Michael Bearden Instagram – I was asked to lead a Marvin Gaye tribute by the Kennedy Center. (with the thumbs up from Marvin’s estate, Jan & Nona)⠀ ⠀ Mary Wilson was one of the many stars slated to do the show. ⠀ ⠀ As a music director, I always request to speak to artists directly, and early, when doing these shows. At this point in my career, most artists oblige. (Blessed!) ⠀ ⠀ However, I was not expecting Ms. Wilson to do that. ⠀ ⠀ To my surprise not only did Mary call me first, while on the phone she asked, “are you in LA?” Yes. “Where do you live?” I told her. And, she drove over to my house. Just her. No entourage. ⠀ ⠀ We worked out her music. Then she said, “Now I know where you live. You might not get rid of me now!” We laughed and I hugged her goodbye. ⠀ ⠀ I’ve been in the biz so long, I don’t usually get star struck. But, after she left I was like, WoW! I just had one of the Supremes at my house working on music! ⠀ ⠀ She did an amazing job at the show and was super sweet to me whenever I saw her again. ⠀ ⠀ But, I’ll never forget that time me, a man who grew up on the south side of Chicago, and my parents always playing Motown records when I was a young boy, actually got to work up close and personal with royalty! 🙏🏾🕊M~ (pictured. Mary Wilson, Valerie Simpson, Michael Bearden). . #marywilson #thesupremes #mowtown #royalty #icon #legend #singer #restinparadise