WHO: Mary Wilson’s daughter, Turkessa Babich, will share stories of her mother Mary Wilson. Claudette Robinson, an original member of The Miracles (the first act to sign with Motown) has known Wilson since her first days at Motown. Wilson’s friends from the world of Motown, Politics, and Philanthropy include: Janie Bradford, Loretta Devine, Marla Gibbs, Jackee Harry, Brian & Eddie Holland, Anna Maria Horsford, Eloise Laws, Judy Pace Smokey Robinson, Brenda Russell, Jay D. Schwartz, Beverly Todd, and more.
Special Video tributes from Michelle Chapman (Florence Ballard’s daughter), Rita Coolidge, Four Tops, Linda Greene, Tamron Hall, Barbara Hawkins (Dixie Cups), Bubba Knight, Pointer Sisters, Temptations, Dionne Warwick, and more will be part of the special celebration.
Mary Wilson was a founding member of the Supremes, activist, author, fashion icon, actress, U.S. cultural ambassador, motivational speaker, dancer, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, trailblazer, and legend.
At the time of her passing, friends and fans were not able to participate in a celebration of life. Mary’s wish was to have a celebration with family, friends and fans from around the world. Fans unable to attend will be able to watch the program on Mary Wilson’s birthday on Sunday, March 6, at 3pm Pacific at www.collectionlive.com, the GRAMMY Museum’s official streaming service.
WHAT: Celebrating the life of Mary Wilson in honor of her March 6 birthday, The GRAMMY Museum L.A. Live hosts A Tribute to Mary Wilson, and UMe releases Mary Wilson: The Motown Anthology. The GRAMMY Museum program event will consist of a panel discussion, hosted by Janice Rhoshalle Littlejohn (journalist, author, host, producer, and currently adjunct instructor for the Annenberg Master's of Specialized Journalism in The Arts), featuring Mary Wilson’s daughter Turkessa Babich, Claudette Robinson, and other family, friends, and celebrities.
Mary Wilson: The Motown Anthology, a deluxe 2-CD set, marks the first-ever comprehensive overview of the late legend’s remarkable Motown discography from the Primettes (group before the Supremes) to her solo record produced by Gus Dungeon (Elton John, Joan Armatrading, Chris Rea, et al).
Tickets to the event may be purchased online in advance here.
WHEN: FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 7 - 9 p.m.
GRAMMY Museum member check-in is 6:00 p.m.; Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: GRAMMY Museum L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles 90015
STREAM/LISTEN: Mary Wilson - The Motown Anthology will be available here on March 4.
Attendees will be able to purchase a copy of The Motown Anthology as well as Mary’s book Supreme Glamour in the GRAMMY Museum’s Retail Store during the program.
Fans unable to attend will be able to watch the program on Mary Wilson’s birthday on Sunday, March 6, at 3pm Pacific at www.collectionlive.com, the GRAMMY Museum’s official streaming service.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Supreme: Mary Wilson earned her place in music history. She was the only original member of The Supremes in every incarnation of the groundbreaking group from beginning to end (1961 to 1977) but her story didn’t end when The Supremes did. Wilson, the world-renowned performer, was an advocate for social and economic challenges in the U.S. and abroad and used her fame and flair to promote diverse humanitarian efforts including ending hunger, raising HIV/AIDS awareness, and encouraging world peace. October 11, 2018, The Music Modernization Act was passed. Mary played a key role in explaining its importance to members of Congress and how it directly affected artists. She was always fighting for artist rights and was seated in the Senate chambers when it unanimously passed. She continued making music, performing to adoring fans around the world, wrote several best-selling books, and continued to protect artist rights and promote the legacy of the Supremes.
