Wilson lobbies for real Supremes
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Stop! in the name of Motown.
Or at least in the name of singer Mary Wilson, the former member of the Supremes who serenaded Illinois lawmakers with the 1965 pop classic, in what could be a Springfield lobbying first.
Wilson, once one of Diana Ross’ backup singers, has taken the lead in a nationwide push for legislation that would stop “imposters” from posing as Motown acts and other recording artists.
Determining just who is an imposter and who is a real Supreme or Platter or Drifter can get complicated. The Illinois bill would count as real only those who recorded under the name of the group.
But all those legalistic worries apparently melted away before Wilson’s knockout a cappella rendition of “Stop! In the Name of Love” – on Thursday, the House voted 110-0 to approve her anti-impersonator bill.
The bill would not affect tribute bands and other nostalgia acts – rest easy, Elvis impersonators – in which it is clear to ticket buyers that they are not paying to see the original artists.
But according to Hall of Fame officials, phony acts that confuse customers are cutting into the profits of the real performers. Wilson said phony acts make $3,000 a night. She charges $20,000.
Wilson and an association of veteran performers have already convinced lawmakers in Pennsylvania, South Carolina and North Dakota to pass similar bills, though some have only made it through one chamber.
The ultimate goal of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, which books performances for Wilson and other artists, is to persuade Congress to pass a federal law.
“We have given America and the world happiness with our music, and it’s time that we have a law that protects us and our legacy,” said Wilson.
She said promoters travel the country looking for women who could pass for members of the Supremes, then dress them up in wigs and gowns, she said.
Wilson first explained the issue to Illinois lawmakers in a Tuesday visit to the Capitol, where she testified before the House Consumer Protection Committee.
In the committee hearing, Rep. Terry Parke asked her if she could prove that she was the real Mary Wilson.
That’s when Wilson burst into song, belting out a few lines of the Supremes classic to a delighted crowd.