Dreamgirl & Supreme Faith: My Life as a Supreme

I throughlly enjoyed both of Mary Wilson's books, and found them to be a intriging look at just what it took to make the Primette's, The Supreme's, and what Berry Gordy did to make Motown the powerhouse that it was, and how someone like Ms. Wilson managed to remain a vibrant performer to this day. As a historical note, the group orginally sang four part harmony, and they were the "sister" act to the Prime's, hence the name The Primette's. Dreamgirl gives us some background on Ms. Wilson's childhood, and then takes up the 4 High School friends who had the burn to sing. We learn of the Primette's early struggles (their 4th member, Barbra Martin left the group), their signing to Motown and the search for a new name (Thank's Flo for the Supreme's) through their early "no hit" period as the Supreme's, and then on to superstardom. This is hardly a "tell-all" book about Diana Ross' quest to be a solo star, but it is rather a rare insiders look at what it took to make the Motown machine happen. Even the tragic tale of Florence "Flo" Ballard is handled with honesty and tact, and as Ms. Wilson put it Flo lost the will to fight for herself, and she let herself become beaten down and bitter. Supreme Faith continues the saga with the post Diana Ross Supreme's, and we learn how Ms. Wilson managed to remain a star. After having 2 Top Ten Hits (Up The Ladder To The Roof, and Stoned Love) in 1970, the rest of the decade prooved unkind to the group, and internal turmoil coupled with Flo' death at the young age of 32 just added to the struggle. Mary Wilson "officially" went solo in 1979, and she almost was signed by Neil Bogart to his post Casablanca label, Boardwalk, but then Neil was lost to cancer. Once again Diana Ross is discussed, but not made a villian. Mary Wilson along with a number of other "old school" R & B singers have been featured in a great documentary "Only The Strong Survive", and Mary is just that a strong, survivor.

To the objective reader, Mary Wilson comes across as a warm and open person...exactly as she is in real life. (I have met her and spoken with her on occasion over the years). Indeed, this is a very personal work, from a very personal point of view. The main players in the story, Diana Ross, Berry Gordy, and of course, Wilson herself, [not to forget the "ousted" Florence Ballard, upon whom the Effie character in "Dreamgirls" of Broadway and Academy Award fame is largely based] are accurately portrayed... and legions of other accounts confirm this. Wilson never comes across as intentionally negative. Why should she? She is widely regarded as an extremely positive person. Indeed, she has defended the Supremes, and yes, Diana Ross, throughout her public life. She has supported and promoted the Supremes unique legacy every day. [In a conversation I had with Ms. Wilson in Atlantic City several years ago, where I was telling her how much more seasoned I thought she and Flo Ballard sounded on the MEET THE SUPREMES album, she defended Diana Ross by saying, "Oh, we were all good, and just starting out...We all were so proud of those songs." What class, I thought to myself. Ms. Wilson then graciously signed my copy of DREAMGIRL.] Now, this is not to say that there are not juicy and spicy parts to this story...no, there are plenty of those! This was long the best-selling rock autobiography of all time! Anyone would be hard-pressed to match the drama, the excitement, as well as the heartache found in this story. A most interesting aspect of this work is the author's candor, especially about love affairs with Steve McQueen and especially Tom Jones. However, what makes this story most remarkable is the development and growth of Wilson herself...particularly in recent years, when Wilson has become a celebrated author, motivational lecturer, humanitarian, musicians' rights advocate, actress, producer, mother, grandmother and college student. A supreme testament to persistence, genuine-ness, and enthusiasm for life. An INSPIRATION!

Once again the public is treated to more than glimpses of the highly public facts of Mary Wilson's life. Her books are a real window to her soul.It is a soul that is warm and accessable that shows here, just as it did at the sold out concert I saw her perform this August. We are thoroughly updated on her struggle to protect the legacy of the phenomenal Supremes(33 top forty hits from 1964 thru 1976)!. While she rightfully takes pride in the fact that she was the only member there from beginning to end, the dark times (the late 70s through early 80s) are recorded here too. She does this with as much candor as the halcyon days. More than this though, we can grasp the essence why she endured and triumphed becoming the only "back up singer" in Motown's history to launch a highly successful solo career. She doesn't personally attack Diana Ross as some would have us believe, in fact, her lack of bitternes shows clearly- she never even acknowledges what scores reviewers has said- that her voice has better range, power, and emotive ability than Ross's can even approach. She ends the book looking to the next horizon, ever wanting to reach new heights. I found myself thinking, as I turned the last page, what thousands of fans, old and new a like, shouted at the concert "I love you Mary" and "You are THE SUPREME"!

Mary Wilson has rereleased "Dreamgirl", the best selling Rock & Roll Biography of all time, along with her second book which focuses on The 70's Supremes & beyond. When Mary wrote Dreamgirl she made history in being the first Motown Artist to break rank with the company & tell the truth as much as it could be told without a lawsuit. Trust me, there IS much, much more to tell. If you compile all Motown related books by those who were there and those who weren't, Mary's rings very, very true. Much truer than some others.

Mary Wilson is the founding member of the world's favorite and legendary girlgroup, The Supremes. In this book, she tells the truth of Motown and how their treatment of the girls either ruined or glamorized their lives (La Ross). This book is very emotional and is the best I've read in years. I commend Mary for being the first to tell the honest-to-God truth. She is the supreme Supreme. If you think you know everything about the Supremes, you best read this book. There are secrets and events here that I've never even heard of -- and I have all of their records! Buy this book, you won't regret it. Trust me.