By longgonelover (65.238.140.44) on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 11:00 pm:

Does anyone out there have an "in" with Mary Wilson and know if there is ever a possiblibity of a Mary, Jean and Cindy Reunion? I've recently talked to so many people who asked about that and would love to see it.

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 11:35 pm:

Mary just released a letter on her website asking for understanding and support per her battle for the name(i have already emailed Universal per Maty getting the rights and to prevent further dilution of the legacy per fake groups--Univresal/Motown must start caring about the Supremes legacy and the fans) She doenst want to do a 70s reunion until/if there is a M-C-D reunion.

By Vickie (198.81.26.231) on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 11:58 pm:

Got my fingers crossed ...

I want to see Mary and Diana together again..
Sorry folks I just have to see that in my life time...
I don't care what anyone says..
as long as they are together just once..
I love Jean and Cindy too....

But I love Mary Wilson & Diana Ross.


Vickie

By luvthesupremes (205.188.209.109) on Saturday, May 31, 2003 - 05:01 pm:

This was posted on Mary Wilson's website yesterday from Mary:

AN OPEN LETTER FROM MARY WILSON ABOUT THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE SUPREMES NAME AND LEGACY

First of all, I want to thank everyone for buying and enjoying the recent �The Supremes: The 70s Anthology,� which Universal/Motown put out. It was a wonderful project, and I had so much fun organizing it with Harry Weinger and Andy Skurow. I spent almost a year reminiscing and reviewing the good old days. As you can tell, this package was not just thrown together. I reviewed each song and made suggestions to Harry and Andy, and what didn�t represent each group member fairly, they changed.


Unfortunately, I was not able to be in Los Angeles for the CD signing party. I certainly wanted to support the project 100%. But, the signing party that was planned in LA was done unofficially by fans; not by Universal/Motown, and there was not a lot of advance publicity for it. So, when the date was chosen, I was unavailable due to some prior projects. I am currently in litigation with 2 members of the 70s Supremes-Lynda Laurence and Scherrie Payne-and I did not feel comfortable being in that environment. It was a very difficult position for me to be in-wanting to be there to support the project, yet feeling that I really couldn�t be there to enjoy the moment.


THE TOUR

I know there is a lot of buzz now about a proposed 70s Supremes tour. Basically, for me, it is not what I want to do at this time in my life. I have carved out my own career and goals. The only 2 Supremes I would want to do a reunion tour with right now are the Original Supremes. Obviously, Flo cannot be a part of any such reunion. But I would be happy to reunite with Diane and Cindy. If that comes about, I would entertain a 70s Supremes tour. But, for me, the 60s Supremes reunion must come first.


Until everyone stops laying claim to the Original Supremes legacy and status, I really cannot do it. Everyone must know her place in the lineage. Yes, there were 70s Supremes. But now they are claiming a history and legacy that Flo, Diane and I created, which they must understand if they want me to embrace them.


My suggestion to them is that they choose their own name and use their wonderful talents in that way, and stop claiming the legacy of The Supremes-Florence Ballard, Diana Ross and Mary Wilson. Until they do that, I cannot be a part of anything they do. It would be great if they could come up with their own name. Maybe that is something the fans can help with. Then they can certainly sing the 70s Supremes songs, which they recorded and were a part of.


Susaye Greene wrote the most beautiful letter explaining her reasons for not wanting to participate in a tour, and explaining all of this. I suggest that you read it on her Yahoo Message Board. It explains truthfully the situation and The Supremes� legacy. Like Susaye, I am all about truth.


So, until the various legal issues outlined below are resolved, I simply cannot be a part of any 70s Supremes reunion. My life is mine to choose what course I will take. I have given 44 years to The Supremes. This last quarter of my life I want to live as true and honest to my own beliefs as I choose. This is not a career choice; it is a life/personal choice.


THE STATUS OF LITIGATION

Many of you may not know that I applied for the trademark �The Supremes� in the U.K. in 1995. Almost immediately, Lynda and Scherrie disputed my application. They claimed that they have a greater claim to �The Supremes� mark, because they have toured extensively in the U.K. for the past 10 years, and have released at least 9 CDs using �The Supremes� mane. As you know, most of these CDs were re-recordings of original Supremes songs from the 1960s. Several of the CDs have even used pictures of the Original Supremes-Mary Wilson, Diana Ross and Florence Ballard-on the covers.


To make a long story short, my U.K. trademark application was rejected, because Lynda and Scherrie successfully convinced the U.K. Trademark Appointed Person that they have a greater claim to the mark-based on 10 years of unauthorized use of the name. Of course, I appealed that decision. My appeal was denied, because the U.K. Trademark Office feels that I applied for the mark in �bad faith.� To add insult to injury, Lynda and Scherrie have now applied for the trademark. And, to make matters worse, I have been ordered by the U.K. courts to pay Lynda and Scherrie and Lynda 1,400 pounds in legal fees. How is it possible that Lynda-a person who came into The Supremes in the 70s and walked out after 1 year, and Scherrie-who was in The Supremes only during its last 3 years-can have more rights to the group name than an original, founding member of The Supremes-the member who managed the group and handled its business and financial affairs throughout the 70s, and who has lived her entire life as a Supreme?


The other serious issue I am facing now is Kaaren Ragland�s Sounds of The Supremes suit seeking $400,000 in damages from me. In 1997, I filed suit seeking to prevent Former Ladies of The Supremes and Sounds of The Supremes from being billed simply as, �The Supremes.� In 1999, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that my suit was without basis, because Universal/Motown-and not Mary Wilson-owns �The Supremes� trademark in the U.S. Kaaren Ragland�s counterclaim states that I interfered with her Sounds of The Supremes business by sending letters to various talent buyers stating that �Sounds of The Supremes� is not �The Supremes� and should not be billed as such. While my lawyer did send out letters to 2 buyers, Sounds of The Supremes played those dates anyway. We did submit to negotiations with an arbitrator, in an attempt to come up with a settlement in this case. However, Sounds of The Supremes is insisting that I pay the $400,000 or going to trial. Again, how is it possible that a former backup singer for me in the 70s and 80s-who was NEVER a member of The Supremes-can have more claims to the name than an original, founding member?


So, now you have Former Ladies of The Supremes and Sounds of The Supremes out there claiming to be �The Supremes� in the U.S. and U.K. This has hurt my income, and it confuses the public. In fact, my agent just returned from a trade show in Europe, where he discovered several groups of �Supremes� being represented for talent buyers. Every time he contacts a talent buyer in the U.K. about booking me for a tour, the response is, �Oh, we just had The Supremes here last week. We can�t use Mary at this time.�


During the 1960s, there were 3 icons that changed the social tenor of the music world-The Beatles, Elvis Presley and The Supremes. And, when you think of The Supremes, only 3 names come to mind for most people-Diana, Mary and Flo. How is it that the legal system can award the rights to use the name to those who did not create the legacy? Today, with at least 6 different groups of Supremes out there, �The Supremes� name has become worse than The Drifters and The Coasters. I have spent the past 20 years-and literally millions of dollars-championing this fight for my rights and to protect the legacy and heritage that Flo, Diane and I created. But it is about more than just my rights. Countless other legendary performers from the 1950s and 60s are having their identities and legacies stolen by bogus groups; such as The Marvelettes, The Coasters, The Drifters, The Platters and The Shirelles. Through my work with an organization called F.A.M.E. (Friends Against Musical Exploitation of Artists), we, others, and myself are working to provide recognition and legislation that will protect the legacies of these National Treasures.


In closing, I can no longer afford to fight these issues alone. It is time for Universal/Motown and the entire entertainment industry as a whole to get behind this struggle to ensure that the legendary vocal groups of the 1950s, 60s and 70s are upheld as National Treasures.


Thank you for your continued support and for the love you show to me and to the heritage of The Supremes. I know that I may lose many of you by speaking out on these issues. However, I have remained silent for years because I truly believe that Jean and Scherrie are among the greatest singers out there. That�s why I fought Berry Gordy to keep Jean in the 70s line up, and why I left the group to Scherrie when I left in 1977. Unfortunately, neither she nor Susaye took up the mantle. Again, I carried on and fulfilled the dates left on our itinerary, so that The Supremes wouldn�t be sued. I didn�t try to stop Jean, Scherrie and Lynda when they first went out as The FLOS (Former Ladies of The Supremes), because they were former members of the 70s Supremes. However, now they-as well as Sounds of The Supremes-- go out with ladies who were never members of the 70s Supremes, simply as �The Supremes.�

Touch,

Mary Wilson

By Vickie (198.81.26.231) on Saturday, May 31, 2003 - 06:51 pm:

I love this woman..


You Go Girl!

God Bless Mary Wilson, Diana Ross & Florence Ballard!

By Chad (152.163.252.68) on Saturday, May 31, 2003 - 07:02 pm:

Sounds like Mary didn't dot the i's and cross the t's until too late and now she's whining. She should have TCB when she had a chance. Her emotion will count for nothing in a civil court.

By Marv (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, May 31, 2003 - 08:35 pm:

Yeah well it is evident that you don't know the whole story. Back in 1974 Mary Wilson would have owned the name Supremes until Motown played dirty pool and her crooked attorney at the time flipped over and Motown ended up with the name. I am happy she is finally getting what should have been rightfully hers long ago. Love you Mary and I say it again " You Go Mary!"

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Sunday, June 01, 2003 - 11:46 am:

U go Marv. Lets not blame the victim. Mary was lied to and told Motown had the copyright went it didnt. I so admire her perseverance and support of fans and the Supreme legacy.

By Love Child (198.81.26.231) on Sunday, June 01, 2003 - 05:43 pm:

Elvis' legacy is left to his family...
Beatles' Legacy is left to Paul & Ringo.....
Supremes legacy shoudl be left with Mary -

Nuff Said...

she has Diana's back ...and like she said 60's Supremes Reunion should come first..

Vickie

By ronni (65.238.115.53) on Sunday, June 01, 2003 - 08:35 pm:

Well......does anyone think they'll ever be THAT concert of Mary, Diana and Cindy? Is Ms. Ross the hold up? Probably promoters, too? After that last fiasco they may be gun shy.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Sunday, June 01, 2003 - 10:21 pm:

Chad:
Before you jump to conclusions with such a statement, I suggest you read the responses that have been posted and do some research. I also suggest you read Mary's autobiography and sequel - what Marv and Vandelron have said is true and mentioned in her books. It has nothing to do with emotion - the fact is the name should belong to whomever was in the original group. Something Mary is entitled to.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Sunday, June 01, 2003 - 10:33 pm:

I have followed the legalities closely. I wonder why the Shangri-las case hasnt set a precedent(they won their name back and then licensed it out to 3 others). Mary lost to SOS-sounds of Supremes one of whom was a backup for Mary and ads says she was a former Supreme!!-and Mary has to pay her 400,000--and apparently is appealing. When Lawrence and Payne won name in England, court said Mary sued in "bad faith"--the original Supreme!!!!You would think a great attorney who loves rock and roll would get on this. I just dont understand how Mary's last legal team said even tho Motown and or Mary's lawyer lied and blotted out Mary's copyright request it was still legal!!!?????????????????

By Soul Sister (65.43.150.250) on Sunday, June 01, 2003 - 10:42 pm:

Howell Begle;
Where are you, another R&B original needs help!!! Thanks for all the great work you've done on behalf of the foundation artists of R&B.
Sincerely, S.S.

By RD (63.188.32.53) on Sunday, June 01, 2003 - 11:09 pm:

Here's a link to some legal documentation and opinion on the Supremes' trademark case in the UK.

http://www.jenkins-ip.com/mym/autumn2001/mary.htm

By B-town (207.8.188.200) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 02:21 pm:

It seems that the truth and the "Letter of the Law" are totally distinct.

By FLOY JOY (24.30.98.236) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 09:59 pm:

Hi SUPREMES FANS.I know some of you won't like this.Do you really beleave all the things that MARY WILSON is saying?I don't.First of all she is saying that former ladies of THE SUPREMES is taking work form her.Not true.MARY works all the time.This year former ladies of THE SUPREMES had maybe five jobs.MARY WILSON again works all the time.And thats good for MARY.You see MARY WILSON has put all THE SUPREMES(FLORENCE BALLADR DIANA ROSS CINDY BIRDSONG JEAN TERRELL LYNDA LAURENCE SHERRIE PAYNE and SUSAYE GREENE)down.What a joke. MARY got you FANS thinking that LYNDA LAURENCE is some kind of monster.(what a joke)If you think THE SUPREMES(MARY WILSON CINDY BIRDSONG JEAN TERRELL)will tour you really don't know MARY WILSON.If MARY really cared about her fans she would have showed up for THE SUPREMES 70s Anthology C-D SIGNING PARTY(in hollywood)Seeing all THE 70s SUPREMES TOGETHER IS A FANS DREAM.I had a great time meeting SUPREMES CINDY BIRDSONG JEAN TERRELL LYNDA LAURENCE SHERRIE PAYNE and SUSAYE GREENE.Now that was MARY'S lost(i'm from NEW YORK)I could be wrong i think MARY only wants the name to stop former ladies of THE SUPREMES from working.(thats a shame)I know you fans are saying he dosen't like MARY WILSON(that not true)i saw MARY WILSON in SOPHISTICATED LADY and she was the best i ever seen her.(she was great)MARY is always saying THE SUPREMES were MARY DIANE and FLO.She dosen't want to give the other SUPREMES any credit.What about THE 70s SUPREMES CINDY BIRDSONG JEAN TERRELL LYNDA LAURENCE SHERRIE PAYNE SUSAYE GREENE?(what a joke)There's a reason why MARY lost all her law suite.MARY needs to just STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE(SMILE)
p.s FANS came from all over THE U-S for THE 70s SUPREMES Anthology C-D Signing party.I want to say thank to who ever put it together.FLOY JOY

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 10:38 pm:

At SD we respect all opinions and I do. It would have been impractical and unreal for Mary to go to signing considering RTL and lawsuits--the real world. Mary put effort and time into the anthology as exec producer. Mary felt devastated by RTL. Lynda has continued to speak ill of Mary in print,as recently as last month. Mary has not been doing the same. I have an email from Lynda where she bashed Mary. Mary is an ORIGINAL and has continued the legacy since 1977. She helped build the group and sustained it through the 70s. Did Pete Best get the rights to the name Beatles in the US?

By ..... (207.241.96.10) on Saturday, June 14, 2003 - 04:44 am:

When did Mary put down all of the former Supremes? In the past, Mary has expressed her views. They're her opinions, but that doesn't necessarily make them putdowns.
Mary didn't make me think anything. Lynda's stunts did. Bizarre blame Mary comments (in Chatbusters), firing Jean from The Flos, bizarre press releases (Scherrie and Lynda have been Supremes for 26 and 20 years), mislabeled CDs and print size variances on tour posters/promos are what might some people think twice about supporting Scherrie and Lynda,
On the 70s CD signing tip, did Mary sign a contract to appear. If she didn't, she wasn't required to attend (a la Scherrie and Susaye not signing a South American 1977 tour contract). If a performer hasn't signed a contract, they're not obligated to appear and a fan's approval or disappointment doesn't factor in.
hehehehehehehe

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Saturday, June 14, 2003 - 06:08 pm:

Well said .....(207...)--Lynda has also said that she she was offered a chance to be a superstar in Australia for million/millions. Hmmmmmm.

By westwinds (65.238.140.81) on Saturday, June 14, 2003 - 07:05 pm:

Hmmmmmm is right. Doing what? Rounding up kangaroo's?

By stephanie (64.63.221.67) on Saturday, June 14, 2003 - 09:30 pm:

LOL
Stephanie

By Eli (141.151.56.7) on Sunday, June 15, 2003 - 11:42 am:

Van..Millions of what...pennies????

By Marv (64.12.97.7) on Sunday, June 15, 2003 - 11:05 pm:

I have a question. If the 70's Supremes Anthology "CD signing" party was such a big deal, then how come it didn't get ANY media attention? 99.99% of the U.S. Population never heard about it! I didn't see coverage of this "historical" event on ET, Access Hollywood,etc. Did anyone else?

By : (198.81.26.231) on Sunday, June 15, 2003 - 11:29 pm:

Bravo Marv!!!

By ..... (207.241.96.10) on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 11:26 am:

I only heard about it via the Internet. Some music magazines and California newspapers covered it, but that's about it.
hehehehehehe

By marv (152.163.252.68) on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 12:16 pm:

Maybe they did really need Mary there. After all , she DOES know how to get on ET and Access Hollywood when she needs to!!! LOL

By : (198.81.26.231) on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 12:46 pm:

Mary said that it was organized by fans...is that true?

if so, that explains a whole lot.

By john john (24.30.98.236) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 09:24 am:

MARY WILSON has said bad thing about the other SUPREMES DIANA FLORENCE CINDY JEAN LYNDA SHERRIE SUSAYE.Just read DREAMGIRL and SUPREME FAITH.I like all THE SUPREMES too.I think that Mary dosen't like Lynda because she dosen't take any bull crap.Who ever put THE SUPREMES 70s ANTHOLOGY C-D signing party together(even if they were fans) what a nice thing to do.I just wish i could have been there.Also i heard MARY WILSON ask MOTOWN not to go near THE 70s SUPREMES ANTHOLOGY C-D SIGNING PARTY.Know that explains it.I guess that's why we're still talking about it.When MARY WILSON said some fans put it together it seems like she's putting her fans down for doing a nice thing.As far as media attention we the fans.We are still talking about it(THE 70s SUPREMES)

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 10:49 am:

John-John:
First of all, have we read the same books? Both books I read by Mary had balanced accounts of each member.

Second, Mary wasn't the only one who may have had a clash or two regarding Lynda Lawrence. Even Diana Ross took issue with Lynda's "diva-ish" attitude some time ago.

Third, the reason why Mary said that the autograph signing may have been organized by fans was because Motown/UMG did not sponsor or was involved in any way with the event. For Mary to tell Motown/UMG (a mighty big organization if you ask me) not to be involved in the autograph signing would be like the ant telling the exterminator not to spray the Raid. By no means was Mary insulting anybody when she made that statement.

Respectfully,
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By ..... (207.241.96.10) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 07:56 pm:

Tell all books are written from an author's perspective. If any former Supremes' member wishes to refute anything Mary said, they can write a book too.
hehehehehehe

By Soul Sister (68.73.167.246) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 08:27 pm:

Anybody who thinks Mary Wilson is mean-spirited does NOT know Mary.
Soul Sister

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 09:49 pm:

U said it soul sister. Once Miss Mary acknowledged my recovery anniversary from the stage after I had mentioned it to her in a long book lining signing before the concert. She remembered it hours later and wanted to give me support in the middle of HER concert. Another time at a Waldenbooks she went to the rear of the store w/my best firend's wife so they could talk in private about an autographed gift for me. She took the time with a stranger to do something special for a fan. After her first show at BBKing's in 2000 she came upstairs dripping with sweat to sign autographs for fans before her next show--this was in the middle of RTL and her getting her degree. She was as gracious as could be and acknowledged my support of her being true to herself per RTL. During a concert when an entusiastic fan yelled "Diana who" after Mary knocked the place out with a song, she said "NO NO--there were three of us." She is a supreme person as well as a supreme Supreme. Talk about class and humanity. She makes the world a better place.

By Soul Sister (68.73.167.246) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 10:49 pm:

I, too experienced her graciousness, generosity, & CLASS, first hand, you can't disguise pretetuous (sp.) with sincerity, and that is one lady thats genuine all the way! No mistaking it, Mary is the definition of sincerity.

Vandelron;
Thanks for recalling your story for all to see.
S.S.

By Vandleron (24.44.20.172) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 11:45 pm:

My pleasure Soul Sister--u said it so well--she radiates sincerity.

By Vickie (198.81.26.231) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 11:50 pm:

I don't know Mary, but I can say she was gracious, kind, nice, and giving of her time and energy when I interviewed her for the book..
Nice radiated through the phone when I spoke to Mary..

Vickie

By Soul Sister (68.73.167.246) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 12:03 am:

Vickie;
I know what you mean. I don't know her personaly either but I have met her and that sweet radience comes through, she is a sincerely kind person, naturally, it wasn't at all public personna. She's the real deal!
S.S.

By Marv (64.12.97.7) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 09:14 am:

Mary Wilson has always been wonderfully nice to me throughout all these years she is a truly great lady.

By Andy Skurow (152.163.252.68) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 12:30 pm:

I think the key word here is perception. It's important to be willing to look at the Supremes politics from all sides. None of them are saints, none of them are villains. Fans have very solid opinions, based upon what they've read. But many of the books written about them inaccurately describe some of the simplest details about these ladies.


For me personally, I've found most of the Supremes charming, gracious and kind. Scherrie and Susaye won points in my book for their kindness. I worked for Mary for many years, even lived with her for a few years. She is one of the most generous and wonderful people I've ever met. I've witnessed both Diana's amazing love and her volatile temper. It doesn't make me love her any less, just understand her a little bit better. Those who haven't witnessed these women first-hand don't understand. Diana and Mary have lived in a fish-bowl since they were 21! Of course each of them has different perspectives from each other, and different from each of us. These women experienced what most of us could only dream of.

Each former Supreme is following her own path, seeking her own truth, and ultimately, surviving. It doesn't mean that that each Supreme hasn't had a mis-step somewhere along the way. They're all human. This knowledge hasn't made me dislike any one Supreme any less, it only strenthened my appreciation for each of them in different ways.

As for the signing, it's true Universal did not organize the event, but as co-Producer of the CD, I would have been there in a heartbeat to support the event. However, the fans who organized it didn't tell me. Perhaps its just my own ego, but I was disappointed because I wanted to go. Like many of the fans, I read about it on the Internet two weeks before it happened. Nobody told me not to go, certainly not Mary. It was too late for me to re-arrange my schedule and get an affordable ticket.

My biggest hope is that each of the Supremes can work out their individual situations with each other. Work out their personal relationships, work out usage of the name, find a way to make music together. But truthfully, that's up to each of them, and its a dream the fans seem to be holding onto much tighter than the ladies are.

I hope that the fans use their energies to creatively help the Supremes, not perpetuate the myths and the catfights. Like everyone else, I'd love to see a reunion. If it's meant to be, it will happen. Someday...

By TonyRussi (68.210.7.184) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 12:34 pm:

Very Nice Andy well said!

By Eddie Love (24.30.98.236) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 12:35 pm:

MARY WILSON a nice person.I don't think so.Where did you hear that DIANA ROSS had a run in with Lynda LAURENCE?Who ever told you that told you a lie.DIANA ROSS likes LYNDA and SHERRIE because they are very nice people.MARY use to be a nice person.(i just don't know what happen to her)She seem to be a bitter person.At one time i was a big MARY WILSON fan(until i saw the real MARY WILSON).I just hope you fans never see that side.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 12:50 pm:

Andy:
I remember when you had just started working with Mary and Motown on the Supremes reissues over ten years ago. If ANYONE besides Soul Sister, Vandelron & Cleoharvey can testify to Mary's personality it is you.

I met Mary back in 1992 when she came into my store (the former HMV Record Store on West 72nd & Broadway) to purchase Supremes CDs (that's right - purchase, and believe me I gave my Motown rep major-league hell that she had to buy her own CDs). She was very gracious, warm and kind (she even held my arm as I was helping her find the CDs). She gave me a copy of her CD "Walk The Line" (sadly out of print) and later sent me an autographed postcard from Las Vegas.

Mary is indeed a class act. Anyone who says otherwise needs to have their head examined.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By can can (198.53.94.32) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 03:14 pm:

Just wondering "Eddie Love" (or whatever).. have you met Ms. Wilson personally?

By can can (198.53.94.32) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 03:26 pm:

Very well said Andy.. I've definitely made it known that I'm a big supporter of Mary Wilson, but I do respect the talents of all the ladies,(even Lynda to a certain extent) and even Diana.. She may stir up very strong opinions from a lot of people, and there are some things regarding her that I don't like.. she definitely has qualities and talents that I admire. I don't have the same respect for some of her fans, but that's all separate from the music and Diana herself..

BTW I'd like to thank you in part for the wonderful 70s Anthology CD.. never thought that one would ever be done...much less be done so well..

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 03:30 pm:

Eddie:
As Mary's colleague Stevie Wonder once sang, "There's good & bad in everyone...."

If you had to endure the hell & high water this woman went through in her life - from her career to her marriage to losing her only son in an auto accident in which she was behind the wheel - I would have my good days and bad.

By the way - since I have the courage to use my real name out here why not show some guts and tell us who you really are. It's obvious that Eddie Love, Floy Joy & John-John are the same person (how dare you use the name of my favorite Kennedy..)so why not tell us who you are since you claim to have such insight. Since meeting her in 1992, I've spoken & met with Mary on three other occasions plus one of her attorneys is my business attorney. So, show yourself.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By blueskies (65.238.140.37) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 03:44 pm:

FYI.....Mary Wilson has another son and a daughter. She lost one in an auto accident.

By Vickie (198.81.26.231) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 06:28 pm:

I say Bravo to Mary...

All that and your're a mother too....
I did not know she had other children...I thought just the one son that passed.

By blueskies (65.238.91.30) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 09:17 pm:

Mary moved to Las Vegas to be close to her grandchildren and daughter, Turkessa. I believe her daughter works in the travel business. I'm not sure what her other son is doing. They're all adults now. When her first book was big some 15 years ago, I think she had her kids in private schools in England for awhile.

By stephanie (64.63.221.95) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 12:33 am:

If you had to endure the hell & high water this woman went through in her life - from her career to her marriage to losing her only son in an auto accident in which she was behind the wheel - I would have my good days and bad. >>>>

KevGo made a very important point!!! This is my opinion but I think that Mary Wilson was tired of living in the shadow of Diana Ross!!! When the 70s Supremes were successful Mary said people always asked about Ross all of the time and the group was searching for their own identity!! If any of us were in the group and the lead singer (even though at the time they were receiving the same pay) was datingt the boss and getting preferential treatment I think anyone of us would have been upset. If Im wrong anyone can correct me. I have heard people say that Mary should have kept her mouth shut and gone along for the ride. Well that is easier said than done when you are in that situation. Why should Mary have jeopardized her career for Flo? I love Flo Ballard and she is my favorite Supreme but Mary was afraid to take up for her she didnt want to be booted out of the group and even if Diana and Flo took up for Mary if Diana was STILL getting preferential treatment and being agressive would Flo have changed her tune? Any fool can see that Ross used her power with Gordy and yes her talent most people in show business do that. Look at Mariah and Tommy Mottola it doesnt hurt that Tori Spelling is the daughter of Aaron Spelling and she got a part on Beverly Hills 90210!!

I think Mary wrote the book Dreamgirl to tell her story and to make money. I still say Dreamgirl didnt tarnish Diana's image the way Call Her Miss Ross did. Even before that book came out there were always rumors of Miss Ross's attitude the books just confirmed them thats all. Every single person who has been interviewed about Diana Ross says something about her attitude with the exception of Smokey Robinson. Ross was a hard worker and so is Mary Wilson. Mary wrote the book I guess because she needed money and that was a great marketing ploy to call it Dreamgirl. I heard it was going to be called Reflections at first I dont know if that is true or not. Diana is a prime example of someone who had opportunities and took them. I think Mary and Flo were more group types its evident Diana wanted to be a solo she is not the team player type and fool can see that. I never will forget when Barbara Walters asked Gordy if he forgave Ross for leaving Motown and he said YES. He shouldnt have to forgive her she was offered more money by RCA and she took it. She would have stayed if he offered her the money she was asking for its all business and Gordy didnt deliver. To Gordys credit when he didnt date Diana anymore he still helped her in her career she was a cash cow for Motown. I do believe the two of them really loved each other in their own way but Gordy was not faithful to Diana in the relationship and we all know that according to his book and other books. Mary Wilson like any other celebrity likes the press and Mary doesnt even milk the press as much as some other stars do. I have heard some fans who dont like Mary say that she always has to mention Diana people ASK her about Diana. I say that if talking about Diana or the Supremes (which she is one of them) gets her money then why not? Mary Wilson found more success later in life and I say write the books and talk and keep singing and making a living, if you read the last chapter of Marys double book Dreamgirl and Supreme Faith together you will see how she got ripped off and you will understand why she is so upset. Suppose there were 10 KevGos' or 50 Bobby Eli'srunning around pretending to be these people or making money off of their name or anyone's name on the forum you would be mad and bitter too.

I know I may be out of turn in saying this but when Gamble and Huff are constantly mentioned and Bobby Eli and the people from MFSB are not mentioned I can see how any of those guys would be upset. Just NOW are the Funk Brothers getting their just due!!! When is MFSB going to get theirs? There is no way on gods green earth that
anyone can say that when the artists at Motown were getting all of the acclaim that the Funk Brothers or at least one of them in the good old days was not upset that they were not mentioned.
You cant tell me that Nedra and Estelle were not a little upset when Ronnie Spector was in the studio and they werent. You cant tell me that these people dont feel this way or that the Vandellas dont get upset when they are not mentioned with the exception of the die hard fans.
I would be. The Vandellas backgrounds along with Mary and Flo were crucial to the sound of the hits. The only group I can remotely think of that there may not have been a hinge of jealousy is the Four Tops and we really dont know about them either.

I say that Mary Wilson set a precedent and all of the other Motown books came out after hers and she made it known that a background singer CAN be a star in the background and continue to carry on a legacy and be a writer and make a solo career out of singing the hits too. I know that Diana said on 20/20 that she doesnt understand why Mary is so bitter or she thinks someone is doing things to her. I know that what happened to her in the past was the past but some of us dont forget things and I know all of us have something thats been hard for us to forgive someone for. If Miss Ross cant understand why Mary would be bitter than she is not as smart as I thought she was. She is not stupid she doesnt need money the way Mary does..so Mary wrote a book big deal. Diana wrote one too but hers didnt sell well.
I like Diana Ross and Mary Wilson and all of the Supremes but Mary Wilson has been through a lot and after losing her son I thought she might go off of the deep end. In the early 80s I saw Mary play in a dive and she was good and you couldnt tell that she was not performing as well as if she had been at a place like Ceasars Palace. My hats go off to her for keeping on because she could have thrown in the towel and wound up dead like so many other stars. Mary fought the good fight with Gordy and the courts and fake Supremes and she is still singing.

You think Mary is upset if there were a fake Diana Ross running around (and lets say Ross was not a superstar but a background singer or middle of the road star) I bet Ross would be livid and make Marys temper seem like a pussycat!!! Its all in the experiences you have been through and the people you meet and the money you have in show business. If you look at it from a realistic perspective no matter how you feel about Miss Wilson she has fought the good fight and my hat goes off to her.
Stephanie

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 11:50 am:

Stephanie:
WHEW! You said it, girl!

As for MFSB, I've been pushing Bobby to do some kind of reunion with the remaining rhythm section. I may need to approach him again.

And hey, if there were "ten other KevGos" running around claiming to be me, lawsuits would be the least of their worries - they'd be dangling out of hotel windows with their toenails attached to cheap thread!

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Michael/cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 01:30 pm:

KevGo:

LOL!!!!!!

Stephanie:

I know Mary and right on! She is sweet, lovely, caring woman (you should know how she helped Cholly Atkins when a lot of former Motowners had forgotten him) and is not vindicative in the least. Mary HAS survived when so many other of her generation have fallen to all sorts of self-induced and outside-induced traumas. Anything she does regarding this subject is done for the fans and for the legacy of the Supremes and not self aggrandizement. Even the RTL tour was not about "money" as trumpeted by the media and ill-informed people, it was about seeing her name expunged from the record books. Mary is not as wealthy as Diana but does quite well and can work when she wants to.

By stephanie (64.63.221.158) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 06:22 pm:

Thanks Cleo and KevGo!!!
You know I was rereading some of these postings and I dont think some people realize how hard show business is on a higher and a lower level.
When you have people out here suing that are on the level of an NYSYNC or a Madonna you can imagine what people like Mary Wilson and Sam Moore go through just to help people get HEALTH benefits and how the record companies and agents and managers have ripped them to shreds. Even the great Jackie Wilson and Elvis Presley were ripped off and exploited and for those who know their stories you know this. Elvis should have been worth MUCH more when he passed and Priscilla was around thank God to turn Graceland into a tourist attraction so she and Lisa Marie would have something. I wish Elvis were around to enjoy the fruits of his labor. I would venture to say if the great Jackie Wilson were still living he would be still performing too to earn a living. I have seen Mary Wilson sit and sign autographs for two and three hours for her fans and autograph albums and books and get her fans backstage into her dressing room she is probably one of the most fan friendly people I have ever seen. I have seen some fans say that Mary would sign an autograph for a puppy if she could well
thats Mary!!! I know she may have her moments and there are sensitive issues I will not rehash here on the forum. I know some folks like her and some dont and when it comes to some issues there was one where I think Mary was out of turn and she could have helped someone and didnt and I still dont know the whole story but since I dont know her personally I cant judge her but for the most part she is OK in my book. I have never seen the quote unquote BAD side of her but at this juncture I dont really care. To be honest with you Cleo I thought Mary had to work but whether she does or doesnt have to I think she does a good job at it. I just wish she could have ONE hit record but you know what if she doesnt she will always be a Supreme and thats good enough for me.
Stephanie

By Michael/cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 12:39 pm:

Stephanie:

I agree with you there is a lot we do not know and unless we were personally involved, we will never know. There are those who think that Mary's first book was nasty and harsh towards La Ross, but "those in the know" (some of whom are on this forum) know that Mary did not even touch the tip of the iceberg in terms of what she knew. There was a great deal intentionally left out of the book.

As far as "having to work," as has previously been stated Mary is obviously not as wealthy as Diana and other divas but she is nowhere near broke. Many people do not know that Mary received a very large out-of-court settlement from the State of California having to do with the death of her son Raffi. It alleviated some of her financial burden and allows her to pic and chose her gigs and devote time to charitable pursuits. Of course, she would much rather have her son and she has never gotten over that tragedy. However, she soldiers on in grand fashion.

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 12:57 pm:

Michael--I would have thought she would have gotten money from car manufacturer as she was driving an SUV which certainly have been notorious for flipping over which hers did--why state of Calif I wonder. I think she also gets at least 80,000 a year from roayalties Ive heard. Now I could live just fine on that!!