On Monday, it was announced that Mary Wilson, co-founder of The Supremes, passed away at 76.
In a statement, her friend and publicist Jay Schwartz said that Wilson was a “trendsetter who broke down social, racial, and gender barriers,” who “passed away suddenly” at home. The cause of her death has not yet been released.
In 1959, the singer began her career in Detroit with the Primettes. The group went on to be known as The Supremes with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard.
In a statement, Motown founder Berry Gordy said, “I was always proud of Mary. She was quite a star in her own right and, over the years, continued to work hard to boost the legacy of the Supremes. Mary Wilson was extremely special to me. She was a trailblazer, a diva, and will be deeply missed.”
