My Guy and Mary Wells

Mary Wells was one of Motown’s early successes. Her string of hit singles were largely composed by Smokey Robinson, including the 1964 number one hit “My Guy”. However, although known as the “First Lady of Motown”, she parted company with the label shortly afterwards when reaching the tender age of 21. However, she never reached the level of success she had previously enjoyed with Motown.

Born in Detroit in 1943, she happened upon Berry Gordy in the 20 Grand club. She convinced him to let her record the following day. The split from Motown eventually proved to have been the apex of her success and despite signing for other labels, she largely faded from all but the Oldies circuit. Sadly, she was stricken with throat cancer in 1990 and died two years later.

Sample “My Guy” on Motown 50 here:

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