By KeithC (195.93.49.188 - 195.93.49.188) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 08:35 pm:

Just thought I would like to give Mary Wilson a mention on the Forum and hope that Fans will also add comments about her..
I think she is a classy lady,and should be commended for her work, and for helping to keep the Supremes Supreme...
Would be cool if anyone could add comments who have seen her performing or met her..

By Vickie (64.12.106.47 - 64.12.106.47) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 08:47 pm:

Keith,
I interviewed Mary for the book I am writing, she was completely gracious, kind, giving and modest.
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with her. A kind woman and she had a sense of humor too.
Vickie

By Keith C (195.93.50.179 - 195.93.50.179) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 09:51 pm:

Vickie,

Mary has such rare gifts, and talent that I felt the need to express my thoughts and share them with others.. I haven't been fortunate to see her live performances, but I hope very much that she will tour England or the UK very soon, and then I will get my chance.
I hope other Mary and Supreme Fans will express their feelings here also..
Keith

By Vickie (205.188.200.49 - 205.188.200.49) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 10:05 pm:

one more thing..
years ago I did some seat filling at an award show and I watched her coat when she left her seat..this was well over 10 years ago,
I just remember thinking "wow, that's a Supreme's
coat" when she returned to her seat she smiled and thanked me.

Vickie

By DntBThtGrl (204.58.233.1 - 204.58.233.1) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 11:59 am:

I was at Mary's house for a barbecue in Las Vegas a few years ago. I just remembered how beautiful and youthful she looked. And yes I was starstruck. My mom knew her when they were kids, and when she found out her son Pedro went to the same school as my little brother, they were reunited. Does anyone know if her mother is still around? I got the chance to meet her also over at the house.

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.122.50.15 - 213.122.50.15) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 12:14 pm:

Welcome to the forum DntBThtGrl.

By DntBThtGrl (204.58.233.1 - 204.58.233.1) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 12:16 pm:

Thank you!! I'm glad I found this site. My family on my father's side are all in Detroit, so it brings back memories.

By KeithC (195.93.49.171 - 195.93.49.171) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 03:30 pm:

Does anyone know if the Supremes version of Come and get these Memories of which Mary sang lead vocal,was (or has ever been) released as a single ?

Hi DntBthtGrl. I agree with you so much Mary is
still beautiful not only physically, but in other ways also.

By John lester (213.1.134.11 - 213.1.134.11) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 03:50 pm:

no it has not been a 45....but I have to admit it is the one track I used to play alot from a Go Go and I used to believe that it should have been a 45..

By KeithC (195.93.32.166 - 195.93.32.166) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 06:49 pm:

Thanks John, so right I am amazed it wasn't a 45 it sounds better each time you hear it.
dare I say it's Mary's sexy voice that does it :-)

By KeithC (195.93.32.161 - 195.93.32.161) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 07:54 pm:

Can anyone tell me if Mary was the founder of the
Primettes/Supremes ?, some say it was Mary and others Diana Ross.

By soulboy (213.105.242.198 - 213.105.242.198) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 09:21 pm:

I heard it was Florence ballard, hence the bitterness when Diane got the lead, and all the attention she got.This ultimately led to Florence's dismissal in 67.

By M.McLeanTech (209.245.68.40 - 209.245.68.40) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 03:33 am:

In early 1962, my driver's licence was under suspension, because of a serious accident in which I was judged negligent. I was living on the campus of Wayne University, very near Second and Forest. I took the bus to Motown every morning.

One morning, I walked down to the bus stop and ran into Mary Wilson and Diane Ross. They were also heading for Motown, and we had a very enjoyable chat. I remember very clearly how Mary spoke with eyes that were utterly clear, as if she believed that God was watching over her, while I got the impression of a steel hard look in Diane's eyes, even then, like Billie Holliday, or Dinah Washington.

All the years of running into Mary in the halls was utterly consistant: She always had that look of complete confidence in her willingness to surrender herself to you completely, with no holds barred, simply because she was a person who felt that it was better to be decent, then to pay attention to any mortal petty matters that can be solved simply by being kind.

The last time that I looked into those utterly beautiful eyes was at a chance meeting, in 1974, at an airport near Hudson, Ohio.

We swooned about how wonderful it was to run into each other again. Her face had not changed in any way whatever since I first had the prevlidge to engage her in conversation fourteen years before.

Someone above called Mary Wilson a "class act."

I second the emotion! The only lady that I ever met that had as much poise (and natural warmth), from day one, as Mary Wilson, was Dagmar Dolby, and possibly Ann-Margaret.

Mike McLean

By Vickie (152.163.205.77 - 152.163.205.77) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 05:54 am:

Beautifully said Mike!!!

Vickie

By Marv-n Gardens (170.20.93.185 - 170.20.93.185) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 11:49 am:

I remember the evening of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony held at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC, when the Supremes were inducted. We were on the air, broadcasting the event, when Mary entered the area we were in. The host looked at her and said "Mary Wilson's here. She makes Diana Ross look like Joan Rivers". She is astoundingly beautiful and it's nice to read that she's also a good person.

By Gabriele (212.171.155.22 - 212.171.155.22) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 12:35 pm:

I had the chance to know Mary by e-mail...She is a really kind and sweet lady!She is because that my idol and she is a great singer.A love a lot her performances on lead(COME AND GET...,THE TEARS,I CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF OF YOU).She's now organizing a Girl Group tribute,a ceremony for august with the SUPREMES,MARTHA & THE VANDELLAS,PATTI LABELLE & THE BLUEBELLE,MARVELLETTES and many others.

Gabriele

By detroit gal (152.163.205.71 - 152.163.205.71) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 12:49 pm:

Jeez,
Do we have to cut down Diana Ross, in order to praise Mary Wilson?

It ain't necessary, folks ...don't play into that nonsense.

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.122.177.236 - 213.122.177.236) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 01:13 pm:

Thanks Detroit Gal.

Looking at the guidelines at the side of the screen, the 'Joan Rivers' comment is abusive.
Abusive to Joan Rivers too I might add.

One thing that is apparent to me is that one day Diana Ross might end up on here...something that would please me no end.

I probably live in cloud cuckooland but I would prefer it if we all talked positively about people on here.

I do need help on all of this. Do we really need to censor above...or what?

By Vickie (64.12.105.33 - 64.12.105.33) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 04:01 pm:

Both women should be praised here..
Their contribution together is embedded in our lives forever..

Vickie

By KeithC (195.93.49.166 - 195.93.49.166) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 04:37 pm:

I echo your sentiment Vickie, all three of the original Supremes Diana, Mary, Florence were/are very talented ladies with such great poise and personality. I love the Supremes equally, But just admire Mary for (in my view) keeping the Supremes in high rank after Diana left.
Lets remember they were three friends who realised their ambitions( Florence for a short while sadly) and touched our lives (and still are doing so)

By detroit gal (64.12.102.151 - 64.12.102.151) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 10:13 pm:

I don't see any reason to omit the post, David,
now that some of us have weighed in that it's a cheap shot. If it was truly over the edge, I'd say take it out.

By CaptainBG (152.163.195.202 - 152.163.195.202) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 10:19 pm:

I agree 1000 %, The Supremes together were a fantastic unit. Noone can take away what they did to America and abroad. Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard were the hottest thing to come out of Detroit in a long time. Beauty, Brains, Professional, Soulful, Talented, and graceful. We wanted what they had and we soaked it all in.

By Ed Wolfrum (165.121.214.157 - 165.121.214.157) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 12:19 am:

Although we certainly do not want to damage the reputation of another by calumny, I think Mike's comments were astute observations and not meant in that manner. I would also have to agree with him from my later observations (1965), about Mary. I think Mike's observations are just that, observations and are not meant as critical. Diane as talented as she is, has not the warm personality of Mary. That is just the reality of the matter.

By detroit gal (152.163.207.73 - 152.163.207.73) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 02:02 am:

I actually don't think such comments should be censored, at all -- I'm just a little tired of the idea that you have to like Mary OR Diana but never both. Diana-bashing has been so fervent for yeeeeaaaars -- could anyone be that bad?

I think we can all say a lot in the spirit of debate as long as things stay friendly. I'll say to anyone, Diana had the most commercial voice, the exact girlish tone that BG knew would appeal to teenagers, and thus was the lead singer -- the idea that Mary or Flo would have done better -- and this view is rampant -- is just silly. Not in that form, not as the Supremes.

By M.McLeanTech (63.208.237.189 - 63.208.237.189) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 07:01 am:

I thank Ed Wolfrum for a very precise perception of what I had in mind when I spoke of the "steel" in the eyes of Diane Ross.

It takes a lot of hard nosed dedication to accomplish what Diana Ross has been able to do. I would not expect a fighter like Evander Holyfield to have as warm a personality, in person, as someone like Fran Allison, of Kulka, Fran, and Ollie. It is only natural when you consider the difference in focus and deturmination, regarding goals, achievment, and hard work to see these differences.

My point was to tell the story of meeting the two girls at the bus stop, and discribe it as I remember it. I am sorry if I triggered another attempt to tell a story (read the posting again, regarding Joan Rivers) that, presumably, actually happened.

I assume that this master of ceramonys actually did make that introduction on that occasion, in just! This fellow was simply reporting the event, as I was, about the bus stop.

I feel that folks with less then a complete education have a tendency to bitch and moan about everything that seems offensive, without understanding the context. Such people have created "tirrany of the masses" with the "politically correct" movment.

To censor that story about that night when the MC introduced Mary Wilson in that manner would be to chop off the very head of what this forum is all about: Telling true storys about what it was all about at Motown.

Sincerely,

Mike McLean

By KeithC (195.93.33.171 - 195.93.33.171) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 08:26 am:

I agree Mike,

People are 'People'( not Gods) and what it boils down to is to what lengths you are willing to go to achieve your goals.
Maybe some are willing to leave part of themselves behind along the way, and others are not.

By John Lester (213.122.202.77 - 213.122.202.77) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 08:43 am:

Whatever.......I can't help but feel a bit sorry that those ladies were able to join us all together in harmony for so many years and now, some 38 years on, we are still joined together but they don't appear to be. That is very sad.

I hear that both ladies have experienced some real hard times lately...I wish them both the best for the future and I am one who certainly wants to put the past firmly back in the past as far as that is all concerned. I hope we can all just move on.

By detroit gal (205.188.200.201 - 205.188.200.201) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 01:24 pm:

Amen, John ...

By Tony Reflections (68.40.213.22 - 68.40.213.22) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 01:58 pm:

In 1964 I toured with the Supremes, Diane, Mary and Florence. The most outstanding memories are, Mary Wilson's natural beauty with a personality to match, Florence Ballards great underated voice and Diane's better then thou attitude. As far as I'm concerned there are only two Supremes Mary & Florence. I always thought that florence was under-appreciated and poorly treated. Mary has always has been the ladie of the group. Always gracious to her fans and fellow performers. She's the best!!and I wish her the best.

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 02:03 pm:

What Mike says is all true, and nothing that is true should be censored here. Maybe the Diana Ross / Mary Wilson controversy can serve as a metaphor for the Motown / Detroit music scene.

I think it's entirely possible that those of you deeply ensconsed in the Norhtern Soul scene may have a false impression of how things really were in those days due in part to a nostalgic look backwards through those rose coloured glasses we are all so familar with.

Yes, it is true. Detroit was a wonderful place to be in the 60's if you were in the music business. But it wasn't some mystical Land of Nod. It was a rough and toumble city and the competition was severe. Berry intentionally ran Motown with the attitude of pitting producer against producer in order to get the very best out of everyone. And it worked.I suppose that was pretty much the case with all the independents also. It was a one on one battle to see who could produce the best records.

Because of this mind set, things wre not always pretty. In the case of Motown, I'm sure Mike, Ed Wolfom, Russ, Ken Sands and certainly I, could tell stories you may not really want to here.

The fact remains though that nothing is perfect and in spite of, or perhaps because of, these imperfections the Detroit music scene existed and flourished.

I suppose what I'm trying to say here is from time to time something may be said on this forum that may not always be to ones liking. However, if what is said is truth, then it must be said and hopefully Soulful Detroit will continue to grow. Platitudes are easy. Truth at times isn't.But I think we who were there owe it to those who were not, a complete and accurate acounting of how things actually were.

By Eli (205.188.198.36 - 205.188.198.36) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 02:18 pm:

Guido,
Please tell...tell...tell!! We need to hear the real deal and the real nitty griyyy (no pun intended) Inquiring minds need to know and ehen Guido talks, everyone listens!! Isn't that how the advert goes.
And by the way, DON'T GET ME STARTED!!!!!
nd, let us pay our respects to the late John Gotti who once said " All I want out of life is a good tuna sandwich!"

By Raphael the Clam (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 02:24 pm:

Hey Bobby,
I'm sure you have a few Philly stories that wouldn't pay on Ozzie and Harriett. However, for now, out of respect for the Don I must honour my vow of omerta.

By Paulie (205.188.198.36 - 205.188.198.36) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 02:28 pm:

I once had a pet clam named Raphael.
She had a beard though!!!!

By Ed Wolfrum (165.121.214.157 - 165.121.214.157) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 02:34 pm:

Amen, Ralph!!!

By Preacherman (205.188.198.36 - 205.188.198.36) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 02:41 pm:

Amen,(listen all my children)amen, aaaamen, amen amen!!

By Gabriele (212.171.164.229 - 212.171.164.229) on Wednesday, June 12, 2002 - 04:18 pm:

Let's check www.marywilson.com for other information about the Girl Group tribute!!It's a really good site full of informations.

By Millie (207.148.197.36 - 207.148.197.36) on Wednesday, June 12, 2002 - 08:22 pm:

While I never had the opportunity to meet Mary Wilson, I did meet Scherrie Payne while working on an Ian Levine project. She's one of the prettiest, warmest women I've ever met and I'm happy to say that I've never heard her say a negative word about any of the past, present, future Supremes!

By detroit gal (208.232.121.87 - 208.232.121.87) on Wednesday, June 12, 2002 - 08:38 pm:

Scherrie is a great gal, very warm and funny. She and Freda both ...she originally was talked about when Diana first left the Supremes, as a replacement lead singer, but she was teaching at the time or something.

She did join the Supremes later of course ...which means she wasn't a "fake" Supreme when she toured with Diana. People who actually saw that show by the way almost all gave it high marks ...

By KeithC (195.93.32.178 - 195.93.32.178) on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 - 08:20 pm:

Does anyone know what Cindy Birdsong is doing now ?
Also I have to say how good Jean Terrell was also
Up The ladder to The Roof, will always have a place in my soul.

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 - 08:43 pm:

Haven't a clue where Cindy is now. When she first came into the Supremes I picked her up at her hotel to bring her to the Motown building. She was very sweet and very shy but we had a nice conversation in the car on the way to Motown.

By soulboy (213.105.242.198 - 213.105.242.198) on Tuesday, June 25, 2002 - 04:53 pm:

I'd like to ask did a supremes/spector collaboration actually exist??,and when? According to the anthology album there is a song there called 'things are changing' i thought nothing of it until i played a sample (CDNOW) it sounds like vintage spector or a near perfect imitation of it by the motown crew. Anyone wish to comment??

By John Lester (213.122.204.37 - 213.122.204.37) on Tuesday, June 25, 2002 - 05:17 pm:

Oh my gawd...this could be a long one....so here is the abridged version.

Spector did a backing track, it was used by the Equal Opportunities Commisson to promote ..yeah you guessed it.

Many artists put their vocals on to the backing track...including Jay Black, the Blossoms and some others. The Supremes version is considered to be, by far, the best of them all...and that is by my Spector colleagues too.

It was promoted in a black and white sleeve and there was just that one song on the freebie.

HW put it out on the recent Supremes Anthology so you can buy it for a fraction of the price it cost me as a 45 in the 70's..........(for the knowledgeable here, I paid more for that than the Gospel Stars album on Tamla)

By soulboy (213.105.242.198 - 213.105.242.198) on Wednesday, June 26, 2002 - 02:14 pm:

Thanks John.
At the time of writing, i have with me a copy of MOJO collections it has a feature on the PHIL SPECTOR sound,it indicates that this record is worth £100. This was the Autumn 2001 edition. I thought nothing of it when i first read it as i knew it couldn't have been the REAL supremes. I was obviously wrong.

By Greg C. (209.71.79.181 - 209.71.79.181) on Wednesday, June 26, 2002 - 09:44 pm:

I had the opportunity to meet Mary Wilson along with Scherrie Payne and Susaye Green at a fan gathering for the Supremes in Detroit around the time the "High Energy" album was out and "I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do The Walking" was the serious summer jam of 1976. Mary was an absolute sweetheart. She sat and talked with us for hours.
The mood was relaxed and folks just kicked back, laughed, and enjoyed themselves.

I had the opportunity to meet her again in New York when her only solo Motown album was released in the summer of 1979. Again, the lady was a class act and engaged in informal conversation with me and a friend for a half hour before she had to take off for some media business.

There are certain events in history that we look back upon with a nagging "What if?" As far as the legacy of the Supremes is concerned it would have to be that dismal "Return to Love-2000 Supremes Reunion Tour." What a disaster!! That could have been so stellar! That's the kind of entertainment event you attend and remember for the rest of your life. I'm so sorry that didn't come off....

By detroit gal (64.244.93.44 - 64.244.93.44) on Wednesday, June 26, 2002 - 09:48 pm:

Greg,
Did you see the Return to Love tour?

By John Lester (213.1.134.85 - 213.1.134.85) on Wednesday, June 26, 2002 - 10:00 pm:

I paid OVER £100 for Things Are Changing back in the 70's so wherever Mojo got their latest value from, they didn't get it from me!!

I also bought a copy for £75 with no sleeve and a bit scratchy...again in the 70's.

That reminds me, Mojo have used my Glass House album in the August edition....not sure why yet!

By Greg C. (209.71.79.198 - 209.71.79.198) on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 04:21 am:

Hello Detroit gal,

Yes, I did see the show in Philadelphia and it was a major letdown. It was strange to see Diana Ross singing with Scherrie Payne and Lynda Lawrence and trying to pass themselves off as "The Supremes." It didn't look right or feel right. What bothered me was how the ladies were positioned on stage. Diana stood very far away from Scherrie and Lynda and seemed totally detached from them. It just did not flow! There was no history with these three women and you felt that.

What was truly embarassing was the empty arena. There were hundreds of empty seats. A lot of folks were just not supporting this venture and we all know what ultimately happened to this tour, the plug was pulled...

By detroit gal (64.12.105.46 - 64.12.105.46) on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 04:33 am:

I was in Philly too! I didn't think it was that empty, actually ... not as full as the Detroit show at any rate. I think the potential audience was divided by the Mary-Diana controversy, when these days in the touring concert biz you need every fan you can get.

As for Scherrie and Lynda being placed well behind Diana -- I think Diana would have been criticized if she'd had them up with her, she came in for so much flak for trying to pass them off as "real" Supremes. They weren't truly Supremes WITH her as Mary and Flo were, so they rightfully took more of a backup singer position on stage.

Taking away the "where was Mary" aspect, the show was pretty good. And I'll concede though that it was hard to forget Mary that night.

By Vickie (198.81.16.39 - 198.81.16.39) on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 05:51 am:

I would love to see Mary & Diana sing together again someday...Wishful thinking, but I a hoping for it one day..

By John Lester (213.1.129.59 - 213.1.129.59) on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 06:45 am:

Those two ladies know that deep down they love each other - they will work it out someday...it's just a matter of time.

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 01:29 pm:

John.
I wouldn't be holding my beath if I were you.When I first heard of the coming re-union tour of the Supremes I knew it would be a SMASH. How exciting! The Supremes finally together again. The prophecy of their final record together fulfilled. Unfortunately we all see what happened. Sadly it is what happens when greed and egos come into play and I really have to lay the blame at Diana's feet. Too bad. What could have been is now only conversation.

By detroit gal (64.12.105.23 - 64.12.105.23) on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 01:40 pm:

Well I think with her recent personal troubles, a lot of stuff is coming home to roost with Diana, so I can't help but feel a bit sorry for her.

Let's not forget, it took both women to negotiate a deal on the Supremes tour; Mary W. didn't think it was enough money and turned it down.

What I'm curious about it, when Smokey refuses to make even a ONE NIGHT ONLY appearance with the Miracles, for the Doo-Wop special on PBS ... he isn't low-balling them on money, he just doesn't want to sing with them ever again -- why does he not come in for any heat?

The Miracles would love to have that kind of appearance with Smokey; the fans would love it.

By John Lester (213.1.129.79 - 213.1.129.79) on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 02:05 pm:

One thing life has taught me....what goes around, comes around...by that I mean that the people you meet on the way up the ladder are the same ones you meet on the way down. I therefore assume that Diana may be meeting a few old friends these days!

And Sue, I too feel a bit sad for her...but it warms me to see how well she has brought up 5 wonderful children...and in any case, as we say in my part of town..she loves her mum. That last cockney saying means - despite all that has gone on in the past, she is still a decent and honourable person and I would be more than happy to have her as a neighbour

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 03:10 pm:

Sue,
Smokey isn't getting any heat because he is being up front with the situation. Whatever his reasons, he just doesn't want to sing with the group and I can respect that and leave the man his privacy. The Supremes fiasco was a totally different matter. The fans were told they would get the Supremes and they were cheated by 2/3s. I wish someone would have called me to negotiate that deal. I would have gotten Mary and Diana together and talked to them like the Dutch Uncle they never knew they had and I gaurentee you the real Supremes would have been on stage. My ego talking now......but I would have.

By detroit gal (63.85.105.9 - 63.85.105.9) on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 03:51 pm:

Ralph,

You're so right, Berry was their Dutch uncle back in the day -- somebody needed to be the boss of those girls, and still does, for them to get it together. I'm certainly no Diana apologist -- in my book I quote a lot of her female Motown colleagues dishing on Diana, although most of it's backstage rivalries -- still it was enough to tick off the Motown gift shop manager so he wouldn't carry my book.

But I think there's a lot of Supremes dysfunction here to spread around, they're fighting old battles dating from 1960 no doubt, and until someone tells them to knock it off, it won't end.

If I was Mary I would have taken the money offered and produced a socko show. As soon as it came time to renegotiate, I'd say pay me what's right or I'm staying away for the next tour. This way everybody lost.

But yeah Ralph, I wish you HAD been there.

P.S. I don't really agree on Smokey, he hasn't been honest, he just refuses to appear with the Miracles. He doesn't say why. --Sue

By soulboy (213.105.242.198 - 213.105.242.198) on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 04:29 pm:

I think smokey is quite shrewd, he probably realises that not many re-unions are really a success, after all many re-unions of classic 60S bands have been a disaster,i don't wish to comment which ones have been successful, and which ones have not,but you do not have to look very far in any genre of popular music.
He probably sees his time with the miracles as a unique moment in time(quite rightly), and one which cannot just be simply re-constructed at least 30 years later. This is despite the probability of huge sums of money on offer,you really have to respect this guy's integrity.
As far as the Supes are concerned, the bitterness and rivalry probably goes back years to Flo's dissmissal. any re-union between them would probably end in disaster. I am kind of glad they didn't (really) reunite.
On the other hand the prospect of Funk Brothers playing live with a re-united diana/mary is something we can all hope and dream about.Shame it will not happen until hell freezes over!

By detroit gal (63.85.105.9 - 63.85.105.9) on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 04:46 pm:

Well the Funks are pretty dishy about Diana's vocal abilities (laugh) ...

But it'd be a treat to hear nonetheless.

I don't know, I've gotten a lot out of seeing some of the old doo-wop bands reunited on those PBS specials -- the Tymes hadn't sung together with their lead singer in years, and that was great to see and hear.

So I disagree, if the vocal chops are there -- and they are for the Miracles, I haven't heard Smokey lately, it'd be great to hear those voices blend. --Sue

By John Lester (213.122.201.39 - 213.122.201.39) on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 05:03 pm:

Sue

Smokey was at Michigan recently...you must have missed it!!

The Velvelettes saw it and were mentioned by Smokey on stage!

By Ed Wolfrum (165.247.229.13 - 165.247.229.13) on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 05:47 pm:

I think the Mary, Diane thing in reality boils down to...Diane's. And we all who have worked with her have had a dose of that. If I were in Mary's position I think I would have done just what she did. The price for the "grief-factor" of dealing with this is X dollars. Anything less is not negotiable. We all have been in that position.

On the Funk brothers film I "gave away the store" on my fees, why, because of the FUNKS!!! They were my friends and it was worth every dollar I lost just be be with them again and see they got a good product. Beside's that, I got to work with Kooster and the Record Plant crew who had the same approach and show them the DETROIT SOUND ROPES which they respected and treasured. Hopefully, the mix sounds like it should as neither Kooster nor I had anything to do with that. Thankfully, Paul was there to see it was OK. I have heard from Babbit it is good. Would I do it again, if I could afford to yes. There was no real "grief factor."

Knowing what we insiders know...Mary knew well the price for the "grief factor." I think Mary did what was right for her at the time, Dutch uncle or no Dutch uncle. Now, if Ralph was there to smooth out the bumps in the "grief", it might have been a different story. Hindsight is 20/20

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 06:53 pm:

Ed,
Thanks for supporting my position. Grief factor or not ( and believe me it WOULD be warrented ) I would have insisted it was an even split three ways...period!!!
Thank you also Sue. However, I still must take issue with you on your position regarding Smokey. I still believe it's a privacy issue and he doesn't,in reaity, owe any of us any explanations. The Supremes did however owe us a show and it wasn't delivered.

By detroit gal (63.85.105.9 - 63.85.105.9) on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 10:22 pm:

John --

Yeah Smokey was here -- solo. ?? I'm talking about doing a show with the Miracles. He's resisted doing it for even a one-night-only.

So many of the anti-Diana camp are guys, I just feel I have to put in a word for her occasionally.

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 02:28 am:

Sue,
Please don't misunderstand me in the Issue here. I think Diana Ross is every bit the superstar she is. Extremely talented, singing and acting. And knows how to do a show. No Sue. Please understand I have total respect for Diana Ross.

By detroit gal (64.12.107.32 - 64.12.107.32) on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 02:49 am:

Oh I gotcha, Ralph ...

But I'm usually on the minority side of this issue.

I did hear, re Smokey, that he preferred for people to think of him as a solo artist, rather than a part of a group. But I think it would just enhance his solo career to remind people of how great he sounded with the Miracles, how wonderful those songs were. -Sue

By Vickie (198.81.17.54 - 198.81.17.54) on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 04:59 am:

I say you step in Ralph and make those two ladies sing together, if anything for my sake..


Blondie

By Vickie (198.81.17.54 - 198.81.17.54) on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 05:03 am:

I say you step in Ralph and make those two ladies sing together, if anything for my sake..


Blondie

By Julian (205.188.193.58 - 205.188.193.58) on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 07:02 am:

Detroit Gal, what is the name of your book?

By John Lester (213.1.132.25 - 213.1.132.25) on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 07:39 am:

Try Women of Motown ...an Oral History...by Susan Whitall

And Julian....you have been on the Motown list almost as long as I have, so you have no excuse for not getting it earlier....I hope Sue gives you seven lashes for your forgetfulness......(on second thoughts, maybe you might like that!!! LOL)

Velvelette, Norma talks about auditioning for Florence Ballards vacant position in the Supremes in that book

By Millie (68.40.198.72 - 68.40.198.72) on Saturday, June 29, 2002 - 12:19 am:

For all of you Mary Wilson fans, she's going to be performing at the Windsor Raceway in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, next Thursday, July 4th. I have free tickets which will include dinner if anyone's interested. E-mail me!

By John Lester (213.1.134.170 - 213.1.134.170) on Saturday, June 29, 2002 - 06:50 am:

Millie

Can you chuck in a plane ticket from London too...I dont mind skipping the meal!!!

LOL

Enjoy!!

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Saturday, June 29, 2002 - 10:23 am:

Nice offer Millie.

By Tyrone (192.128.133.68 - 192.128.133.68) on Monday, July 01, 2002 - 12:19 am:

Ralph,
Scherrie and Lynda 'were members of the Supremes'.
It was not billed as a REUNION tour but a RETURN TO LOVE tour. I, too, wish that Mary was a part of the tour but because of her own selfishness, she wasn't. Her thoughts were not on the fans. I don't understand how people can say that the tour's faults were all Diana's. For a few million dollars, I would've stuck my hand out (Stop!...), boo'd hoo'd (Come See About Me), baby baby'd (Where Did Our Love Go), et al. I attended the Atlanta show and enjoyed every bit of the concert. By the way, I am a Supreme fan first then a Ross fan. I also enjoyed the moment because of the fact that Scherrie was on the show as well and did a wonderful job especially her rendition of Stoned Love. As far as I'm concerned the billing was correct -- DIANA ROSS AND THE SUPREMES. What's the difference between Ross taking girls out as the Supremes (legit members of the trio) and Mary taking out girls billed as the Supremes and none were ever Supremes (legitimately)? But still I look forward to the day when Ross, Mary and Cindy can tour as a group again. Oh yeah and Ralph, if I were in charge, the split would've been four ways, Diana, Mary , Cindy and Flo's children, 25% each.

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Monday, July 01, 2002 - 01:10 am:

I suppose we all could speculate ( which we have been ) on this issue, but none of us really knows what actually took place in this matter. Please understand, I appreciate everyone's input here, but it seems we have reached our limit and there really isn't much of anything else to be said. I think out of respect for the women in the Supremes it's time to discontinue this conversation. As moderator I will allow ths thread to run until tomorrow at which time I will have it transfered to the archives. Thanks for understanding.
Ralph Terrana

By Blondie (64.12.103.22 - 64.12.103.22) on Monday, July 01, 2002 - 01:24 am:

I support you moderator, I still want you to step in and have them sing together one day...

Blondie

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Monday, July 01, 2002 - 01:32 am:

Thanks Blondie,
How's the book coming? Believe me, I would LOVE to get the girls together and if the opportunity arose I would give it my best shot.

By Vickie (64.12.103.22 - 64.12.103.22) on Monday, July 01, 2002 - 01:37 am:

Heyyyyy Ralph!!!!
Book is going good, this forum keeps me motivated in so many ways..I really enjoy everyone so much.
I have been behind in reading stuff..but have to read about my Supremes when I see they have a new post..Was thrilled to see Cal Street post something a few days ago on The Funk Bros. thread.

Vickie

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Monday, July 01, 2002 - 01:46 am:

That's the beauty of this forum Vickie. One day Marshall Crenshaw appears and soon after in comes CaL Street. How cool is that??

By Vickie (64.12.103.22 - 64.12.103.22) on Monday, July 01, 2002 - 01:55 am:

it is pretty cool...I love it!!

Vickie

By John Lester (213.122.203.162 - 213.122.203.162) on Monday, July 01, 2002 - 06:39 am:

Don't we all!