Mary Wilson of the Supremes will continue the lineup of performers for the annual summer concert series when she performs at The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater this weekend, May 11 and 12.

While growing up in Detroit’s Brewster Projects, Wilson had long fantasized about being a performer. Her love for singing blossomed when, at the age of 13, she befriended Florence Ballard, Betty McGlown and Diana Ross. Fueled by their mutual obsession with music and their driving ambition for stardom, the quartet formed a singing group, the Primettes. When McGlown left the group, the girls recruited Barbara Martin. Together they auditioned for Motown and were later signed to the fledging label. Martin eventually dropped out as well and, now a trio, Mary, Flo and Diane became the Supremes.

The Supremes became America’s most prolific hitmakers and helped establish the distinct “Motown sound.” With 12 number one hits, including “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love,” “Come See About Me,” “Stop in the Name of Love,” “My World is Empty Without You,” and nearly forty albums, the Supremes were without a doubt one of the most influential, memorable and successful icons of the 1960s.

Although her primary focus will always be music, Wilson has taken on other challenges such as theatrical performances and writing. In 1988, Wilson starred in “Beehive,” a musical tribute to the female groups of the sixties. Playing before sold out audiences across Canada, Wilson received enormous acclaim for her performance. Since then, Wilson has starred in several off-Broadway plays. In 1986, Wilson became a bestselling author with her autobiography, “Dreamgirl…My Life As A Supreme.” On the National bestseller lists, “Dreamgirl” sold over 250,000 copies in hardback, received rave reviews and went on the become the most successful rock and roll autobiography of all time.

Wilson will hit the stage with her exciting, high energy performance on May 11 and 12 at 9 p.m. at The Fred. Opening for her at 8 p.m. is Vivid Image, a local Atlanta band. To celebrate Mother’s Day, the first couple hundred moms at the concert will receive flowers. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets for this event are $48 for reserved seats and $32 for lawn seats and can be purchased at the box office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. or through TicketMaster. For more information, please visit www.amphitheater.org or call 770-631-0630.

login to post comments