Mary Wilson is a founding member of "The Supremes," what is arguably the greatest female popular music group ever. Since then, she has built a successful solo career that continues here in San Francisco in "Up Close... Encore!" at the Empire Plush Room. She'll be there for the next two weeks.
Mary Wilson sings in "Up Close...Encore!"
Dates: Tuesday, December 4- Sunday, December 16th
Location: Empire Plush Room
The York Hotel
940 Sutter Street
(between Leavenworth and Hyde)
San Francisco, California 94109
Phone: (415) 885-2800
Ticket Info:
www.ticketweb.com
Hurry as some shows have sold out!!
Show Times Vary
Tickets: $52.00 - $57.50
For tickets call toll free: 866-468-3399
or visit www.theempireplushroom.com
Mary's Website:
marywilson.com/v1
About the legendary songstress and co-founder of The Supremes:
It was a vision of musical stardom as a Detroit teen, that inspired Mary Wilson to co-found one of the most successful female singing groups in recording history - The Supremes. Since then, Wilson has gone on to be a part of dozens of hit records, has written a best-selling autobiography, performed on stage and screen, lectured and toured the world, and continues to be looked up to as a singer who set the standard for females in the recording industry.
Performer, recording giant, and living legend, Mary Wilson, is the sole founding member of The Supremes who carried the dream from beginning to end. With hits like "Baby Love," "Stop! In The Name Of Love," "I Hear A Symphony" and more, she has become everyone's favorite "Dreamgirl!" See this true musical superstar in her return engagement at The Empire Plush Room.
While growing up in Detroit's Brewster Projects, the young Wilson had long fantasized about being a performer, her love for singing having blossomed when she befriended Florence Ballard, Betty McGlown and Diana Ross at age 13. Fueled by their mutual love of music and their ambition for stardom, the quartet formed a singing group, The Primettes. When Betty left the group to get married, the girls recruited Barbara Martin. Together, they auditioned for then fledgling Motown label and were eventually signed. Barbara dropped out of the group, and the remaining trio of Mary, Flo and Diana became known as The Supremes.
Four decades and 40 albums later, Wilson's dream has blossomed into a reality. With an unprecedented 12 number 1 hits, including "Where Did Our Love Go," "Baby Love," "Come See About Me" and "Stop, In The Name Of Love," The Supremes set the precedent for success.
Wilson worked hard to keep the dream alive even after Florence and Diana left the group. In 1970, she paired with Jean Terrell and Cindy Birdsong to form The New Supremes, racking up three top 10 hits: "Up The Ladder To The Roof", "Stoned Love", and "River Deep, Mountain High." In 1977, Wilson knew it was time for her to pursue her own dream, and decided to perform solo. In 1979, Motown released her first individual success, "Mary Wilson" which yielded the dance hit, "Red Hot." It was followed three years later by the hit, "Walk the Line," in 1992, which produced the single "One Night With You."
In the late 70s and 80s, Wilson hit the lecture circuit with her "Dare To Dream" speech for organizations American Cancer Society, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, UNICEF and many more. Wilson eventually published the story of her life, becoming a best-selling author with her autobiography, Dreamgirl...My Life As A Supreme. Dreamgirl sold more than 250,000 copies, becoming one of the most successful rock and roll autobiographies of all time. The overwhelming success of that first book prompted Wilson to pen its sequel, Supreme Faith...Someday We'll Be Together.
Although music remains her primary focus, Wilson has enjoyed spreading her creative wings in other areas. She made her stage debut in 1988 with "Beehive," a musical tribute to the female groups of the 60s. Wilson's most recent performance was a starring role in, the national tour of "Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies," the celebrated tribute to the music of the legendary jazz great. Her other theatre credits include "Leader of the Pack," about the life of the songwriter Elle Greenwich, and numerous off-Broadway shows including "Mother's Hubbard," "Idealla's Soul Shack," "The Vagina Monologues" at the Detroit Opera House and "Grandma Sylvia's Funeral."
Throughout her career, Wilson has had the privilege and pleasure of performing all over the world. In 2000, Wilson performed at the White House for the Millennium Celebration as well as two inaugural dinners held in honor of President Bush. A tireless humanitarian, Wilson was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award by the National Foundation of Woman and asked to join the Delegation of Woman Legislators. Wilson also participated in a Trade and Civil Life Conference in Bahrain with many of the kingdom's highest officials, hosted by the Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain. The Free Trade Bill between the US and Bahrain remains a project that Wilson is very proud to have been a part of. She has also visited the African nations of Mozambique and Botswana, where she spoke with thousands of children about the dangers of HIV and AIDS.
In 1988, The Supremes were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
With a successful solo career - and new CD out later this year - an equally successful literary career and her tireless humanitarian efforts-Wilson is living proof that dreams really do come true!
For more on Mary Wilson please refer to her website at www.marywilson.com.
