Happy 81st Birthday to the ever-iconic Diana Ross!
From being a lead singer in The Supremes to starring in film productions and performing in lightning storms. There's not much that this soul diva can't do.
One of Motown's finest, Ross came from humble beginnings. She was born in Detroit in 1944 and grew up in one of the first federally funded housing developments for Black families. Initially, she studied as a fashion designer but found her true passion was music.
Full of ambition and determination, she left the fashion world and joined The Primettes. After their 1961 signing to Motown, the girl group changed their name to The Supremes, and the rest is history.
In celebration of Ross’s special day, here’s a timeline of some of the most iconic moments throughout her career.
Leading The Supremes to Global Stardom (1960s)
As the lead singer of The Supremes, she helped the group become the most successful girl group of all time, with twelve number-one hits, including 'Baby Love' and 'Stop! In the Name of Love'.
Gettin’ It Together on Broadway, TV Special (1969)
In 1969, Diana Ross and The Supremes joined The Temptations for their second TV special. The ‘Gettin' It Together’ (G.I.T.) show was one full of stellar performances and grandiose stage outfits, particularly from Diana Ross. We see this with her charming 'Leading Lady' Medley. Take note of her larger-than-life hair at the three minute mark, which has been referenced by other artists since.
Going Solo and 'Ain’t No Mountain High Enough' (1970)
After ten years with The Supremes, the soul queen left the group to branch out on her own. Her solo debut with her rendition of 'Ain’t No Mountain High Enough' was hugely successful and became her number-one hit as a solo artist.
Oscar Nomination for 'Lady Sings the Blues' (1972)
Not long after the start of her solo career, Ross made her feature film debut starring as Billie Holiday in the biopic 'Lady Sings the Blues'. She stunned Hollywood with her portrayal and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress - she was only the second Black woman to be nominated in that category at the time.
Disco Era: 'Love Hangover' (1976) & 'Upside Down' (1980)
With the rising popularity of disco, Ross moved from soul queen to disco queen. She dominated the era with hits like 'Love Hangover' and 'Upside Down' and proved her ability to evolve with music trends.
Central Park Concert in a storm (1983)
One of the most memorable live performances in history: Ross performed amid a lightning storm for 800,000 fans on The Great Lawn of Central Park. As winds picked up to 50mph and torrential rain came down, the charity concert was cut short for safety reasons. Still, Ross had graciously soldiered on for forty minutes, determined to finish the show.
Footage from the live show made its big screen debut on the star's 75th birthday.
Making the Guinness Book of World Records (1993)
Just when it seemed no more accolades could be tied to her name, Ms. Ross was recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the ‘Most Successful Female Artist in Music History”. With 70 hit singles as both a group and solo artist, she had more hits than any other woman in the charts.
Surprise Super Bowl Halftime Show Exit (1996)
The Super Bowl XXX Halftime Show gave rise to one of the most unforgettable exits in Super Bowl history. Diana Ross was at the centre of all this with her dramatic helicopter exit from the stadium as she finished singing ‘Take Me Higher’. The queen of theatrics waved to the crowd as she flew away.
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2012 & 2023)
Despite her influence on music, Ross has never won a competitive Grammy. However, she has twice been honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards. The first came in 2012 for her decades of contributions to music and then again in 2023 as a member of The Supremes.
With a career and influence spanning generations, Diana Ross is still and forever will be an icon.
