Diana Ross
Biography
Diana Ross, born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, is an American singer and actress who became a global superstar. Her career began in 1959 when she formed the pop-soul group the Primettes with friends from her neighborhood. After signing with Motown Records in 1961, the group was renamed The Supremes.
The Supremes
As the lead singer of The Supremes, Diana Ross became one of the most successful artists of the 1960s. The group, which also included Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard (later replaced by Cindy Birdsong), recorded 12 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Some of their most iconic songs include "Baby Love" (1964), "Stop! In the Name of Love" (1965), and "You Can't Hurry Love" (1966). In 1967, the group's name was changed to Diana Ross & The Supremes, highlighting her role as the lead figure. Ross embarked on a solo career in 1970.
Solo Career and Stardom
Ross's solo career was immediately successful. Her debut album, "Diana Ross" (1970), featured the hit single "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," which became her first solo number-one song. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she released a string of successful albums and singles, including "Touch Me in the Morning" (1973), "Love Hangover" (1976), and "Upside Down" (1980). Her duet with Lionel Richie, "Endless Love" (1981), was a major international hit. In 1980, she signed a landmark $20 million contract with RCA Records, the most lucrative record deal for a solo artist at the time.
Acting Career
In addition to her music, Diana Ross also pursued a successful acting career. She made her film debut in 1972, portraying Billie Holiday in "Lady Sings the Blues." Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and a Golden Globe Award. She also starred in the films "Mahogany" (1975) and "The Wiz" (1978). Later, she appeared in television films, including "Out of Darkness" (1994), for which she received a Golden Globe nomination.
Legacy and Accolades
Diana Ross's influence on music and fashion is undeniable. She has sold over 100 million records worldwide, combining her sales as a solo artist and with The Supremes. She was named the "Female Entertainer of the Century" by Billboard magazine in 1976. Ross has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for her work with The Supremes and another as a solo artist. In 1988, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Supremes. Her many accolades also include a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.