My Dance with Mary Wilson of the Supremes

By J.D. Humphreys
Author of “Divided, We Danced”

Finally things were starting to look up. Having been laid off from a company that was going through restructuring, I had a new job offer in hand that I just accepted. To celebrate the end of this dark three-month period, my husband surprised me with a ticket to see Mary Wilson perform at Blues Alley in Washington, D.C. on May 9, 2019. Meant for a night by myself, I knew finally my path would cross with Mary’s. The youngest member of the audience, I settled in and ordered dinner before the show started.

As the lights dimmed, Mary descended the staircase with an ethereal grace into the softly lit, wood-paneled room, her melodic voice enveloping the space with the words, "Good to see you. You haven’t changed a bit." Surrounded by a mesmerized crowd, she seemed to float with an almost heavenly aura, the spotlight tracing her every movement. The atmosphere was as if young Arthur pulled the sword from the stone. She floated over and stopped, looking down at me. By myself and unlike the age group of the audience, she sang and winked at me flirtatiously. Mary knew how to warm up the audience and I knew I’d remember this night forever. Mary made Blues Alley the center of the Universe that night.  

Mary made Blues Alley the center of the Universe that night.  

As "Last Dance" played, signaling the impending end of the performance, I found myself caught off guard. Before I could register that it was a Donna Summer cover she was singing, she had already seized my hand and whisked me onto the stage, navigating through the maze of stage equipment. Oh God, she doesn’t know that I can’t dance. I knew I couldn’t dance and yet here I was on stage with her. Despite my inner turmoil, I surrendered to the moment, allowing myself to be swept along by the music and her infectious energy. As I stood beside her on stage, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment, I whispered words of adoration when she hugged me, "I love you so much." Her embrace tightened around me, and she held my hand firmly until the song came to an end. It was as if she understood the peculiar circumstances that led me to that stage that night. Perhaps it was her way of silently acknowledging, "Boy, maybe dancing isn't your thing." 

Among the audience, Congresswoman Maxine Waters laughed her ass off in watching a white guy dance alongside a legend. After the performance, I approached the congresswoman to introduce myself and express gratitude for the pressure she was giving President Trump and his minions (this was before January 6).

Little did I know, this encounter wouldn't be the final with Mary. 

With Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who laughed as she watched me dance with Mary Wilson.

Months later, my hands trembled as they hovered over the "Join" button on Zoom from my home office. Despite becoming accustomed to navigating various Zoom functions during the pandemic, the prospect of connecting with Mary Wilson still filled me with nervous anticipation. With a deep breath, I finally pressed the button, bridging the virtual gap between us. "You!" Mary exclaimed as her face appeared on the screen. "You've got some moves, don't you?" Her recognition of our previous encounter sent a jolt of excitement through me.  

On Zoom call with Mary Wilson.

Our conversation unfolded rapidly, a whirlwind of topics swirling between us. Amidst it all, I managed to gather valuable content for my book, and the illustration I had created of her piqued her interest. "You've read my book?" she asked. I reassured her that I had devoured all of her works, including the latest, Supreme Glamour. Our discussion touched on everything from Flo to the Supremes décor in my office, and her admiration for musician Boz Scaggs. I couldn't help but marvel at her timeless beauty, even at the age of 75. 

The one silver lining: The COVID-19 pandemic spurred a strong desire for people to reach out and connect with one another. Mary Wilson was no exception.

 


• February 9, 2021 • 

The first light of dawn had barely kissed the horizon, yet the soft glow of my husband's phone illuminated the darkness beside me. With a gentle maneuver, I shifted in bed, careful not to disturb our beloved dog who had claimed his rightful place since the very first day. 

“Don’t read the news,” Jason interjected abruptly with sadness in his voice.

“Don’t read the news,” Jason interjected abruptly with sadness in his voice. My thoughts raced to another potential tragedy – perhaps another mass shooting or some controversial action by former President Trump.

"What's wrong?" I inquired with dread. Then, in a heartbeat, I saw the headline: "Mary Wilson, former Supremes member, dead at 76." A wave of grief and panic washed over me. Minutes later, after grappling with the reality of the news, I retreated to the bathroom, allowing myself a moment to release the flood of emotions that had been building inside me.  

Just a few nights earlier, I had watched Mary’s message on social media, eagerly counting down to her birthday and anticipating new solo material. Yet now, faced with the news of her passing, it felt surreal, much like the loss of my stepfather just three months prior. I couldn't shake the feeling of disbelief. Would I wake up to find it all a dream if I simply returned to bed and closed my eyes? 

Yet now, faced with the news of her passing, it felt surreal, much like the loss of my stepfather just three months prior. I couldn't shake the feeling of disbelief.

The cause of her death remained a mystery initially, except that she had passed away peacefully in her sleep. Friends on Facebook mentioned her recent complaints of chest pain and her plans to consult a doctor. It was hard to reconcile her vibrant health and vitality with the notion of succumbing to hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. At 76, Mary Wilson still seemed young, healthy, and full of life. It felt unreal, too soon, and even unfair.  

Even now, after so many years have passed, my heart swells with warmth as I revisit the messages she left for me. Despite facing immense challenges throughout her life — from growing up in the projects, to navigating the complexities of being a Black female artist and celebrity, to enduring the heartbreaking loss of her son at a young age, and fighting legal battles to preserve the rights and legacy of the Supremes — Mary Wilson's unwavering positivity never faltered. Her resilience and enduring spirit continue to inspire me, reminding me of the strength that lies within the human spirit, even in the face of adversity.

”You’ve only got one life to live, so live it big.”

- Mary Wilson in “Life’s Been Good to Me”

LISTEN TO “LIFE’S BEEN GOOD TO ME” BY MARY WILSON

Mary Wilson
1944-2021

Years ago, my dear friend and former colleague, Rocky Reed, bestowed upon me his signed Mary Wilson poster, a treasured gift that now brightens the walls of my studio. Every time I glance at it, I'm reminded of the incredible friendships in my life. Mary herself loved the story behind how I acquired this poster.


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Part 2—Rhythms of Revolution: The Supremes Break Barriers