This Day In History: March 26th
Motown Records powerhouse, Diana Ross, entered the music scene as a member of the group, The Supremes, during the 1960s. The “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” singer has maintained a six-decade-long career and she was even able to crossover into the film industry. Here are five things to know about Diana Ross!
- Diana Ross Before The Supremes. Diana Ross was born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan. Her singing abilities were displayed from an early age and she was also surrounded by other talented singers like Smokey Robinson. Ross combined her skills with other singers from her neighborhood to form the Primettes before graduating from high school.
- The Rise Of The Supremes. What began as a singing group amongst friends evolved into one of Motown’s top acts. The Supremes originally started as the Primettes and consisted of Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard, Barbara Martin and Diana Ross. After Wilson left, the remaining members continued performing and the group was renamed the Supremes. The group signed with Berry Gordy in 1961 and was soon the first U.S. group to have five songs in a row reach No 1. Hit songs include “Where Did Our Love Go?” (1964), “Stop! In the Name of Love” (1965) “You Can’t Hurry Love” (1966) and “Someday We’ll Be Together” (1969). Ross left The Supremes in 1969 to pursue a solo career.
- Solo Career And Film Success. Despite separating from the group, Diana Ross managed to have a successful solo career in music and film. Her debut solo project, Diana Ross (1970), included the songs “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” She continued to work on solo albums, but in 1972 she transitioned into acting. Ross made her debut in the biopic Lady Sings the Blues and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She starred in other films including Mahogany (1975), The Wiz (1978) and Double Platinum (1999). In addition to starring in films, Ross has released albums such as The Boss (1979), Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1981), Swept Away (1984), I Love You (2006) and Thank You (2021).
- A Mother To Five Talented Children. The children of Diana Ross have followed in her footsteps and proved that talent runs in the family. She is a mother to Rhonda, Tracee, and Chudney, whom she shares with Robert Ellis Silberstein. Her other two children are Ross and Evan, who she shares with the late Arne Naess. The oldest of the children, Rhonda, found success in acting, singing, songwriting and public speaking. Tracee has enjoyed a career in front of the cameras as an actress while her sister, Chudney, prefers life behind the camera as a producer and production manager. Both of her sons, Ross and Evan, have landed opportunities in the film industry as well.
- Legacy And Accolades. Over the course of her career, Diana Ross was able to establish a reputation for being a legendary talent. Ross is the recipient of several awards including a special Tony Award, NAACP Image Award, Golden Globe Award, and American Music Award. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1982. In 2007, Ross was honored with a BET Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2012 she received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Ross has also been a Kennedy Center Honoree and a 2016 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
