Dreamgirl: My Life As a Supreme

I enjoyed reading this book. I was a 7 years old when I started noticing the Supremes. By then they were Diana Ross and the Supremes. So it was great to learn their musical history. What happened to Flo and Mary was UNFAIR. All the girls were talented singers and when they sung together they created beautiful harmony. It was Unfair that Motown did not try to develop them as singers but pushed them in the back like back-up singers. However, I still believe most of the decisions concerning the Supremes, that broke down the harmonious relationship between the girls, came from Mr. Dictator, Berry Gordy who was 15 years older than Diana. I have read other books and have seen many documentaries on the Supremes on youtube. I think Mary's book ranks very high on that list because she also included how Florence felt with all of the changings. Florence was the lead at first. She recorded some tracks as lead but they never had a hit, they were called the No-Hit Supremes. I believe Diana Ross sleeping with Berry Gordy influenced him to try her as lead replacing Florence. But sleeping with your boss does not Guarantee that the public will buy your records. Since DR as lead, was selling Supreme records and making BG money, he wasn't gonna mess up his winning formula. Her high pitched voice fit the bubble gum songs he produced that were written by HDH. If DR was lead and the records were not selling, no amount of sex, would have kept her in that position. BG is a business man first and is all about making money. Even in her book, Mary said he was sleeping with other artists, other than DR. 1. In 1944 DR was Born. BG was born in 1929 and is 15 years older. 2. In 1964 DR takes lead at the age of 20 and the Supremes have their first hit. BG is 35 years old. BG is older, richer, and is a lot wiser than a 20 year old girl. This man is a short black man who became rich during the Jim Crow era with a small loan, less than $1k. He was beating the bigger white record companies at their own game. His ego became so out of control that he probably became very mean and condescending.He has a controlling narcissistic personality. IMO, Diana does what he tells her to do to stay employed at Motown. Let's face it, DR is skinny and flat chested in 1964. Shaped like a little skinny boy, sometimes her head appears bigger than her body in some tapes. IMO, Flo and Mary have better bodies. BG probably hit on tall, stacked Flo and she rejected the short tyrant. It's apparent he does not believe in monogamy, since he has had many ex- wives and women and 8 kids. 3. In 1967 the Supremes become Diana Ross and the Supremes. DR is only 23 years old BG is 38. He is still more mature mentally than she is. BG had made Smokey lead of the Miracles earlier and renamed the group Martha and the Vandellas to Martha Revees and the Vandellas. So the idea to rename the Supremes is his. Berry Gordy could have tripled his money by investing in Mary and Flo. Example Take Destiny Childs. Both Kelly and Michelle did acting and solo cds. Unfortunately, he only thought DR was marketable at that time in history and invested his money and time to groom her. He wanted to make DR a star of Music, Movies, TV, etc. and he did just that. DR eventually leaves to go to RCA, to get away from the controlling boss. Berry Gordy ripped off Florence and Mary, the founding members of the Supremes. They made him millions yet when Florence left the group, she got hardly any substantial amount of money. I believe she tried to sue Motown for back royalties, much later, but she lost that suit. HDH left Motown and sued the company, but they reached an out of court settlement. BG lost the Jackson 5 to Epic because he was too controlling and did not want to give them a bigger share of the pie. Manager Joseph Jackson said he was tired of BG ripping the J5 off and took his boys to Epic and they became the Jacksons. Berry Gordy lost the King of Pop, Michael Jackson to Epic records because he lacked the vision to see he had a diamond in a little boy's body.

Very good read. It explains to me why I never cared for Diane Ross. Horrible narcissistic friend to Mary and Florence.

Loved this book. One of the first ones on the Suprems

Thank You Mary Wilson for leaving the World with this precious gift. Also Thank You for Always Speaking Up For Florence Ballard and Making Sure the World knew her story also

The book is great! So much information fact or opinion I don’t care it’s a great read. Ps. After purchase I met Mary Wilson and she signed my copy!

Mary Wilson pulls no punches, she tells it like it was. I enjoyed learning how she was raised, and how other soon to be well known singers got their start. Loved how she told the dirt on 'Diane'. After about 3/4 of the way through, though, I got tired of hearing about so many different people-- most I didn't know. I might have heard of them but didn't know anything about them and it just became too much. I also didn't care for the fact that she had no problems having relations with married men, and seemed to have no shame. I realize most people think it's the man who does the cheating, but IF a woman knows he's married then I feel she's just as much to blame. There is a girl code.

Very honest autobiography from a founding member of perhaps the most famous girl group ever. Mary tells it all. Lots of stories of Motown's glory years as well as the obvious clashes with Diana and the struggles Florence Ballard had with her life dying much to young.

Mary Wilson has provided valuable information about the Supremes, but particularly Florence Ballard, showing that Ballard was not a loser, but a very talented woman, frustrated by the world of business. The Supremes have never received the just attention and accolades they deserved. This work provides a personal history behind the top group, not just top female group, of the sixties. A must read for any course on music history.

fantastic read beautiful lady

Good read

Read this book till it fell apart!

Good Read

Great book and well written, I have always been a fan of Diana Ross. This books tells of the lengths Diana was prepared to go to, to make it to the top. It shows clearly the diverse personalities of the three original supremes. I wanted to hug Mary, cry for Florence and slap Diana. Well done Mary Wilson for not holding back.