As a broadcast journalist, writer, producer and performer… you’re fortunate to get a chance to experience a lot of cool things…
You remember the assignments that were challenging, interviews that were difficult to get through… (((sigh..)))
…and those that are enjoyable, and seamlessly came together.
As the years rolled by… I covered a wide variety of subjects… major national news stories!
I’ve experienced unbelievable situations… tons of breaking news, fascinating entertainment features and human interest stories…
I even had some of my stories shown on prime time network broadcasts… eventually, I also earned an Emmy nomination for my work.
As I took time to reflect on my career… I remembered my very first assignment… on my own. -That- key interview that was my introduction into the big leagues… the ONE that signaled that I was a professional journalist for real….
It was my interview with Motown legend, singer Mary Wilson.
I woke up to social media posts… that Ms Mary had gone on to ✨GLORY!✨
What a life! What an amazing musical career!
Mary Wilson was a founding member of “The Supremes”, the popular vocal group that had a dozen No. 1 singles on the pop charts in the 1960s, and was a key to the success of Motown Records. The hung around hitsville USA in Detroit until they made it big!
Mary Wilson died on Monday, February 8, 2021, at her home in Henderson, Nev. She was 76. Her death was confirmed by her long time friend, and publicist, Jay Schwartz. No cause was given.
MaryWilson 💕
was my very first SOLO interview. I was working as an college intern in #entertainmentnews at #WSB #Radio in #Atlanta, 🍑 Georgia.
Mary was pleasant, kind and very supportive. She had a wonderful personality, and was a great conversationalist.
Mary and I got on as if we’d known each other forever!
It turned out to be an excellent #interview, and I learned a lot of very interesting details about her career, and what it was like being apart of the #legendary #singing group…
I was sent to #interview her about her book: 📖
“My Life as a Supreme ..” and left with quite the story!
After the interview, I told her that I appreciated her being my FIRST interview EVER!
I told her that I was a senior at #clarkcollege , (now #CAU), and working to become a #reporter in #tvnews .
I also let her know that I was a huge fan of ✨everything #MOTOWN… and a #SUPERFAN 💫of the #supremes .
I will #neverforget this #experience! How fortunate to have your first major assignment be with someone #famous …that you really admired… and -ironically- …someone that a lot of people said you favored.
#whataretheodds ?!
When I moved to LA, and started taking meetings and auditions in Hollywood… some Casting Directors would look at me… and say:
“Now who is it that you look like??? Oh, yeah the Supreme in the middle… you know… you look like Mary Wilson!”
And I’d always say… Oh, Wow… Really?! I’ve heard that in a few other sessions… and she’s someone I really admire.. I’ve actually met her before… and I’d go on to tell the exact story… I’m sharing with you now…
Anyway…….
I’ve read every
book 📚 that’s come out about the Supremes over the years…and they have quite a history.
One of my favorite gifts a few years back… was a coffee table top book about Motown artists… and it had beautiful pictures of all their artists, and fabulous snap shots of THE SUPREMES!!!
My! How I treasure that wonderful keepsake!
Mary Wilson will forever be associated with that rich history. She was beautiful, talented and very much loved . ♥️
God bless her #soul …
May she #RestInPeace… 🕊
#RIPMaryWilson #songbird #motownlegend #foundingmember #lastoriginalmember #thesupremes #hitsvilleusa #motownsound #popcharts 🎼 🎶
Thank-you Mary… for being the one to help me realize that interviewing people was my passion. For helping me to learn how to make a real connection with people, and make them feel comfortable to open up… and tell me their stories!
You paved the way… for me to get many, many more interviews… and to be entrusted with important stories.
I’ve always been a people person, with a gift for gab… I’m thrilled when GOD WINKS, and sends an important person my way… to give me another BIG BREAK in the BIZ…
I believe there are heavenly Angels and earthbound Angels … who are assigned to us.. as we follow the path God planned for our lives…
I’d like to believe you’re another precious ANGEL..to guide me onward… to more great experiences to come!
~Evette Dabney, Founder, Owner of Sparkle-✨E✨ Entertainment & Promotions,
Evette Dabney is an Emmy nominated TV news talent, SAG-AFTRA actor, writer / blogger, media consultant, and marketing influencer, living in Los Angeles, California.
Check out additional blogs on Travel, Entertainment Fashion, Food, Beauty & more at sparkle-e.com 💎 Discover GOOD NEWS to add a little extra sparkle✨ to your lifestyle!
Evette Dabney has worked on-air in television news and radio in several markets across the country… including South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kansas and California.
Evette is a graduate of Clark- Atlanta University, and longtime member of National Association of Black Journalists, Association of Black Journalists of Southern California, Women in Film, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and Links Inc.
For interviews, meetings and auditions with Evette contact via social media, website e-mail, or Indeed
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You are a very remarkable woman! Well versed in your love of journalism. This is such an exciting topic, it hit home for me in that many a night Miss Mary as I knew her then would visit my mother there in Detroit, they were high school friends. I truly enjoyed this article.
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