Early Life and Education
Diana Ross was born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, to Ernestine (née Moten) and Fred Ross Sr. She was the second of six children in the family. Her mother, Ernestine, contracted tuberculosis when Diana was seven, leading the family to send their children to live with Ernestine’s parents in Bessemer, Alabama, while she recovered. After her mother’s recovery, the family returned to Detroit. Ross attended Cass Technical High School, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous academic and vocational programs. There, she studied fashion design, millinery, pattern making, and tailoring, aspiring to become a fashion designer. She also took modeling and cosmetology classes and participated in extracurricular activities, including the school’s swim team.
Musical Career
The Supremes Era
In 1959, Ross joined several neighborhood friends to form the pop-soul vocal group the Primettes. The group was renamed the Supremes after signing a recording contract with Motown in 1960. Consisting of Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard (later replaced by Cindy Birdsong), the Supremes achieved 12 number one hits on the pop charts, including “Baby Love” (1964), “Stop! In the Name of Love” (1965), and “Someday We’ll Be Together” (1969). In 1967, the group was renamed Diana Ross and the Supremes, foreshadowing Ross’s solo career, which she launched in 1970.
Solo Career
Ross’s solo career began with the release of her self-titled debut album in 1970, featuring the hit single “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” She continued to achieve success with songs like “Love Hangover” (1976) and “Upside Down” (1980). Her duet with Lionel Richie, “Endless Love” (1981), topped multiple charts. Ross also pursued acting, starring in films such as Lady Sings the Blues (1972), Mahogany (1975), and The Wiz (1978). Despite a decline in commercial success in the mid-1980s, Ross remained a popular concert draw into the early 21st century.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her career, Ross received numerous awards, including:
- Grammy Awards: 13 nominations and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and 2023 (as a member of the Supremes).
- Presidential Medal of Freedom: Awarded in 2016.
- Kennedy Center Honors: Received in 2007.
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1988 as a member of the Supremes.
Recent Work
In 2021, Ross released Thank You, her first studio album in 15 years and her first original material in 22 years. The album, recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, features collaborations with Jack Antonoff, Jimmy Napes, Tayla Parx, and Spike Stent. The title track was released as a single on June 17, 2021. The album received a nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 65th Grammy Awards.
Personal Life
Ross has been married twice and has five children, including actress Tracee Ellis Ross. Her personal life has often been in the public eye, with her relationships and family dynamics attracting media attention. Despite the challenges, Ross has maintained a successful career and continues to be an influential figure in the entertainment industry.
Legacy
Diana Ross is recognized as one of the most influential female artists in music history. With over 100 million records sold worldwide, she has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her contributions have been acknowledged through numerous awards and honors, cementing her status as a cultural icon.
