Mary Wilson, Founding Member of The Supremes, Dies at 76

In this Nov. 18, 2015, file photo, R&B singer Mary Wilson performs at Amoeba Records in Los Angeles, California.
Sherry Rayn Barnett /Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Mary Wilson, a founding member of the Motown group The Supremes, died Monday. She was 76.

Wilson died suddenly at her home in Las Vegas, Nevada, according to her friend and publicist Jay Schwartz. No cause of death was given.

The Supremes, founded in 1959 by Wilson, Diana Ross, Florence Ballard and Betty McGlown under the name "The Primettes," went on to have 12 No. 1 singles in the 1960s, including "Stop! In the Name of Love" and "Back in My Arms Again."

They were inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Little Richard in 1988.

In 2018, The Supremes were named #16 on Billboard's list of "The Hot 100's Top Artists of All Time." Last month marked the 60th anniversary of the group signing with Motown Records.

"She was a trailblazer, a diva and will be deeply missed," Berry Gordy, founder of the Motown record label, said in a statement.

Motown Records also released a statement on its Twitter page, writing, "Your art and your legacy will forever live on in the Motown story. From our Motown family, rest in paradise @MWilsonSupreme"

Wilson's career expanded beyond music. She was also an author, motivational speaker, businesswoman and former U.S. cultural ambassador, according to Schwartz's statement.

Celebrities took to Twitter early Tuesday morning to remember Wilson.

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