CLEVELAND — The enduring legacy and influence of Motown Records’ premier recording artists is explored in the exhibit “Legends Of Motown: Celebrating The Supremes” currently on display at GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi.

“We are honored to showcase some of (founding Supremes member) Mary Wilson’s treasured memorabilia from her time with The Supremes. Celebrating the history of Mississippi artists is a necessary and important part of GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi,” said Executive Director, Emily Havens.

Curated by the GRAMMY Museum® in Los Angeles, the exhibit will offer visitors a unique look at the life and career of one of the most successful American singing groups of the ’60s, the Supremes, through rare artifacts from the private collection of Wilson.

  On display through Sept. 3, the exhibit features rare photographs from the personal collection of Mary Wilson; concert posters; tour books, fan memorabilia; and an assortment of performance gowns, including:

• “Primette Pristine” gowns worn in 1961, one of the earliest sets purchased by the Supremes when they were still known as the Primettes

• “White De Mink” outfit worn on ABC’s “The Hollywood Palace” in 1966

• “Turquoise Freeze” dresses worn during a 1967 appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show”

• “Red Hot” gown worn by Wilson on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1970 for the debut of the new Supremes lineup featuring Cindy Birdsong and Jean Terrell

• And more

  “The Mary Wilson ‘Supreme’ gown collection is a dream come true for me,” Wilson said in a release about the exhibit. “This collection is a gift that I give to all of those who have ever loved music and glamour. As you look at all of these wonderful treasures, please be reminded that three little black girls’ dared to dream, and made their dreams come true. Thank you, Motown, and the thousands of fans all over the world.”

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Founded as the Primettes in Detroit, the Supremes became Motown’s most consistent hitmakers and the most popular female group of the ’60s, bridging the worlds of pop and soul with their polished singing style. Featuring original members Mary Wilson, Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, much of their success was a result of the tailor-made songs for them by Motown’s in-house writing and production team comprising Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland. At the height of the British Invasion in June 1965, the group set a record for the most consecutive No. 1 hits by an American group when “Back in My Arms Again,” “Baby Love,” “Come See About Me,” “Stop! In The Name Of Love” and “Where Did Our Love Go?” rose to the top of the Billboard singles chart.

By 1967, the trio had officially amended their name to Diana Ross and the Supremes, an acknowledgment of lead singer Ross’ rising star. That same year, Florence Ballard left the group and was replaced by Cindy Birdsong. Ross subsequently left the Supremes to launch a successful career as a solo recording artist and actress. She was replaced by Jean Terrell, and the Supremes’ hitmaking streak continued with such songs as “Up the Ladder to the Roof” and “Stoned Love.” The trio continued to perform and record into the ’70s, with founding member Mary Wilson keeping the name and the music alive. Later members included Scherrie Payne (who replaced Jean Terrell) and Susaye Greene and Lynda Laurence (who took Cindy Birdsong’s place).

  The Supremes’ final performance was at London’s Drury Lane on June 12, 1977, at which point Wilson disbanded the group and retired the name. Not only did the Supremes come to epitomize the Motown sound, they earned a place in music history as performers whose popularity in the ’60s was second only to the Beatles.

  

About GRAMMY Museum Mississippi

Built and operated by the Cleveland Music Foundation — a non-profit organization developed in 2011 — the 28,000-square-foot GRAMMY Museum Mississippi is housed near the campus of Delta State University, home of the Delta Music Institute’s Entertainment Industry Studies program, which features the most unique audio recording facilities in the South.

Similar to its sister Museum — the GRAMMY Museum® at L.A. LIVE — GRAMMY Museum Mississippi is dedicated to exploring the past, present and future of music, and the cultural context from which it emerges, while casting a focused spotlight on the deep musical roots of Mississippi. The Museum features a dynamic combination of public events, educational programming, engaging multimedia presentations, and interactive permanent and traveling exhibits, including a Mississippi-centric area that introduces visitors to the impact of Mississippi’s songwriters, producers and musicians on the traditional and modern music landscape. 

  For more information, visit www.grammymuseumMS.org, “like” the GRAMMY Museum on Facebook, and follow @GRAMMYMuseumMS on Twitter and Instagram.