Reviews for Dreamgirl and Supreme Faith: My Life as a Supreme

The average rating for Dreamgirl and Supreme Faith: My Life as a Supreme based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2019-01-15 00:00:00 Nicholas Young Whew, the tea! This book (Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme) had been on my list for some time as I wanted to know more about Motown and the comparisons between Dreamgirls (the movie) and The Supremes. I can see the similarities and it's striking, it makes me want to watch Dreamgirls again just to compare/contrast between fiction and real life. It is interesting reading a memoir from 1/3 of a major group although I'm always torn by the thought that this is just one person's take and surely there are other truths out there. At any rate, it's obvious from this book that Diana Ross is one of the original divas and has been one for so long. Initially, I thought that the book was quite partial to Mary and Flo with Diana Ross as the obvious "villain", but it was a bit more even-keeled than that. Mary shared some of everyone's secrets so I guess that's just the way it was. I was also really interested in learning more about how Motown came to be and the book introduces a lot of the players and artists from the early days of Hitsville, which honestly sounds like a dream. Obviously, I know that Motown (along with countless other companies) swindled artists with terrible deals that left many talented people (like original Supreme Florence Ballard) destitute and in a bad place mentally, but the magic of those early days at Hitsville come through and I wish I was there. There is always something so appealing to me about being around a group of talented individuals who are working and building toward something greater - I love the idea of being on the ground floor of something major. Do you know that the place you're in is special while you're there? Or the people you're around? Reading the encounters with the soft-spoken preacher's son, Marvin Gaye, made me want to know more about how he became the sexual, sensual crooner so many of us know him as today. Reading about the long affair that Diana Ross carried on with Berry Gordy was also interesting and explains much about her place in the world today. Getting a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of the early girl groups and music industry was enlightening and made me realize that none of what propelled people forward in those days is even remotely possible now. I can't imagine Beyonce or some other high-profile singer/group performing in equal measure at top-rate clubs and also doing state fairs or riding on a bus for months at a time with other equally famous or rising stars (ala the Dick Clark tour). However, I did like Mary as I read about her life and affairs with people like Tom Jones (who knew?!). It's always interesting to me when people write about affairs they've had with people because that seems so bold, especially when they're still alive and/or married to that person (and even if they're not - who wants to read about an affair their spouse had?) Motown/Hitsville was, among many things, a magical place run by a man with a firm grasp on what he wanted and how he wanted it to be done, for better or worse. The life of the Supremes was a delight to take a look inside of and ponder how we become who we are. I wish I could read the memoir/(auto)biographies of all of the Supremes (and those close to them) to get a more well-rounded view since there was clearly some bias in place.

Review # 2 was written on 2021-02-28 00:00:00 Joan Tan Dreamgirl and Supreme Faith: My Life as a Supreme by Mary Wilson Published January 11th 2000 More than 40 years ago, three girls from the Detroit projects made the world 'Stop!' and take notice of their fresh harmonies and classy style. Cultivated by the Motown star machine, Mary Wilson, Diana Ross, and Florence Ballard popped onto the charts with hits like "Baby Love" and "Where Did Our Love Go" and made the Supremes not only a household name, but rock and roll legends. The story of their journey to fame is one that fairy tales are made of'complete with battles, tragedies, and triumphs. It's a story that only one of the founders of this talented trio is able or willing to share with the world. In Dreamgirls & Supreme Faith: My Life as a Supreme, Supremes' co-founder Mary Wilson boldly brings to life all the intimate details of the group's struggle to top the charts. This is the first book to tell the complete story of Mary's courageous life from childhood through the height of the Supremes, to the turn of the century. This beautiful paperback edition combines the best-selling Dreamgirls with the sequel, Supreme Faith: Someday We'll Be Together, for the first time in one volume. The new afterword brings Mary's intriguing story up to date with details on. . . · The tragic car accident that claimed her son's life · The death of her mother, Johnnie Mae, and her dear friend, Mary Wells · Becoming a grandmother · Making her peace with Berry Gordy and Diana Ross · Being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame The Supremes wonderful music isn't the only thing to remain in the public's mind. Diana Ross' push for dominance in the trio has become legendary. Mary Wilson speaks candidly about Ross' tactics to latch onto Berry Gordy, and force her will on the group's activities. For example, while on the early tours, Diana would threaten to call Gordy from the road if the men on the bus didn't behave to her approval. She also openly pushed for Flo's removal from the group. Wilson also openly shares her thoughts on . . .The group's never-ending