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Top 20 Interesting Facts about Diana Ross

Originally published by Charity K and updated by Vanessa M in January 2024.

Diana was born on March 26, 1944. She is an American singer and actress, she rose to fame as the lead singer of the vocal group the Supremes who became Motown’s most successful act during the 1960s. The group was one of the world’s best-selling girl groups. The group had twelve number-one hit singles on the US Billboard Hot 100. 

In 1970, the Supremes departed and Diana embarked on a successful solo career in music, film, television, and on stage. Her debut solo album featured the U.S number-one hit Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and the music anthem Reach Out and Touch(Somebody’s Hand)

She continued her successful solo career by mounting elaborate record-setting worldwide concert tours, starring in a number of highly watched prime-time television specials. She even released hit albums like Touch Me in the Morning in 1973, Mahogany in 1975, and Diana Ross in 1976. Diana further released numerous top-ten hits on various Billboard charts through the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.

Diana has achieved mainstream success and recognition as an actor. Her first role was her Gloden Globe Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated portrayal of Billie Holiday in the film Lady Sings the Blues in 1972. Diana also recorded the film’s soundtrack which became a number-one hit on the U.S album chart. She was able to star in two other feature films Mahogany in 1975, and The Wiz in 1978.

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1. Before Her Fame

Diana Ross at Caesars Palace by dvsross.jpg Photo by https://www.flickr.com/photos/dvsross/ – Wikimedia Commons

In 1958, her family relocated to the working-class Brewster-Douglas Housing Projects settling at St. Antoine Street. She attended Cass Technical High school, a four-year college, and she began taking classes including clothing design, millinery, pattern making, and tailoring as she aspired to become a fashion designer.

Diana would also take modeling and cosmetology classes in the evenings and on weekends. She would participate in several of the school’s extracurricular activities including its swim team. 

2. The Supremes

 At the age of fifteen, she joined the Primettes which was a sister group to a male vocal group called the Primes. Diana along with the other members included Florence Ballard, the first group member, Mary Wilson, and Betty McGlown. After winning a 1960 talent competition in Windsor, Ontario, the Primettes were invited to audition for Motown Records by A&R executive and songwriter, Robert Bateman.

During the group’s early years, Diana served as its hairstylist, make-up artist, seamstress, and costume designer. In 1960, the Primettes were allowed by Smokey Robinson who was vice president of Motown. The quartet released three songs that were regional hits but not nationwide successes. 

In 1961, Berry Gordy agreed to sign the group on the condition they change their name. Florence Ballard picked out the name the Supremes because it was the only name on the list that did not end with ‘ette’ The other members felt that the group would be mistaken for a male vocal group. They later decided to change the name and were signed under the new name.

A year later Barbara Martin left the group. In 1963, they released their first hit When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes which peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart. By the end of the year, she was assigned the role of the group’s lead singer.

3. Leaving Motown

Diana Ross bored of taking pictures.jpg Photo by John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com –

After a good solo career, Diana began negotiations to leave Motown at the end of 1980. She received $250,000 as severance and RCA Records offered Ross $20 million, a seven-year recording contract that gave the complete production control of her albums. She signed with the label on May 20, 1981, at the time the music deal was the most expensive recording deal.

On October 1981, she released her first RCA album Why Do Fools Fall in Love? The album sold over a million copies and featured hit singles such as her remake of the classic hit of the same name and Mirror Mirror. Diana established her production company, named Anaid Production, and also began investing in real estate and touring extensively in the United States and abroad.

Before she released the album, Diana hosted her first TV special in four years. The concert portions of the special were filmed at Inglewood, California’s 17,500 seats. The Forum indoor stadium featured performances by Michael Jackson, Muhammad Ali, and Larry Hagman. 

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4. Success Through RCA

In 1982, Diana sang The Star Spangled Banner at Super Bowl XVI and appeared on the musical variety show Soul Train. The episode was devoted to her completely and featured performing several songs from Why Do Fools Fall in Love.

On May 6, 1982, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She followed up the success of Why Do Fools Fall in Love with Silk Electric which featured Michael Jackson writing and producing Muscles resulting in another Top 10 Grammy nominated success for Diana. The album eventually went gold on the strength of that song. 

Diana ventured further out of her earlier soul-based sound for a more pop-rock-oriented sound following the release of the Ross album. Though the album featured the Top 40 hit single Pieces of Ice the Ross album didn’t generate any more hits or achieve gold status.

5. Return to Motown

In 1988, Diana chose not to renew her RCA contract and had been in talks with her former mentor Berry Gordy. Following the sale of Motown, Diana was asked to return to the Motown label with the condition that she has shares in the company as a part-owner. Diana accepted the offer.

In the same year, Diana was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Supremes alongside her former singing partners Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard. She also recorded the theme song to the animated adventure drama film The Land Before Time in 1988.

In 1991, Diana became one of the few American artists to have headlined the annual Royal Variety Performance performing a selection of her UK hits before Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip at the Victoria Palace Theatre. This marked her second appearance at the Royal Variety Performance, the first being in 19968 with the Supremes.

6. Supremes Reunion

Diana Ross at Caesars Palace by dvsross Nr.5.jpg Photo by https://www.flickr.com/photos/dvsross/ –

Diana reunited with Mary Wilson first in 1976 to attend the funeral service of Florence Ballard who dies in February of that year. In March 1983, Diana agreed to reunite with Mary and Cindy Birdsong for the television special Motown; Yesterday, Today, Forever. 

They didn’t rehearse their performance for that evening due to time constraints. A scheduled medley of hits was canceled. The producer Suzanne de Passe’s instructions to recreate their choreography from their initial Ed Sullivan Show appearance. Mary planned with Cindy to take a step forward every time Diana did the same, then began to sing lead on the group’s final number-one hit song.

In February 2003, the Supremes were honored by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation with its Pioneer Award.

7. Later Career

Diana Ross at Caesars Palace by dvsross Nr.6.jpg Photo by https://www.flickr.com/photos/dvsross/ –

In May 2004, Diana and her daughter Tracee Ellis Ross who is known for her role in Girlfriends appeared on the cover of Essence magazine in celebration of its 50th anniversary. In December of the same year, Diana was a featured performer for Stevie Wonder’s Billboard Music Awards’ Century Award tribute.

In 2005, Diana was featured as an honored guest at Oprah Winfrey’s Legends Ball Weekend which was a three-day celebration honoring 25 African-American women in art, entertainment, and civil rights. A year after the celebration, a one-hour program about the weekend aired on ABC, including celebrity interviews and behind-the-scenes moments.

8. Diana’s Relationships and Family

Diana Ross at Caesars Palace by dvsross Nr.10.jpg Photo by https://www.flickr.com/photos/dvsross/ –

Diana became romantically involved with Motown CEO Berry Gordy in 1965. The relationship lasted several years, resulting in the birth of her eldest child, Rhonda Suzanne Silberstein in August 1971. Two months into her pregnancy, she married executive Robert Ellis Silberstein who raised Rhonda as his own. 

Diana has two daughters with Silberstein Tracee Joy Silberstein who is otherwise known as Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Lane Silberstein born in 1972 and 1975 respectively. Diana and Silberstein divorced in 1977.

Diana met her second Husband Arne who is a Norwegian shipping magnate in 1985 and married him the following year. She became a stepmother to his three elder children Katinka, Christoffer, and Leona Naess. The couple has two sons together Ross Arne and Evan Olav. Diana and Arne divorced in 2000. 

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9. Influence on Other Artists

Over the course of her career, Diana has influenced many artists including Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Madonna, Jade Thirlwall, Questlove, Ledisi, and the Ting Tings.  Her song Ain’t No Mountain High Enough has been covered by so many artists like Jennifer Lopez and Amy Winehouse. 

Janet Jackson sampled Love Hangover on her 1997 song My Need having already sampled Love Child and Someday We’ll Be Together by Diana and the Supremes on her 1993 track You Want This.

10. Entertainer of the Century

Diana was named the ‘Female Entertainer of the Century by Billboard in 1976. Since her solo career began in 1970, she released 25 studio albums, numerous singles, and compilations that have sold more than 100 million records worldwide. She is the one female artist to have had a number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 as a solo artist. 

Billboard ranked her the 30th greatest Hot 100 artist of all time, her hits as a Supreme and a solo artist combined put Diana among the Top 5 artists on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart from 1955 to 2018. She had a top 10 UK hit in every one of the last five decades. Diana sang lead on a top 75 hit single at least once every year from 1964 to 1996 in the UK. 

11. Her humble beginnings

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Diana Ernestine Earle Ross, born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, came from humble beginnings in the difficult Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects. She grew up in a tough neighborhood and overcame adversity to become a global icon. Ross, who was previously a member of the Primettes, transformed the music scene as the Supremes’ lead singer.

Her departure in 1970 marked the start of a successful solo career, which included hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Aside from music, Ross rose to prominence as an actress, receiving an Oscar nomination for “Lady Sings the Blues.” Her influence extends to entrepreneurship, family life, and fashion, with a long-lasting impact.

12. Accomplishments as an actress

Diana Ross showed off her versatility in the 1972 film “Lady Sings the Blues,” in which she played the legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday. Ross’s acting debut was significant, earning her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

The role demonstrated Ross’s ability to delve into complex characters and helped to solidify her reputation as a multifaceted artist. “Lady Sings the Blues” not only established her as a compelling actress but also demonstrated her enduring impact outside of the music industry, cementing Diana Ross as an entertainment powerhouse with achievements in both music and film.

13. The Motown’s First Lady

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Diana Ross was dubbed “Motown’s First Lady” for her pivotal role in the success of the legendary Motown record label. As the Supremes’ lead singer, Ross became a symbol of Motown’s golden era, delivering a string of chart-topping singles. Her distinct voice and stage presence helped define the Motown sound, which was characterized by soulful and catchy melodies. Beyond her group’s accomplishments, Ross’ solo career helped to raise Motown’s profile, cementing her place in the label’s history. Her impact on Motown and the wider music industry cements her reputation as a trailblazing and enduring artist.

14. Lifetime achievement awards

Diana Ross’ illustrious career has been adorned with prestigious awards, demonstrating her long-lasting impact on the music industry. She is a shining example of artistic excellence, having received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The Kennedy Center Honors recognized her contributions to American culture and the arts.

Ross’ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, both as a Supremes member and as a solo artist, cemented her place in music history. These accolades recognize Diana Ross’s extraordinary talent as well as her long-lasting influence, cementing her status as an iconic figure in soul, R&B, and rock.

15. Entrepreneurial ventures

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Aside from her iconic entertainment career, Diana Ross has demonstrated her business acumen through successful ventures into entrepreneurship. Ross launched her fragrance line to highlight her distinct style and capture her essence in a bottle. She also ventured into the worlds of home decor and fashion, developing a line of products that reflect her timeless elegance.

Ross’s foray into business demonstrates her ability to expand her influence beyond the stage and recording studio, establishing herself as a brand in a variety of lifestyle categories. Her entrepreneurial endeavors demonstrate the multifaceted talents and enduring appeal of this legendary artist.

16. Fashion sense

Diana Ross is a fashion icon known for her glamorous and distinct style, which has left an indelible mark on the world of fashion and entertainment. Recognized for her elegance, she seamlessly blends sophistication and boldness in her wardrobe choices. Ross’ stage presence is enhanced by elaborate costumes and stunning gowns, which have become synonymous with her dynamic performances.

Her influence extends beyond music, as designers and fans alike have drawn inspiration from her fashion choices. Diana Ross has left an indelible mark on fashion, setting standards and trends that resonate across generations in both style and entertainment.

17. Honorary doctorate from Boston’s Berklee College of Music

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Diana Ross received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music in Boston in 2002 for her outstanding contributions to the music industry. The prestigious award not only recognized her iconic career but also emphasized her role as a trailblazer and trendsetter.

Ross’ honorary doctorate recognized her remarkable voice, stage presence, and long-lasting influence across genres. This award from Berklee, a renowned musical education institution, cemented Diana Ross’s status as a prominent figure and role model in the entertainment and arts industries.

18. Ross’s record sales worldwide

Diana Ross’s unparalleled success in the music industry is exemplified by her phenomenal record sales, which exceeded 100 million worldwide. This impressive achievement spans her influential tenure with The Supremes as well as her prolific solo career, demonstrating her enduring popularity and widespread impact on a diverse audience.

Ross’s ability to effortlessly transition between genres, from soulful R&B to pop ballads, has earned her a large and loyal fan base. Her consistent chart-topping hits and timeless contributions to music history have cemented her place as one of the world’s best-selling artists, leaving an indelible legacy of talent, charisma, and enduring musical excellence.

19. Her daughter Tracee Ellis Ross’s TV success

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Diana Ross’s legacy lives on through her daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross, a successful actress and producer. Tracee, born in 1972, rose to prominence for her charismatic performances on television, most notably as Dr. Rainbow Johnson in the critically acclaimed sitcom “Black-ish.”

Tracee’s unique talent and style have earned her numerous awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series. Beyond acting, she promotes diversity in the entertainment industry, carrying on the Ross family legacy of talent, grace, and advocacy, which has had a significant impact on both music and television.

20. Golden Globe winner

Diana Ross marked a watershed moment in her acting career by winning a Golden Globe for her extraordinary portrayal of jazz legend Billie Holiday in the 1972 film “Lady Sings the Blues.” Her performance was praised for its emotional depth and authenticity, demonstrating Ross’ versatility beyond her established musical career.

The Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy Ross not only confirmed her acting abilities but also made history as the first African American woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Motion Picture.

For 33 consecutive years and a record for any performer. In 1988, Diana was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Supremes. Diana was also a recipient of a Special Tony Award in 1976, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2007, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.

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