Biography
Diana Ross, born Diane Ernestine Earle Ross on March 26 in Detroit, Michigan, is a legendary American singer, actress, and record producer known for her soulful voice and captivating stage presence.
She first gained fame as the lead vocalist of the Motown group The Supremes, dominating the 1960s with hits like “Baby Love,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” and “You Can’t Hurry Love.”
After leaving The Supremes in 1970, Ross launched a successful solo career. Her debut album, Diana Ross, featured the iconic hit “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” solidifying her place as a music legend. Over the years, she released numerous albums and singles, earning honors such as the Kennedy Center Honor and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ross also made her mark in film, with her portrayal in Lady Sings the Blues (1972) earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Beyond her achievements in music and film, Ross has been a fashion icon and a trailblazer in African-American culture, breaking racial barriers throughout her career.
American singer and actress
Diana Ross | |
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Wiki Facts & About Data | |
Real Name: | Diane Ernestine Earle Ross |
Stage Name: | Diana Ross |
Born: | 26 March 1944 (age 80 years old) |
Place of Birth: | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
Nationality: | American |
Education: | Cass Technical High School |
Height: | 163 cm |
Parents: | Ernestine Moten, Fred Ross Sr. |
Siblings: | Rita Ross, Chico Ross, Barbara Ross, Wilbert Ross, Arthur “T-Boy” Ross, Fred Ross Jr. |
Spouse: | Arne Naess Jr. (m. 1985–2000), Robert Ellis Silberstein (m. 1971–1977) |
Boyfriend • Partner: | Arthur Ashe (1976), John Taylor, Jon Voight (2005-2006), Gene Simmons (1980-1983), Richard Gere (1977-1979), Michael Jackson (1977-1994), Berry Gordy (1963-1970), Smokey Robinson, Michael Bloomberg, Eddie Kendricks, Ryan O’Neal, Warren Beatty |
Children: | Tracee Ellis Ross, Evan Ross, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Chudney Ross, Ross Naess |
Occupation: | Actress • Singer |
Net Worth: | $250 million (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Diana Ross, born on March 26 in Detroit, Michigan, grew up in a musically inclined family with six siblings. She was raised by her father, Fred Ross Sr., who worked at a bakery, and her mother, Ernestine Moten Ross, a former schoolteacher turned homemaker. Both parents played a key role in shaping her life. Her father filled their home with music, sparking her early interest in singing, while her mother provided a nurturing and disciplined environment.
From a young age, Ross was involved in church choirs and school performances, laying the foundation for her future career. She attended Cass Technical High School, which emphasized the arts, but left before graduating as her career with The Supremes began to soar during her teenage years.
Raised in a Christian household with African American heritage, Ross grew up immersed in the sounds of gospel, jazz, and blues, which heavily influenced her musical style. Alongside her siblings—Rita Ross, Chico Ross, Barbara Ross, Wilbert Ross, Arthur “T-Boy” Ross, and Fred Ross Jr.—music played a significant role in their early lives in Detroit.
Though she did not pursue higher education, Ross gained invaluable experience through The Primettes (later The Supremes) and under the guidance of Berry Gordy at Motown Records. This unique education in music and performance launched her into superstardom, cementing her status as one of the most influential figures in music history.
Career
Diana Ross’ career, spanning over six decades, has solidified her as one of the most iconic figures in entertainment, with groundbreaking accomplishments in music, film, and fashion.
Ross first rose to stardom in the early 1960s as the lead singer of The Supremes under Motown Records. With hits like “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love,” and “Come See About Me,” The Supremes became the most successful Black musical group of their time, largely due to Ross‘ signature voice and commanding stage presence.
After leaving The Supremes in 1970, Ross embarked on a solo career with her self-titled debut album, featuring the smash hit “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Throughout the 1970s, she continued to dominate the charts with hits like “Touch Me in the Morning,” “Love Hangover,” and “Upside Down,” blending soul, pop, and disco.
Ross made a powerful transition into film with her portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues (1972), earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She also starred in Mahogany (1975) and The Wiz (1978), where she performed alongside Michael Jackson.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Ross remained a musical force, releasing albums such as Why Do Fools Fall in Love and Workin’ Overtime, which showcased her versatility. Her worldwide tours, including the “Return to Love” tour in 2000, continued to captivate audiences worldwide.
Ross triumphantly returned in 2019 with the release of Thank You, her first studio album in nearly two decades. The album blends contemporary sounds with her classic style.
Her immense contributions to entertainment have been honored with numerous awards, including the Grammy Awards, the Kennedy Center Honor, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Social Media
- Facebook: Diana Ross
- Instagram: Ms Ross (@dianaross)
- YouTube: Diana Ross
- IMDb: Diana Ross
Personal Life
Diana Ross first married Robert Ellis Silberstein in 1971, and the couple had two daughters, Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross, before divorcing in 1977. Prior to this marriage, Ross had a significant relationship with Motown founder Berry Gordy, with whom she had her eldest daughter, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, born in 1971. Though they were never married, Gordy shaped Ross‘ early career.
In 1986, Ross married Norwegian businessman Arne Naess Jr., and they had two sons, Ross Naess and Evan Ross. The marriage ended in 2000, but the two remained close until Naess‘ passing in 2004.
Throughout her life, Ross has been romantically linked to several prominent figures, including Warren Beatty, Gene Simmons, Richard Gere, and Michael Jackson. She also had relationships with Jon Voight, Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Michael Bloomberg, Eddie Kendricks, Ryan O’Neal, Warren Beatty, and others and brief encounters with figures like Arthur Ashe and John Taylor.
Standing at 5’4″ (163 cm), Ross‘ height has always been complemented by her graceful and commanding stage presence, making her an unforgettable icon.
Net Worth
Diana Ross, a legendary figure in the music industry, has built an impressive net worth estimated at $250 million. Her wealth is largely attributed to her groundbreaking career, which began in the 1960s with The Supremes. During this time, she gained international fame through numerous chart-topping hits.
After transitioning to a solo career, Ross continued to thrive with hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Upside Down,” along with her acclaimed film work, including her Academy Award-nominated role in Lady Sings the Blues.
In addition to her music and acting success, Ross has generated significant income through extensive touring, including the “Thank You Tour” in 2022, and various business ventures throughout her career. Her lasting influence in entertainment, recognized by awards such as the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, has solidified her legacy and financial success.
Discography
Singles
- “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Her first major solo hit.
- “Upside Down” – A disco classic from her 1980 album.
- “I’m Still Waiting” – From her solo debut album.
- “Love Hangover” – Known for its extended dance version.
- “Good Morning Heartache” – From “Lady Sings the Blues.”
- “Touch Me in the Morning” – Her first solo No. 1 hit in the UK.
- “Do You Know Where You’re Going To” – Theme from the film “Mahogany.”
- “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” – A notable hit from the ’80s.
- “Endless Love” – A duet with Lionel Richie.
- “The Boss” – From her album “diana.”
Albums
- “Diana Ross” – Her solo debut in 1970, featuring “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”
- “Lady Sings the Blues” – The soundtrack to the film where she played Billie Holiday, including “Good Morning Heartache.”
- “diana” – Notable for “Upside Down” and “I’m Coming Out.”
- “Touch Me in the Morning” – Her second solo album.
- “Mahogany” – The soundtrack with the hit “Do You Know Where You’re Going To.”
- “The Boss” – An album that marked her return to pop prominence.
- “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” – An album showcasing her versatility in the ’80s.
- “Diana Ross Greatest Hits: Live in Central Park” – Live album capturing an iconic performance.
- “Silk Electric” – Known for its blend of pop and adult contemporary.
- “Thank You” – Her latest studio album released in 2021, showing her continued relevance.
Filmography
- Lady Sings the Blues (1972) – She portrayed Billie Holiday in this biographical drama, earning her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
- Mahogany (1975) – Ross played Tracy Chambers, a fashion designer, in this drama where she also performed the theme song “Do You Know Where You’re Going To.”
- The Wiz (1978) – She starred as Dorothy opposite Michael Jackson’s Scarecrow in this musical adaptation of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
- Out of Darkness (1994) – A TV movie where Ross played a woman dealing with mental illness, earning her another Golden Globe nomination.
- Double Platinum (1999) – A TV movie where she played herself, alongside Brandy and Allen Payne.
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