Who here amongst us got to see Mary Wilson perform in concert?

[Boogiedown]

I did!!
Just once.... but a super memorable moment; I count it amongst my best.

I'll detail mine in a bit ....but first how many of us have had the honor??

Sign in please...
with or without any details you care to share.

Let's see how many of us have!

[SatansBlues]

I was lucky to see her twice. The first time back in the mid-80s, around 1986 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I remember Mary giving a shout out to some Velvelette members who were in the audience. And the second time in Atlanta, about 10 years ago, where after the concert I got to meet her and I got her autograph.

[thommg]

I saw Mary with The Supremes at Carter Barron in Washington DC with Jean & Cindy. Again at Shady Grove Music Fair with Jean & Lynda. The I saw one of Mary & Scherrie's first performances with Susaye at the Royal Hawaiian Supper Club in Virginia. I was able to see Mary solo at Fat Tuesday's in NYC & also at B.B. King's Supper Club in NYC - fantastic both times. I was able to see her in Grandma Syvia's Funeral off-Broadway as well. She was always a treat, and always made time for her fans.

[reese]

I saw Mary in concert quite a few times. Besides her stage presence, I was always struck my how truly beautiful she was. She looked like an absolute doll.

The first time I saw her was in 1987, opening for the Tempts. It was a good show, as was the next one, which took place at Kowloon's, a restaurant that specialized in Asian cuisine and also held concerts with acts from the 50s and 60s. During this particular show, Mary left the stage and started flirting with some of the male audience members. When she got to me, she rubbed my head and I felt so sorry for her, as I had just come from having my hair cut. I dread to think of what her hand must have felt like.

I also saw Mary when she starred in a touring company of LEADER OF THE PACK. I don't remember her being in the show all that much, but she did do I CAN HEAR MUSIC and of course, RIVER DEEP, MOUNTAIN HIGH. I remember this engagement more because I was able to meet her fan club president, Carl Feuerbacher. He turned out to be a nice guy and we talked for a while.

Probably the best show was when I saw her in NYC, doing her "UP CLOSE" show at Feinstein's at the Regency. It was a really elegant venue and Mary was great. I particularly remember enjoying FIELDS OF GOLD but was slightly disappointed that she only sang one Supremes song, MY WORLD IS EMPTY WITHOUT YOU. After the show, she went to change. When she came back out, she walked straight to me, grabbed my hand and led me to an area off to the side where we talked for quite a while. I told her that it was a Motown week for me, as I had just seen Martha Reeves the night before at Joe's Pub. I'd like to think that the other fellas might have been a bit jealous at the attention she gave me.

Another great show was when I saw Mary on a double-bill with Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. As always, she did a great job and was very accommodating to the fans. That day, I was able to get a shot of me standing between Mary and Martha, one of my most prized photos.

The last time I saw Mary was at Cafe Carlyle. As always, the show was great but I remember being disappointed that didn't do a meet and greet afterwards, especially since I had brought some things for her to sign. Little did I know that I wouldn't get the chance to see her again.

[Ollie9]

I saw Mary perform with the two Karen’s in 78 then many years later in 2011. Can’t remember an awful lot of the 78 concert as i was only 15, but do remember thinking how powerful her voice was. She also seemed very comfortable being out front.
Mary literally sparkled when seeing her the second time, generating great rapport with the audience whom she held in the palm of her hand throughout. As always, preferred the jazz numbers as opposed to Supremes songs, but even on those she sounded good. Friends who i had brought along we’re amazed at just how talented she really was.
For me her voice was always better in a live setting when given more freedom of expression then on some of her recordings.
She proved she was a star in her own right,

[rod_rick]

I saw Mary perform with the two Karen’s in 78 then many years later in 2011. Can’t remember an awful lot of the 78 concert as i was only 15, but do remember thinking how powerful her voice was. She also seemed very comfortable being out front.
Mary literally sparkled when seeing her the second time, generating great rapport with the audience whom she held in the palm of her hand throughout. As always, preferred the jazz numbers as opposed to Supremes songs, but even on those she sounded good. Friends who i had brought along we’re amazed at just how talented she really was.
For me her voice was always better in a live setting when given more freedom of expression then on some of her recordings.
She proved she was a star in her own right,

I've seen Mary many, many times. The 1st being at the Roxy [[great show) with Robin Alexander and Kaaren Hagland and the 2nd was at the Roxy with Hagland and Linda Evans. The next time would be in Las Vegas. She headline a girlgroup show [[ Iris Parker & Parnel Damone back ups). The 1st two time were great but this show in Vegas was the BEST out of the 3 she blew me away with her vocal expertise and showman ship. Non of the other groups [[Fake Marvelettes, Dixie Cups & Shirells) could not match Mary's ability to perform and work the stage and vocals were top notch. I saw her in Sophisticated Ladies, her Up Close Show and co headlining so many other shows that there are too many to mention because I keep remembering another show and another show. All I can say is Mary never disappoints and this is just my opinion from all the shows of all the former Supremes I've attended Mary is the only one that gave Diana Ross a run for her money. In fact their shows were structure about the same. Can't say that Wilson copied Ross I think it came from the Motown Supreme training they both had

[hobocamp]

I saw her at an outdoor concert in downtown Minneapolis in the early 90s.

It was a horrifically hot summer afternoon, and there was really no cover from the sun. She was dressed in all black. I took some close-up photos, and it's evident that she is sweating pretty heavily.

The one thing I remember the most is that in spite of the less than ideal conditions, she was a real pro, and never once complained about the heat. She put on a great show, and was very engaging with the crowd.

[jim aka jtigre99]

I may have some of the dates mixed up but I have seen Mary perform as a solo a few times. I had wanted to see the Supremes in 1975 but I was too young to go to a nightclub alone [[Holiday House) and my family was unable to go with me due to health concerns.
1984-Holiday House-Backed by Karen Jackson & Robin Alexander, great show included Red Hot in a way I wish it had been recorded. Before I went in, a lady came out and started talking to me for some reason[[there were 4 in my group) and was excited and kept saying how great Mary was and that she still had it. Of course, this was my first show but I wished I had seen her again to just say she was so right.
1998 & 1999-Headliner at 3WS Oldies Festival. She killed it and was asked back the second time. I met her at 2 meet & greets and had many things signed. She even sang Bad Weather in 1999 and River Deep Mountain High so it was a real treat.
2002-Taping of Rhythm, Love & Soul. She was amazing and did some hosting. I loved when she was introducing the Three Degrees and got caught up and did an Ed Sullivan and said "the girls"[[not in the special, edited out for the take she did with their name). TJ even thanked her for stepping up to do some hosting, which she wasn't supposed to do.
2014-At Rivers Casino while she was taping a special for TJ for PBS. Great show and met both her and Parnell, her backup with Lucy.
2016-Heinz Hall. She was the headliner for a Doo Wop Christmas show. I had just survived 2 bouts with a health scare. I saw her at the meet and greet but did not have a chance to see her later or Parnell. She signed a number of items and I congratulated her on her top 20 dance hit.
It may not be many times, but they are good memories and her performances were amazing vocally at each show, she seemed to sound better with time.

[Spreadinglove21]

First time I saw Mary, August 2000 at BB Kings NYC not long after the whole RTL situation. I wasn't sure what to expect but it was a fun show. Highlights were her singing Piano in the Dark, I Believe in You and Me, and Bad Weather. Jackee was in the audience that night, as well as Bob Law, a NYC radio host/DJ for WWRL. I believe Mary occasionally appeared with Law on WWRL in that period as she was living in NYC and getting her degree. For me, being in the same room with Law was an honor, as in the late 80s I used to listen to his late night talk show "Nighttalk" on National Black Radio Network and his show really played a part in my formation.

A couple of years later took a friend who knew little about The Supremes to another Mary oldies show at BB Kings and did meet and greet afterwards. More or less same show as 2000. It was fun and my friend found her an entertaining diva.

In December 2000 I saw Mary at Cathedral of St. John the Divine for a World AIDS Day program. She sung a couple of songs including I Am Changing, where she did her patented trick of singing the final part of the song with her mic far from her mouth. Her voice resonated throughout the cathedral. Given the tenor of the program, Mary was appropirately serious, it was not a fun and party show like her Oldies show.

In 2002 or 03 I met up with friends in New Jersey to see Mary perform at a hot air balloon festival. Show was outdoors. It was an outdoor oldies show geared toward a family festival event. The mother of one of my friends who was a teen in Detroit during the 60s was with us and she had a great time watching Mary perform Supremes and other songs of the era.

In 2006 or so I caught Mary at Blues Alley in DC where she did her jazz and ballads Up Close show. "Here's to Life" was most memorable part of show for me.

In late 2007 I joined Supremes fanatic friends in San Francisco to catch Mary's Up Close show for two nights running. "Both Sides Now" was the musical highlight. After the show first night my friends and I joined Mary and a couple of her friends to go out for Sushi and then walked down to SOMA to another bar for more drinks. While walking down to that bar I got a chance to chat one on one with Mary. I asked her what she enjoyed most about her stay in SF as her show was a mini residency. She told me she really enjoyed visiting the Museum of the African Diaspora and told me of her favorite exhibits. The next night after her show she had to go off to perform at an AIDS benefit and I remember how good she looked in her suit as she took off to do this gig.

In 2013 or so I caught her at Coney Island as part of the Brooklyn Borough President's summer music festival concert series. Show was in a parking lot. The previous year I had attended Aretha Franklin's show for that series and there was an overflowing crowd for that. Mary didn't get the same turnout but she did her oldies show as well as always--highlights were doing several 70s supremes songs including Stoned Love.

Last time I saw Mary was in 2018 or so. Once again at Coney Island, this time at Ford Ampitheater. Mary and Martha were opening acts for co-headliners Temptations and 4 Tops. I primarily attended to see the Temptations and the Tops as I had never seen either act before. Mary did an abbreviated version of her oldies show and did a good job warming up the audience. She certainly did better than Martha who preceded her but was not in good voice and had sound issues as well.

My favorite Mary shows were the ones in San Francisco--just one Supremes song, My World is Empty, a song that fits her well, and the rest were songs best suited for her talents as a vocalist and entertainer. She had the room in palm of her hands both nights.

[jobucats]

I was lucky to see her twice. The first time back in the mid-80s, around 1986 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I remember Mary giving a shout out to some Velvelette members who were in the audience. And the second time in Atlanta, about 10 years ago, where after the concert I got to meet her and I got her autograph.

SatansBlues, I also saw her probably closer to 15 years ago where she was one of the many acts performing at one of our music festivals. This one was in the parking lot [[and I don't say that with disrespect) of the old Civic Center [[which is just a few yards from where I live). Was this where you also saw her?

[danman869]

I saw Mary perform a couple of times at smaller venues ["early" appearances I recall are a small club date and an outdoor festival], but the one that I remember being most excited about was her appearance at D.A.R. Constitution Hall on March 7, 1993 with an orchestra augmenting her usual touring band. Having heard Mary's show with her band before, the additional of an orchestra behind her seemed to breathe additional life into the sound and the show. I sat up front with friends and had a great view of Mary and I recall that she received a positive reception from everyone in the audience. She looked beautiful as always and sounded fantastic. As good as she could sound with her band, this felt to me like the way Mary should have always been presented stage with things sounding lush and full behind her. It was a good memory of the several times I saw Mary live over the years.

[Glenpwood]

I was in the crowd for her appearance on GMA in 1997...

[Boogiedown]

These are great accounts !!

[lucky2012]

I can count on three fingers the times I have seen Mary Wilson in performance.
The first time was with Diana Ross & the Supremes at the LA Forum in August 1969. Her solo spot on Can't Take My Eyes Off You was very well received. Some people were calling for more of Mary a little while afterward.
The second time was two years later in the summer of 1971when the Supremes performed at Disneyland on the Tomorrowland stage. I don't recall if Mary had any solo spots. I was [am] a fan of the Jean Terrell-years Supremes and I don't think Touch was out as a single yet, but the album Touch had been released, still one of my favorite Supremes albums.
Flash forward to 2002 when my partner & l checked out the Sunset Junction Street Fair in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles. Being a largely gay neighborhood at the time, the street fair was like a Gay Pride festival. There was a large crowd gathered in an open area and my partner & I were totally surprised to learn that Mary Wilson was scheduled to perform. Of course, I was excited. She came on stage to a loud, enthusiastic, adoring crowd. My partner is a Chaka Khan fan, but he was impressed by Mary's performance. She was in strong voice and sang some Supremes songs. It was a little disconcerting to hear Mary sing the Diana Ross-led hits, but she did them well and the crowd definitely approved! One unexpected standout for me was her rendition of Sting's Fields of Gold. I haven't been a big fan of her recorded work, but I definitely wish and sorely regret not seeing more of her solo live performances since then.

[SatansBlues]

SatansBlues, I also saw her probably closer to 15 years ago where she was one of the many acts performing at one of our music festivals. This one was in the parking lot [[and I don't say that with disrespect) of the old Civic Center [[which is just a few yards from where I live). Was this where you also saw her?

The first time I saw her it was at Miller Auditorium on the campus of Western Michigan University, the second time it was at the Mable House Amphitheater in Mableton, Georgia, a suburb just outside of Atlanta.

[marybrewster]

Saw Mary 4 times:

Twin Cities Ribfest [[late 1990's) -Minneapolis
Taste of Minnesota - Saint Paul
Treasure Island Casino [[2 shows) - Welch, MN
Dakota Jazz Club - Minneapolis

The first three performances, I was able to make it onstage during her "Supremes Segment". How thrilling.

Her Dakota appearance was her "Up Close" show, and she was fabulous. I purposely went to the latter of two shows that night, so I could sneak backstage and say hello. By this time, we had been corresponding by phone and email regularly; I along with Dr. Ernesto Valdes were running her Official MySpace page [[lol).

When I got to her dressing room, she was "freshening up" so she could greet the fans waiting for her. We chatted away as she was reapplying her lipstick, and asked if I could find us some champagne glasses so we could have a toast. There was no air about her; it was like meeting up with an old friend.

I know there are many on this board that don't like Mary, for whatever reason, but to me she was always thoughtful and generous with her time. She loved connecting with her people, and always stayed for photos and autographs. She was a true star, and made you feel like one too. I have a picture of us together that night, and I treasure that moment always.

On a side note, Martha Reeves is very much the same way. Every time I've met her, she's always been engaging and makes it a point to meet and greet well into the night. Truly a class act.

[daviddh]

Saw Mary twice
Once in Ocean City MD and once in Baltimore .
The 2nd show was my fav of the two and my last concert of hers that I attended.
Great performer

[Thornton]

I was lucky enough to see her perform at an outdoor concert in Lisle, IL during the summer of 2003. She opened the show with "Love Child" and was wearing a red gown with gloves. I remember it was hot, so she quickly lost the gloves. I also distinctly remember her saying when "Reflections" started, "I recorded this song with Florence Ballard and Diane Ross."

Since it was around the 4th of July, she sang "God Bless America" as her encore after "Last Dance."

The whole show was a joyful, high energy event. It was also the first time I had seen a member of The Supremes in concert [[I was 15).

[blue_whippet]

1987 Manchester, England. Mary was promoting her Ian Levine recording Don't Get Mad, Get Even, with signed copies on sale. I can't recall the venue but I think it was on Oxford Street.

[BobbyC]

I love hearing these stories!

One day in 1985, my best friend at college just walked into my dorm room, carrying a copy of Dreamgirl. He knew I was into pop culture, and he told me he thought I'd LOVE this book and he was right!

In 1986, I was a waiter at the Tralfamore Cafe in Buffalo, and Mary performed there [[Tony Turner was with her). The two songs that stood out to me were her versions of Stoned Love and Donna Summer's She Works Hard for the Money. Mary sold out the Tralf for two shows per night, for two nights in a row. The crowd she attracted was monied and upscale, and I recall all the waiters bragging about how much money they made from the shows! Anyway, after one of the concerts I went backstage and Mary kissed me and said I was "cute." Just two months earlier, in an odd coincidence, I was shoved out of the way by Diana Ross in a Manhattan club, so I was struck by how different Mary and DR were, at least on the surface.

[RanRan79]

I never got to see Mary myself, but I'm enjoying reading your memories!!

[Ollie9]

After one of the concerts I went backstage and Mary kissed me and said I was "cute." Just two months earlier, in an odd coincidence, I was shoved out of the way by Diana Ross in a Manhattan club, so I was struck by how different Mary and DR were, at least on the surface.

Sadly I have heard similar stories from other fans. With Diana it all depends on her mood at the time.

[BobbyC]

Hey--it gave me a great story to tell! I love Diana's "artistic temperment"

[floyjoy678]

Never saw Mary live but almost did and I kinda regret not. She was playing a club in NYC and it was around the holidays in 2019 so I imagine it must have been one of her last shows. I just remember I didn't have much time in advance to plan to go to it.

I never had any interests in seeing any of the Supremes live as soloists, Diana included. But I thought if I saw Mary I could at least say I saw a Supreme live.

I guess if I wanted to I could see Diana live but I honestly would rather save my money considering she lip syncs. Also haven't been too impressed with her and her handling of the Supremes legacy in recent years.

But at the end of the day I'm a Supremes fan. The original trio in particular and obviously I'll never see them live. That's why I'd love it if a full length concert film of DMF would surface.

[Ollie9]

Hey--it gave me a great story to tell! I love Diana's "artistic temperment"

It that what it’s called. Erm yea, lots of fun.

[BobbyC]

In 1995 I was walking out to my jeep one morning and noticed a flyer on my windshield--it was advertising Mary Wilson doing a benefit concert for Pediatric AIDS at the Hyatt Regency here in Austin. My Jeep was the only car with a flyer, so I realized somebody specifically knew of my Motown fascination and targeted me--turns out it was one of my volleyball team mates who put it there, Michael, who worked for AIDS Services of Austin. I never saw one word about this show ANYWHERE. When I got to the show, the people who were setting up for the concert started complaining about how few tickets were sold. I felt like yelling at them--you know, you might want to advertise the show if you want people to come. Had Michael not put that flyer on my car, I'd have not known about it--and I was a big fan. It was sad. Mary eventually came out and she was also mystified as to the low turn out. Especially for such a great cause! The show was awesome, Mary totally rocked it. I recall she did Walk the Line

[thommg]

Oh, I totally forgot I saw her at Feinstein's at the Regency in NYC. I think that was the first time I heard her sing Fields Of Gold. Just stunning.

[marybrewster]

I saw her at an outdoor concert in downtown Minneapolis in the early 90s.

It was a horrifically hot summer afternoon, and there was really no cover from the sun. She was dressed in all black. I took some close-up photos, and it's evident that she is sweating pretty heavily.

The one thing I remember the most is that in spite of the less than ideal conditions, she was a real pro, and never once complained about the heat. She put on a great show, and was very engaging with the crowd.

Hobo, I was at that show; that was the first time I saw Mary. It was Twin Cities Rib Fest. It was in a large parking lot, standing room only. I believe it was August of 1996, maybe 1997? But it was August. It was a SCORCHER that day, well close to 100 degrees. And yes, Mary was dressed in all black.

I made it onstage during her Supremes segment, the only guy [[and white at that, LOL) to get up there. She came up to me and said "Don't you want to be a Beach Boy? Or a Four Top"? And I said "No! I want to be a Supreme!"

I caught Mary after the show and she was wearing this HUGE black hat. I snapped the greatest photo, and years later, had her autograph it for me.

Did you [[do you) live in the Twin Cities?

[captainjames]

Oh my I have seen Mary many times and with every Supreme except Lynda. I think the last time I saw her mught have been at the Fraze and I don't even remember who the backgroud singers were but afterwards she signed autographs.

[BobbyC]

Hobocamp--I know where you got your screen name! I'm a fan of Jerri's too!

[Ollie9]

Mary was never lacking for talent as this thread rather proves. If only someone had truly believed in her the way BG did Diana, she might have found her musical niche a lot sooner than she did. It’s that element of luck that makes all the difference.

[daviddh]

saw her at least 2 x times or more
the first show i remember was mostly a supremes show. nice but oldies kinda but
later i saw her after her Walk the Line album came out
nice show
she had become Mary Wilson
fields of gold
i am changing
walk the line nice show. she sounded good

[hobocamp]

Hobocamp--I know where you got your screen name! I'm a fan of Jerri's too!

LOL exactly right BobbyC! Nice to meet a fellow fan! I love everything Amy does, but SWC will always be my favorite.

[hobocamp]

Hobo, I was at that show; that was the first time I saw Mary. It was Twin Cities Rib Fest. It was in a large parking lot, standing room only. I believe it was August of 1996, maybe 1997? But it was August. It was a SCORCHER that day, well close to 100 degrees. And yes, Mary was dressed in all black.

I made it onstage during her Supremes segment, the only guy [[and white at that, LOL) to get up there. She came up to me and said "Don't you want to be a Beach Boy? Or a Four Top"? And I said "No! I want to be a Supreme!"

I caught Mary after the show and she was wearing this HUGE black hat. I snapped the greatest photo, and years later, had her autograph it for me.

Did you [[do you) live in the Twin Cities?

Hi Marybrewster -

I'm sure you're right about the date. Originally I was thinking early 90s but 96 or 97 does sound correct.

It was a great show, but I don't remember a lot of details other than what I mentioned - extremely hot, she put on a great show and was a real darling to the crowd.

I too got a lot of great photos that day - nice that you were able to get yours signed.

I lived in Minneapolis for many years [[where I saw Diana perform many times, just as I'm sure you have as well), but recently relocated back to my home state of NC.

[blkfrost]

I have had the opportunity to see Mary Wilson with all of groupings of the Supremes with the exception of MSS. The last time I saw the Supremes was at the Beverly Hills Supper Club near Florence KY [[Cindy Birdsong was in the group with Scherrie Payne). This was before the fire that happened there. I saw Mary several time in San Francisco including at Yoshi's SF, Hotel Nikko and a few other clubs. She was doing mostly jazz and a few Supremes tunes. It was a pleasure seeing her perform.

[BobbyC]

SWC had more quotables than anybody else since John Waters. "Are gay people dangerous?" "They can be..." LOL!!!!!