Archival recordings from late Supremes star Mary Wilson are due to be released, following her death earlier this year.
The singer, who appeared in all line-ups of the classic Motown girl group, was confirmed to have died by her publicist Jay Schwartz.
And now, according to Bruce Resnikoff, President/CEO of Universal Music Enterprises, a bunch of previously unheard solo music from the star is set to be released.
He told Variety: “I made that commitment to her the last time we spoke, less than two weeks before Mary passed.
“Mary cared about three things. First and foremost, about the artist community, which is why she was so involved in supporting legislation helpful to fellow artists, songwriters and producers such as the Truth in Music Act.
“She was interested in talking about the Supremes, and we always got around to talking about her solo music. She wanted to release it, but, she wanted to make sure that it was the right time.”
He went on to revealed Mary was eager for younger fans to hear her music, adding: “Look, her solo career has been overlooked and under-appreciated, to some extent.
“Those Gus Dudgeon songs alone? He’s a legend and these songs were meant to show a different side to Mary.
“So, what Mary and I agreed on, from the beginning, was that The Supremes were but one aspect of her life, one where she was a member of a seminal group, a full-time legislative advocate for the rights of creatives and fans – maybe more so than any other artist I have ever worked with – and a truly great solo artist.
“She wanted younger audiences to get and experience that.”
Further details about the release plans have yet to be confirmed. The new music expected to follow an expanded edition of her debut solo LP ‘Mary Wilson’.
Wilson was an original member of the group – alongside Diana Ross, Florence Ballard and Barbara Martin – which formed in Detroit as The Primettes in 1959.
Following Martin’s departure, they found success, and The Supremes continued as a trio, with hits including Baby Love, Stop! In the Name of Love and You Keep Me Hangin’ On.
The group disbanded following Wilson’s 1977 departure.
Just two days before her death, Wilson uploaded a video on YouTube announcing that she was working on releasing new solo material.
