128. Mary Wells

Along with other acts like The Temptations and The Four Tops, Mary Wells was part of the Motown stampede onto popular radio and was essentially the lone female solo act from the label. Wells churned out hit after hit for Motown and her crossover appeal was not just limited to white audiences in the States as she was the first Motown star to chart in the U.K. and perform there. Her fans included the immortal Beatles whom she even opened for. Wells was Motown’s first real international star yet at the height of her popularity she left Motown for 20th Century Fox where she never did achieve a fraction of the success that she did from her previous employer. Regardless, Wells place in history is solid, and her timeless voice should at some point grant her a posthumous induction.

Mary Wells

www.cmgww.com/music/wells (Tribute Site)

Should Mary Wells be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put her in! - 68.6%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 13.7%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 5.9%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 11.8%

The Bullet Points

Previous Rank: 2010: #66
2011: #72
2012: #71
2013: #68
2014: #65
2015: #65
2016: #62
Eligible Since: Thursday, 01 January 1987
Country of Origin: U.S.A. (Detroit, MI)
Why they will get in: She is the biggest solo star from Motown not yet in.
Why they won't get in: Her acrimonious departure from the Motown label could be hurting her chances.
Nominated in: 1986 & 1987
Essential Albums: Bye Bye Baby I Don’t Want to Take a Chance (1961)
The One Who Really Loves You (1962)
Mary Wells Sings My Guy (1964)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: The One Who Really Loves You (From The One Who Really Loves You, 1962)
You Beat Me to the Punch (From The One Who Really Loves You, 1962)
Two Lovers (From Two Lovers and Other Great Hits, 1962)
My Guy (From Mary Wells Sings My Guy, 1964)
Gigolo (From In and Out of Love, 1981)