© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
TECHNOTE: Tue 9/2/25 Broadcast interruptions during essential testing 9am-5pm

Book chronicles troubled life of Motown queen Mary Wells

Wikimedia commons

In the early 1960’s, Mary Wells was the "Queen of Motown." But her life was not always so glamorous. She grew up in Detroit,  in the Black Bottom and Cass Corridor neighborhoods, yet she was determined to find a way into the music industry.

Peter Benjaminson is the author of “Mary Wells: the Tumultuous Life of Motown’s First Superstar.” He explains to Current State’s Emanuele Berry that Mary managed to get signed to Motown at age 16 by pestering Barry Gordy.

Related Content
Every WKAR News story you read is rooted in fact-based, local journalism, produced without commercial influence and available for free to everyone in mid-Michigan. No paywalls. Ever.

But this work doesn’t fund itself. With significant cuts to federal funding, public media is facing a critical moment. If you believe in journalism that serves the public interest, now is the time to act. Donate today.