Mary Esther Wells (May 13, 1943 – July 26, 1992) was an American singer who defined the early sound of Motown Records in the early sixties. Wells was part of the popularity boosting black music onto radio stations and record shelves of mainstream America "bridging the color lines in music at the time.
With a string of hit singles including "Two Lovers" (1962), the Grammy-nominated "You Beat Me to the Punch" (1962) and her signature hit, "My Guy" (1964), she became recognized as "The Queen of Motown" until her departure from the company in 1964, at the height of her popularity. She was Gorgeous!
As I just posted about Hart Plaza and Steppenwolf it reminded me of another magical moment we had with Mary Wells and the major acts of Motown.
In the 80's (I don't know how) I ended up on "date" with this unbelievably clueless guy named Tom at Hart Plaza for a remarkable free concert. The stars performing were The Capitols, Velvelettes, Marvelettes, Martha Reeves, Four Tops, Temptations, Smokey Robinson, The Crystals, The Contours, and MARY WELLS!
Kimmer would never miss a line up like that! As I live about 40 miles from Detroit I rode to Hart Plaza with Mr. Clueless. It was an all day event and just as it was getting dark Clueless wanted to leave to go to the bar in Ann Arbor. Can you believe that guy?? NO WAY WAS I LEAVING
So after I explained to him what a historical opportunity he was going to miss he left me in Detroit. YAY
Made my way to the upper level closest to the stage right. There was a crowd of about 20 40ish Detroit women up there. They ushered me into their group and I spent the rest of the evening with these gorgeous divalicious fun girls. We sang our voices to a rasp and danced our feet right off! What a fabulous night to experience at Hart Plaza. Dang no cam corders or You Tube video of this monumental evening.
Oh I made it back to Ypsi in a txit that cost 38 bucks! Those charming walked me to Jefferson and waited while I hailed a cab. They put me in the cab and off I went. Never saw Mr. Clueless again YES.
Ms Wells died shortly after this show and I was so grateful to have had the opportunity to see her perform live. Diva Mary Wells was the first Motown star. She had many hits my favorite being Bye Bye Baby
No comments:
Post a Comment