The Supremes “Come And Get These Memories” (From The LP The Supremes A-Go-Go, 1966)

The keeper of The Supremes flame, Mary Wilson, agelessly celebrates her 71st Birthday this Friday. Over 56 years of Performing and showing no signs of slowing down, she is pretty much a living icon.

Given that icon status, it’s a bit appalling how few times she actually found herself in the spotlight when The Supremes were at the peak of their fame from 1963-69. True that most Girl Groups did focus on one lead singer, but considering the amount of time The Supremes spent recording and touring, you’d think there’d be more examples of Mary stepping up to lead vocal at the microphone. Well, you really have to wait for 1971-era Supremes for that. Meanwhile, we catch her talents maturing alongside old friend Florence Ballard playing all of The Vandellas on this zingy remake of that Martha marvel chestnut recorded, surprisingly, by a host of other soul singers. Also, if my ear serves me correct, this is the *only* time Mary and Florence recorded something completely devoid of Diana, as The Andantes provide the additional background vocals.