Music History for July 30 - Mary Wells

On this day in 1992, Motown's finest gathered for a memorial service for one of their own: Mary Wells. The singer lost her battle with throat cancer four days earlier at a Los Angeles hospital. She was 49 years old.

Motown Records founder Berry Gordy served as a pallbearer and Smokey Robinson, who wrote or co-wrote many of Mary's hits including "My Guy," performed a medley of her songs. Little Richard, Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder were among hundreds who gathered to remember Mary, who joined a fledgling Motown Records at the age of 17.

Born and raised near Wayne State University in Detroit, Mary Wells was one of Motown's first breakout stars and went on to inspire many other performers including The Supremes. Mary's biggest hit, "My Guy," came when she was just 21 years old.