Diana Ross

Basic Information

The Supremes (1959–1970)

Formation and Rise

Diana Ross first gained fame as the lead singer of The Supremes, the most successful American vocal group of the 1960s and Motown Records’ most successful act.

Original Group Name: The Primettes (formed 1959) Became: The Supremes (1961) Members: Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard (later Cindy Birdsong)

The Supremes’ Achievements

• 12 Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles
• Most successful vocal group of the 1960s in the US
• Helped pave the way for future African-American R&B and soul musicians
• International success breaking racial barriers in popular music

Key Supremes Hits

• “Where Did Our Love Go” (1964) – First #1 hit
• “Baby Love” (1964) – Grammy-nominated
• “Come See About Me” (1964)
• “Stop! In the Name of Love” (1965)
• “Back in My Arms Again” (1965)
• “I Hear a Symphony” (1965)
• “You Can’t Hurry Love” (1966)
• “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” (1966)
• “Love Is Here and Now You’re Gone” (1967)
• “The Happening” (1967)
• “Love Child” (1968)
• “Someday We’ll Be Together” (1969) – Final #1 with Ross

Solo Career (1970–present)

Debut and Early Success (1970–1975)

Ross left The Supremes in January 1970 to pursue a solo career. Her self-titled debut album featured the #1 hit “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and established her as a major solo star.

Discography Highlights

• 18 studio albums (solo)
• 6 soundtrack albums
• Multiple #1 singles as solo artist
• 100+ million records sold (solo and with The Supremes combined)

Signature Solo Hits

• “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (1970) – #1 US
• “Touch Me in the Morning” (1973) – #1 US
• “Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)” (1975) – #1 US
• “Love Hangover” (1976) – #1 US
• “Upside Down” (1980) – #1 US
• “I’m Coming Out” (1980)
• “Endless Love” with Lionel Richie (1981) – #1 US
• “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” (1981)
• “Muscles” (1982)
• “If We Hold on Together” (1988)

Acting Career

Filmography

• Lady Sings the Blues (1972): Portrayed Billie Holiday; earned Academy Award nomination for Best Actress
• Mahogany (1975): Fashion drama; sang the Oscar-nominated title song
• The Wiz (1978): Portrayed Dorothy in the Sidney Lumet-directed musical; starred alongside Michael Jackson, Lena Horne, and Richard Pryor

Acting Recognition

• Academy Award nomination (1973)
• Golden Globe Award (1973) for “New Star of the Year”
• BAFTA nomination
• Tony Award for one-woman show

Awards and Honors

Grammy Awards

• 2023: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2012: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (as member of The Supremes)
• 12 Grammy nominations throughout career

Other Major Awards

• Golden Globe Awards: 2 wins (including Henrietta Award)
• American Music Awards: 8 wins, including Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist (multiple years)
• Billboard Awards: Artist of the Year (1971)
• Tony Award: Special Tony Award (1977) for one-woman show “An Evening with Diana Ross”
• NAACP Image Awards: Multiple wins including Entertainer of the Century (1999)
• Kennedy Center Honors: 2007

Special Recognitions

• Presidential Medal of Freedom: 2016 (presented by President Barack Obama)
• Hollywood Walk of Fame: Star at 6712 Hollywood Boulevard (1982)
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Inducted 1988 (as member of The Supremes)
• Soul Train Music Awards: Heritage Award for Career Achievement (1994)
• International Artist of the Year: Multiple honors

Personal Life

Marriages

• Robert Ellis Silberstein (married 1971, divorced 1977) – Music executive
• Arne Næss Jr. (married 1985, divorced 2000; died 2004) – Norwegian shipping magnate

Children

Diana Ross has five children: - Rhonda Ross Kendrick (born 1971) – Father: Berry Gordy; actress and singer - Tracee Ellis Ross (born 1972) – Father: Robert Ellis Silberstein; Golden Globe-winning actress (“Black-ish”) - Chudney Ross (born 1975) – Father: Robert Ellis Silberstein; producer and former actress - Ross Næss (born 1987) – Father: Arne Næss Jr.; entrepreneur - Evan Ross (born 1988) – Father: Arne Næss Jr.; actor and musician

Legacy and Impact

Diana Ross stands as one of the most successful female artists in music history. Her work with The Supremes helped integrate popular music during the Civil Rights era, while her solo career established her as a global superstar and fashion icon. She has influenced generations of female vocalists including Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and countless others.

Her combination of vocal talent, stage presence, acting ability, and business acumen has made her a role model for artists seeking longevity and creative control. The “Diana Ross style” – glamorous, sophisticated, yet accessible – has remained influential for over five decades.