The Marvelettes singer and Motown star Wanda Young has died aged 78.
The sad news was confirmed by her former labelmate Claudette Robinson of The Miracles, with the group best known for their hit track, Please Mr. Postman.
Wanda had a glittering career with the Motown group, and the band had a string of popular songs - but it was Please Mr. Postman which cemented their meteoric rise to fame.
Wanda was born in Michigan, but music wasn't the first thing on her mind. She had originally wanted to be a nurse but her music career and passion soon flourished when she met Gladys Horton, who asked her to audition for the then-called Marvels.
There were originally a quintet and they were best known for their track Please Mr. Postman, which was recorded by The Beatles in 1963 and then remade by The Carpenters in the 1970s, and it became a number one hit across the world.
Please Mr. Postman became Motown's first number one pop single when it was remastered and released by The Marvelettes in 1961. It also broke records at the time as it held the top slot for seven years on the R&B chart in the US.
Fans rushed to social media to praise Wanda on her glittering career as they remembered the Motown star.
One wrote: "What a Voice!! Rest n Power Wanda Young."
"RIP Wanda Young of The Marvelettes," another added, alongside a crying emoji, whilst a third shared: "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."
A fourth wrote: "Rest In Peace Wanda Young, co-lead singer of Motown royalty, The Marvelettes. I will never forget hearing this classic on Sunday nights and my mom insisting we “bop” to it together."
"So sad that we’ve lost a member of the Motown’s family. Rest Peacefully Wanda Young, co-lead singer of The Marvelous Marvelettes. She was 78," one penned online.
Another called her "iconic", as they added: "R.I.P. to Wanda Young of the iconic Motown girl group The Marvalettes."
