Mary Wilson biography

Wilson's most attention-grabbing move in the 1980s was the release of her memoir Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme, released in 1986 to a huge reception and a long-running bestseller status. Dishing dirt on The Supremes' many backstage dramas, including fights with Diana Ross and conflicts with Berry Gordy, the book led to a harsh falling-out between Wilson and Ross,

culminating in Ross pushing Wilson off the stage at the 25th Motown Anniversary Show.

In 1988, despite the drama, The Supremes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, forever cementing their place in music history. In 1992, Wilson released a final solo album, Walk The Line, which won critical acclaim but had low sales.

In the 1990s and 2000s, Wilson shifted her focus to her humanitarian efforts. Her lecture series, "Dare to Dream," has inspired thousands of young people to pursue their goals. She has spoken out about safe landmine removal in war-torn countries, become an advocate for women's health in developing nations, and raised thousands of dollars for AIDS and HIV awareness. In 2003, she was named by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell to serve as one of nine Goodwill Ambassadors to the world.

Although she is now focused on her humanitarian efforts, Wilson holds out hope for the possibility of a second act for The Supremes. Time has healed some of the wounds that long divided her from Diana Ross. Wilson is open to a Supremes reunion, and has said, "It just has to be negotiated again. It's if Diana is open to it, if she's ready. I sincerely hope she is."

Whether or not The Supremes ever sing together again, Wilson has much to be proud of. Asked to name her life's greatest achievements, she replied: "One of them would be to be in The Supremes and to have 12 No. 1 hits. And then my children, of course, I adore my children and that was my personal achievement. But then as Mary Wilson, I've gone on and continued a career and I think many people didn't think that could happen. I think that I have come a long way since then. I'm not just one of The Supremes; I'm Mary Wilson."

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