Ex-Supreme wants 'Truth in Music'

Ted Nugent wasn’t the only musician to visit the state capitol last week. Former Supremes member Mary Wilson also played the Gov.’s inaugural ball, but initially came to the state for a more serious purpose — to push the “Truth in Music” bill.

The “Truth in Music” bill is aimed to stop cover bands from taking a name of a classic band, unless at least one member of the original group is part of the performance. The problem seems to be more widespread for classic doo-wop/R&B bands, like the Supremes, The Platters, The Coasters, etc. Many venues (especially casinos) will advertise these classic bands as performing live, when in reality, it’s a cover band with no original members. Cover bands that use words like “Tribute” or “Salute” in their name would be exempt from this legislation.

The bill, which suggests a $15,000 fine for each violator, has been well received; seven states have passed a similar legislation. The only opposition has come from agents and managers of the cover bands (big surprise there).

Mary Wilson has been traveling around the country gathering up support for the bill, and talking about Dreamgirls (which is loosely based on The Supremes), where she says that Diana Ross is still a bitch.

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Photo: marywilson.com