cecil Womack, her husband at the time (from
66 to 77). "Mr. Tough" is one of my favorites
as well.

By TonyRussi (68.210.2.246) on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 03:02 pm:

"Mister Tough" was released by Jubilee after her contract was expired & at the same time Reprise released her new recording "I Found What I Wanted" recorded in Muscle Shoals produced by Sonny Limbo & Rick Hall.They cancelled each other out.Both were good solid recordings.

By MEL&THEN SOME (212.159.50.22) on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 03:05 pm:

Mary Wells
a truly great artist(andthensome).
I still have a good number of her 45s and a nice uk Oriole Album of hers.
Very much missed.
mel.

By Soul Sister (65.43.153.219) on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 03:21 pm:

LOVE Mary & Marvin's version of "Sentimental Reasons".