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    The CultureMap Interview

    A true Supreme opens up on what it takes to be glamorous and how to live likeLena Horne

    Joel Luks
    Nov 9, 2012 | 7:48 am
    • Mary Wilson stars in Stormy Weather (titled after the 1943 that musical film),set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Miller Outdoor Theatre
      Courtesy photo
    • The multimedia show is narrated by James Gavin, who authored Horne's biography,and honors Horne's life and her accomplishments.
      ClassicFilm/tumblr.com
    • Mary Wilson was the only member of The Supremes who stuck by the group, from itsinception in 1959 to when it disbanded in 1977.
      Michael Ochs Archives

    Behind the wigs, couture and seductive life of The Supremes was the dream of a Greenville, Miss.-born little girl who loved to play dress-up. Mary Wilson became the backbone of the musical sensation, the only member who stuck by the group, from its inception in 1959 to when it disbanded in 1977.

    Among Wilson's role models was Lena Horne, three decades her senior, a pioneer in the entertainment industry who broke through conventions and danced to her own tune. Horne died on Mother's Day 2010 from heart failure.

    "The glamour was more than the look. It was about style and the way we carried ourselves. It's how we were different than other artists."

    Wilson stars in Stormy Weather (titled after the 1943 that musical film), set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Miller Outdoor Theatre. The multimedia show is narrated by James Gavin, who authored Horne's biography, and honors Horne's life and her accomplishments as a singer, actress and civil rights advocate in an era whirling with winds of change.

    When taking on the role, Wilson saw many parallels between her life and Horne's journey. As such, the whole experience has taken on a more personal meaning.

    CultureMap chatted with Wilson by phone from her home in California and she talked about fashion, glamour and her thoughts on the election.

    CultureMap: When did you first know of Lena Horne? Do you remember when you met?

    Mary Wilson: Lena Horne was talked about in my household. My mother and my aunt would get excited when she would appear on television, so I grew up knowing her and her work. She was definitely a phenomenon we all revered — and I idolized her.

    Meeting her was a grand moment. By then The Supremes were famous, though she was way above where we were. We met in 1968 at Talk of the Town (a London nightclub), we saw her show, she invited us backstage and we spent more than an hour having fun together.

    I stayed in touch with her through the years. In those days with the variety shows, you would always run into people — not like today where everything is so separate. She was always beautiful, always warm, always friendly — unlike many people may think about her. She was a great lady. We had more fun backstage than the audience, I bet.

    CM: What did you learn from her as a celebrity, as a colleague and as a friend?

    MW: The glamor. She was always immaculate. Though there were lots of wonderful black female entertainers, her style spoke to us. But above that, she always found time to reach out to other people. Whenever she saw me, she would say, "Mary, how are you doing, so glad to see you!" She wasn't one of those, hello-bye types.

    "Though I am a believer, and I do believe dreams come true. This too shall come to fruition. At the age of 68 I am looking for a hit record!"

    I identified with her so much, and I think many black female entertainers did also. Being a woman in the entertainment world is a lot harder than for our male counterparts. We have families; we raise the children.

    When we were preparing for this show, I could almost put myself in Lena's shoes because I lived through many of the same things. She lost her son; I lost my son. Our marriages were both difficult.

    CM: Your career was flourishing amidst a rapidly changing world. The Civil Rights Movement was in full swing, the Feminist Movement was rising. What was it like to be in the middle of such an era?

    It was a time of change — not so different from today. The Civil Rights Movement was in full force; we were all involved in it. We became African-American spokespeople before spokesperson was even a word.

    In the tribute we show a clip of her speaking on civil rights. I don't portray her in the piece — it's more of a media documentary with film. I come in between clips and contribute the music and the glamor of Lena Horne.

    CM: About the glamor: The Supremes had a fabulous, over-the-top style with couture gowns, many hairstyles and wigs.

    MW: The glamour was more than the look. It was about style and the way we carried ourselves. It's how we were different than other artists. As an entertainer you have to find what works for you. For us, we rejoiced in glamour and looking good.

    When I was 8 years old, I remember wearing one of my aunt's glamorous dresses that she kept for special occasions to a tea party — and I got watermelon all over her clothes! Tragic!

    I've loved to look good since I was a little girl. We know Diana loved to look good. And Flo loved to look good. Lena was definitely a part of that. Motown didn't make us dress up. This is how we really were, and Motown realized that and continued to use that — because glamour worked in our favor.

    Glamour showed that this little black girl — and this is how I talk about it in my lectures — had beauty from within. That beauty came out in the way we looked. Glamour was showing that we could be successful professional black women. It showed that black people were beautiful inside and out. Imagine that, that black people could be beautiful and successful (laughs).

    There were other beautiful black women too, like Dionne Warwick and Josephine Baker; we were a part of that. Socially, that helped the Civil Rights Movement in America.

    CM: There's no avoiding drama in show biz. And through all the challenges and changes in The Supremes, you managed to keep it together. What's your secret?

    I grew up with gospel. Having that background gives you faith and strength. Some people around me got very angry with those who talked about black people as being less than human. When we grew up, we were looked at that way. Though we knew they weren't right.

    I believe in, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." That has helped me sail through many life's challenges, though at times I just wake up, breathe and keep moving.

    I heard someone say that I was survivor; I don't want to think about being a survivor. I believe that life is life. Sometimes it's up; sometimes it's down. And you keep going, not because it's challenge, because that's life.

    My mother brought me up in a good environment; she was an angel. I was also brought up by my aunt and uncle, so I had different kinds of upbringing. Life has been good to me.

    CM: Isn't Life's Been Good to Me the title of your latest single?

    MW: Yes, and I am really proud of it. It's the best one I've produced. Though I can't get it to play on the radio, because there's no more radio (laughs). There's no more mom-and-pop record stores. So I can't get people to hear it. I have to figure out a way to make it work.

    CM: Things have changed.

    Things have changed. I don't know whether I need to upload, download, send it to iTunes, Amazon, who knows. My daughter just got me this iPhone I am talking on, and I don't know how to work it.

    Though I am a believer, and I do believe dreams come true. This too shall come to fruition. At the age of 68 I am looking for a hit record!

    CM: You voted (the day of this interview). Any thoughts about the election?

    Well no, I keep that personal. For many of us African American it is important to acknowledge the privilege of being able to vote. The people must vote for what's right not just for them personally, but what's right for America to continue to prosper.

    ___

    H-E-B presents Stormy Weather on Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Admission is free. Seating is ticketed for the covered area.

    unspecified
    news/entertainment

    independence day fun

    Where to celebrate the 4th of July throughout the Houston area in 2025

    Holly Beretto
    Jun 18, 2025 | 11:30 am
    Shell Freedom Over Texas
    Courtesy of Shell Freedom Over Texas
    The city has revealed the performers for its July 4 celebration.

    A country only turns 249 once. To celebrate Independence Day, cities around the Houston region have a host of entertainment options for all ages — including, of course, fireworks to light up the night sky. Happy 4th of July!

    Thursday, July 3
    Houston Symphony: Star-Spangled Salute
    This annual concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is free for everyone, and offers a selection of patriotic songs to celebrate the holiday. 8pm.

    Friday, July 4
    Freedom Over Texas
    Houston’s annual July 4th bash returns to Eleanor Tinsley Park along Allen Parkway with local, regional, and national entertainment, headlined by Ashley McBryde and Lee Brice. Attendees also have access to a beer garden; a sponsored area with representatives from local sports teams; the "Red, White & Play Kids Zone" with games, face painting, and entertainment; and "Liberty Park," which salutes the military and includes pictures with military assets. The grand finale of the celebration is a “Texas-sized” fireworks display. This year’s event will donate a portion of the entrance fee to the Houston Food Bank. Gates open at 4 pm. The cost is $10.

    Bubbles and Fireworks
    Buffalo Bayou Partnership hosts this event, which sets sail from Allen’s Landing at 8 pm. Hop on a boat and head into the bayou for a sensational view of fireworks over downtown, complete with bubbly, wine, beer, and light bites. The cost is $150 per person. Space is limited and this event is for ages 13 and older. Reserve online.

    City of Baytown 4th of July Celebration
    Beginning at 4 pm, the event includes live performances from groups like the Spazmatics and The Zydeco Outlaws, among others, food and craft vendors, and children’s activities. The evening is capped off with fireworks. The event is free to attend.

    City of Bellaire Celebration of Independence Parade & Festival
    This free event at Loftin Park kicks off with a parade at 9 am. A festival, held from 9:30 am-12 pm, includes music, food, and other family fun.

    City of Friendswood July 4th Celebration
    The day begins at 10 am, with a parade on Friendswood Drive, followed by a festival in Stevenson Park with rides, games, music, and entertainment. At 7 pm, a celebration will be held in Centennial Park, with live music and other entertainment, capped by a fireworks show around 9:10 pm.

    City of La Porte 4th of July in Five Points
    After a parade down Broadway, there’s a party at Five Points Plaza, featuring free hot dogs while they last, live music, and a fire truck that will spray water in the street. All festivities are free. The fun starts at 10:30 am.

    City of Pasadena 4th Fest
    Pasadena's party features a live DJ, Pasadena Idol performers, and a host of other activities celebrating the nation’s birthday at the Pasadena Fairgrounds. The festival starts at 4 pm, with a fireworks display at 9:15 pm. The event is free to attend.

    City of Pearland Celebration of Freedom
    Live music, kids activities, strolling entertainment, giveaways, and a photo booth top the list of fun on the 4th in Independence Park, beginning at 6 pm. The evening finishes with an 18-minute fireworks display. It’s free to attend.

    City of Seabrook Fourth of July Parade
    The parade begins at the Miramar Shopping Center and ends at Rex L. Meador Park. Kids are encouraged to decorate bikes, scooters, wagons and other non-motorized vehicles for a special children’s parade. Look for a bounce house, hayrides, hotdogs and other Fourth of July-themed fun. Festivities begin at 9:30 am.

    City of Sugar Land Red, White, and Boom
    Gather at Constellation Field for this epic celebration with music, food, vendors, and a grand fireworks finale. Admission is free. The event kicks off at 5 pm.

    Dueling Pianos and Fireworks
    Katy’s Home Run Dugout hosts this bash, headlined by dueling piano duo Joilux. Guests can request their fave tunes, and enjoy a killer fireworks show. The event is free, and those attending can order bites and drinks off the gathering spot’s regular menu. Celebrations kick off at 8 pm.

    Einstein’s Fireworks Cruise on Lake Conroe
    Depart from Einstein’s Surf & Boat Shop at the Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe for this three-hour cruise, which includes music, snacks, and a great vantage point for seeing the fireworks on Lake Conroe. BYOB. The cost is $75.

    Fourth of July in The Woodlands
    An array of activities are happening all day long, beginning at 8 am with festivities that precede the 49th Annual South County 4th of July Parade, which winds through The Woodlands Town Center and Market Street, featuring fire engines, military units, and marching bands.

    From 10 am to 6 pm, Woodlands townships have a host of Red, White, and Pool activities in their pools (fees vary). Finally, the Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza kicks off at 6 pm with food, live entertainment, and family fun at multiple locations throughout The Woodlands.

    Houston Symphony: Star-Spangled Salute
    The Symphony’s free July 4 concert at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park is a Houston tradition. Expect songs like “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and “America the Beautiful,” followed by a grand finale fireworks display. The concert begins at 8:30 pm.

    Kemah Boardwalk July 4th Celebration
    The popular entertainment zone has live music beginning at 2 pm, with multiple bands taking the stage. A fireworks show starts at 9:30 pm. The fireworks show is free. Those wishing to hop on a boat and catch the show from the water need to pay $40. Boarding begins at 9 pm.

    Missouri City Fourth Fest
    Taking place on the Houston Community College - Southwest College campus, this free party includes carnival games, live performances, food from local vendors, and a fireworks display. Festivities begin at 5 pm.

    Valley Ranch 4th Fest
    Cover band Dunn & Brooks and ZZ Tex highlight this day-long celebration, which also features yard games, a kids’ zone, train rides, a shopping boutique, July 4th swag, food trucks, and a Red, White, and Brews cash bar. It’s all capped off with Montgomery County’s largest fireworks display. The fun starts at 5 pm and admission is free.

    Saturday, July 5
    Stars, Stripes, and Swing
    The Jazz Connection Orchestra performs at Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe’s Del Lago Ballroom. There’s a cash bar with offerings such as tacos, hot dogs, and other snacks. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. The concert is at 7:30 pm, with a fireworks show immediately following at 9:20 pm.

    Freedom Over Texas
      
    Courtesy of Freedom Over Texas
    The Freedom Over Texas celebration takes place on the Fourth of July.
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