Wanda Young of the Marvelettes Dies At 78

By Tadi Abedje Published: December 29, 2021

Wanda Young of the Marvelettes Dies At 78

In Summary

Young was part of a legendary female group that was responsible for hits such as “Please Mr. Postman,” “Don’t Mess With Bill” and “My Baby Must Be a Musician.”

Wanda Young, who was a legendary singer from the Marvelettes, has passed away at the age of 78, according to People.

Her daughter Meta Ventress said to the New York Times that she died on Dec. 15 in Garden City, Michigan, from complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Young began singing with the Marvelettes in the 1960s, replacing Georgia Dobbins who had to leave because of her family commitments. She, along with Gladys Horton who created the group with Georgeanna Tillman, Katherine Anderson and Juanita Cowart, were the lead singers of the Marvelettes.

The legendary female group was known to produce songs such as “Please Mr. Postman,” “Don’t Mess With Bill” and “My Baby Must Be a Musician” which were released by Motown Records, according to People. “Please Mr. Postman” was Motown Records’ first number one hit.

In 1970, the Marvelettes broke up and in that same year, Young did a solo album called The Return of the Marvelettes. It was produced by the legendary singer Smokey Robinson, with whom she often collaborated with, according to People.

Young would reunite with Horton to produce an album titled The Marvelettes: Now! in 1990.

“We are so saddened by the news of Wanda Young of the Marvelettes passing. What an impact she has had on the world of Classic Motown and the lives of so many. Her legacy will continue to live on,” Classic Motown said on Twitter.

Young leaves behind two children, four sisters and four brothers, seven grandchildren and a great-grandson.