Diana ross bio biography timeline

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Ross's hit parade continued with the number one "Love Hangover" (1976).

diana ross bio biography timeline

Her 1980 single "Upside Down" was her sixteenth number one hit, a record surpassed only by the Beatles. In September of 1996, two men, Ricky Brooks and Remel Howard, were charged with the killings. This sensual and dramatically charged mid-tempo song, transitioning into an uptempo disco groove, captivated listeners and further solidified Ross's musical versatility.

She began her solo career after their last appearance together in January of 1970. Missed something? While her family was active in the Baptist church choir, Diana learned secular music (nonreligious music) from a cousin. The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences bestowed its highest honor, The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, in 2012. 

Her portrayal of Billie Holiday in the classic film Lady Sings the Blues produced an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe Award.  Starring as an aspiring designer in the 1975 romantic comedy Mahogany, the role was a perfect opportunity to personally sketch and design all the fashion in the timeless film. 

As a stage actress, she won Broadway’s top honor with a Tony Award for her one-woman show, An Evening with Diana Ross.

The Supremes released a number of singles and often sang background vocals for Marvin Gaye (1939–1984) and Mary Wells (1943–1992). By this time rumors had begun to circulate about Ross leaving the group, and they reached their peak after her successful performance on the 1969 television special "Like Hep." Ross's last single with the group was the number one hit "Someday, We'll Be Together" (1969).

In 2000, a much-hyped reunion tour with the Supremes was canceled after only a few shows.

1976: Diana Ross Releases "Love Hangover" and Embarks on Successful Tour

1976 saw the release of "Love Hangover," which would become Diana Ross's fourth solo single to top the charts. Gordy instructed Ross and her friends to finish high school and come back, which they did in 1962.

The special featured notable special makeup effects by Stan Winston, notably for a segment in which Ross portrayed legendary cabaret artist Josephine Baker and blues singers Bessie Smith and Ethel Waters. Because of her tight-knit family Ross grew up virtually unaware of the harsh life that surrounded her. In 1993, she earned a Guinness World Record for her success in the United States and United Kingdom by having more hits than any other female artist on the charts with a career total of over 75 hit singles. 

Additional career milestones include: Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The Songwriters Hall of Fame, National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Hero Award, NAACP Entertainer Award, Billboard’s Female Entertainer of the Century Award, and The Soul Train Legend Award.

These songs are from my heart and it brings me such joy to share them from me to you. Diana Ross: The Legend in Focus. Thank you to all those that have made this incredible journey possible.”     

Diana Ross

Born: March 26, 1944

Singer, Actress, Record Producer

Birth of Diana Ross

Diana Ross was born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan.

Her portrayal of jazz legend Billie Holiday earned her critical acclaim and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Release of 'Touch Me in the Morning'

On September 20, 1973, Diana Ross released her album 'Touch Me in the Morning.' The title track became a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, further solidifying her status as a leading solo artist in the music industry.

Release of 'Diana Ross' (1976)

Diana Ross released her second self-titled album on May 23, 1976.

Early life

Diana Ross was born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan. The project, written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, aimed to raise funds for famine relief in Africa and became a global success.

Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Supremes, including Diana Ross, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 19, 1988.