Diana Ross

Diana Ross’s journey from Motown’s lead singer to acclaimed solo artist and actress is filled with iconic hits, Hollywood fame, and a lasting cultural legacy. Known as the Queen of Motown, she paved the way for female artists worldwide. Explore the surprising stories behind her music, movies, and personal life that shaped an entertainment legend.
Diana Ross
  1. Diana Ross was born Diane Ernestine Earle Ross. Berry Gordy suggested she change her name to “Diana” for stage appeal.
  2. Before fame, Diana joined a group called The Primettes, which later became The Supremes, Motown’s most successful girl group.
  3. The Supremes hold the record for most number one hits by a female group on the Billboard Hot 100 with 12 chart-toppers.
  4. Diana Ross earned an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues (1972).
  5. She was the first female solo artist to have five consecutive number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
  6. Ross had the nickname “Queen of Motown,”. IT symbolizes her influence over the iconic record label and its success.
  7. Her 1980 album Diana featured production by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic, and marked a shift to a disco sound.
  8. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell originally recorded “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and Diana later turned it into her signature anthem.
  1. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama in 2016, recognizing her cultural impact.
  2. Diana Ross was married and divorced twice; one of her husbands was music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein, with whom she has two children.
  3. Her daughter Tracee Ellis Ross is a well-known actress starring in the TV series Black-ish.
  4. Diana launched Anaid Productions as a means to have more control over her music and business ventures.
  5. She performed the national anthem at Super Bowl XL in 2006, showcasing her lasting vocal power.
  6. Ross almost starred in The Bodyguard alongside Whitney Houston but declined to focus on her music career.
  7. Diana Ross had many glamorous stage costumes, many of which were creations by fashion designers Bob Mackie and Michael Travis.