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Mary Esther Wells was born on May 13, 1943. Mary was thought of as one of the best female singers. She helped to create the famous “Motown Sound.”
Mary had spinal meningitis when she was a child. This sickness caused temporary paralysis, loss of hearing, and partial blindness in one of her eyes. When Mary became healthy again, she had to perform the difficult task of learning to walk again. She had a hard time with this but was thankful for being able to see and hear well again.
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When Mary was a teenager, she was hired as a performer by Berry Gordy’s Tamla Records even though she auditioned as a song writer. Mary started her major singing career by recording the song “Bye Bye Baby” for Gordy’s new label Motown Records. Mary continued recording for Motown Records for five years and recorded these three major songs: “The One Who Really Loves You,” “You Beat Me to the Punch,” and “Two Lovers.”
Mary did many tours in the U.S. and Europe and became one of the most famous singers in her time. In 1964, her song “My Guy” made #1 on the pop chart and her duet with Marvin Gaye “Once Upon a Time” became #17 on the pop chart. The Beatles said Mary Wells was their favorite American singer and invited her to tour with them in Europe. When Mary returned, she recorded the album “Love Songs to The Beatles.”
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In 1990, Mary was diagnosed with larynx cancer which affected her singing ability. Even though she was sick, Mary remained courageous and active. In 1991, Mary went to Washington D.C. to encourage Congress to raise money for cancer research. In 1992, Mary developed pneumonia. The wonderful singer, Mary Wells, died at Kenneth Norris Jr. Cancer Hospital on July 26, 1992.
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