Who are the most famous sinners in history?
This was a difficult time that Ross described in her 1993 memoir ‘Secrets of a Sparrow.’ She revealed that she suffered from anorexia during this period, which she attributed to the pressure she was put under by Motown Records and Berry Gordy.
When she was young, Ross was interested in fashion design and wanted to pursue a career in that area. However, she started singing with some neighborhood friends as a teenager, which took her on a different path. She formed a group called the Primettes with Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, and Barbara Martin.
In 1968, Ross and the other Supremes had their first taste of acting when they guest starred as three nuns on the TV series ‘Tarzan.’
The Supremes even changed their name to Diana Ross and the Supremes. The group continued to light up the charts with Ross as the leader, with hits like ‘Love Child’ and 'I'm Gonna Make You Love Me.’ They also pulled off a successful collaboration with another Motown hit group called the Temptations.
In 1967, the issues in the band finally came to a head. Florence Ballard left the Supremes and was replaced by Cindy Birdsong. Without Ballard’s influence, Ross became the definitive lead vocalist of the group. This made her even more of a star than she already was.
In 1977, Ross and Silberstein filed for divorce after six years of marriage. Ross would go on to date Gene Simmons from the band Kiss for a few years in the 1980s, but it would be many years before she would marry again.
They caught the eye of a Motown Records executive and were officially signed by founder Berry Gordy in 1961. Barbara Martin dropped out of the group, making them a trio, and they changed their name to the Supremes.
Despite the band’s meteoric success, life wasn’t easy for Ross. There was tension in the band, particularly with Florence Ballard, who sang lead vocals on many of their songs. Ballard was struggling with alcohol dependency and was unhappy with the grueling work schedule.
In 1978, Ross starred as Dorothy in Universal’s iconic reimagining of ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ entitled ‘The Wiz.’ She appeared alongside Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, and Ted Ross.
In 1965, Ross developed a romantic relationship with Berry Gordy. They kept working together and carried on their relationship in private for several years.
They released their first single in 1962, ‘When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes,’ which got to number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their profile grew, and they even collaborated with Sammy Davis Jr. on a TV special.
Throughout the '70s, Ross solidified herself as one of the best female singers and biggest disco icons of the era. Her impressive transition from Motown girl to disco diva appeared to be natural and seamless.
Style and celebrity image were huge during the disco era, and Ross’ flare for fashion furthered her status as a true icon. She never disappointed on the red carpet or the stage, always appearing in elaborate, glamorous ensembles.
Over the next few years, the Supremes would release 12 number one hits and become one of the most popular Motown groups around. Their first number one song was ‘Where Did Our Love Go?’
Sadly, 1969 saw the end of the Supremes. Each member seemed to be trying to convey more individualism, and they were no longer performing in matching dresses. Ross decided to leave the group to pursue her independence as an artist.
By 1971, Ross had been in an on-again, off-again relationship with Berry Gordy for six years. She decided to leave him and quickly married her business manager, Robert Ellis Silberstein.
Over the next few years, Ross grew her family with Robert Ellis Silberstein. She gave birth to her daughter Tracee, now a famous actress, in 1972, and their youngest daughter Chudney in 1975.
In 1972, Ross played the starring role of Billie Holiday in the hit movie ‘Lady Sings the Blues.’ She was nominated for an Oscar for her performance, but she was beaten to the post by Liza Minnelli for her performance in ‘Cabaret.’
Sadly, Ross hit a rough patch a few years later. She was struggling with substance abuse issues, got divorced from Naess Jr., and ran afoul of the law twice within a couple of years. On one occasion, she had an altercation with a security guard at an airport, and on the other, she was charged with a DUI while she was supposed to be receiving treatment at a rehabilitation center.
In 2012, after more than 50 years of hit-making, Ross nabbed her first Grammy. The then-68-year-old was given the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2016, Ross was recognized for her contribution to the arts with a presidential honor from Barack Obama. He gave her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest honor a civilian can receive.
In 2017, Ross received yet another lifetime achievement award, this time at the American Music Awards. She was joined on stage by the many members of her loving family.
Sources: (Britannica) (Harper's Bazaar) (TV Overmind)
See also: Remembering the queens of disco in all their glory
In 1986, Ross found love again. She married Norwegian shipping magnate Arne Naess Jr. while wearing a stunning satin and lace dress. She went on to have two more children in the following years: Ross and Evan.
Regardless, Ross was still at the top of her game. She gave an incredible performance at Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993, and was named the most successful female singer in the world by Guinness World Records.
In 1982, Ross was invited to sing the national anthem at the opening of that year’s Super Bowl. This might not sound like a big deal, but she was the first pop star ever to be given the honor. Nowadays, the biggest names in the industry sing it every year.
In 1988, Ross was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. However, she was being recognized for her work as the lead singer of the Supremes, not for her solo career.
Ross managed to get back on track and continued to perform, tour, and receive praise for her incredible career. In 2006, the movie ‘Dreamgirls’ was released. Although the movie was fictional, it was certainly inspired by the story of the Supremes. Beyoncé played the role most closely associated with Diana Ross’ real life.
The band members each went their separate ways, and Ross embarked on what would be a phenomenally successful solo career. She released her first album, entitled ‘Diana Ross,’ in 1970, and it was a smash hit. Her version of ‘Ain't No Mountain High Enough’ is still a favorite to this day.
By 1980, disco was dying, but Ross managed to pivot for the third time into the third decade of her career. She released the groundbreaking album ‘Diana,’ which went platinum. It included the timeless song ‘I’m Coming Out.’
Diana Ross was born in Detroit, Michigan, on March 26, 1944. She was the second-eldest of six children. Ross was originally supposed to be called Diane, but an error on her birth certificate led to her being legally named Diana. Her family still called her Diane anyway!
Diana Ross has a voice that is instantly recognizable, and her songs are universally loved no matter how much time goes by. These are two of the defining factors that make her an icon, but the list really is endless. Ross is one of few artists who successfully evolved with the times during her 60-plus-year career, creating a new, relevant style with each changing decade, but somehow still remaining timeless. She started out as a teenager with the popular Motown group the Supremes, and slowly evolved into a disco legend, an Oscar-nominated actress, and one of the best-selling female artists of all time.
Click through this gallery to learn more about the incredible life of one of the entertainment industry's all-time legends, Ms. Diana Ross.
Diana Ross: the Supreme who took over the world
The music icon turns 79 on March 26
CELEBRITY Retrospective
Diana Ross has a voice that is instantly recognizable, and her songs are universally loved no matter how much time goes by. These are two of the defining factors that make her an icon, but the list really is endless. Ross is one of few artists who successfully evolved with the times during her 60-plus-year career, creating a new, relevant style with each changing decade, but somehow still remaining timeless. She started out as a teenager with the popular Motown group the Supremes, and slowly evolved into a disco legend, an Oscar-nominated actress, and one of the best-selling female artists of all time.
Click through this gallery to learn more about the incredible life of one of the entertainment industry's all-time legends, Ms. Diana Ross.