Diana Ross is an iconic American singer and actress whose career has spanned over six decades. She first gained fame as the lead vocalist of The Supremes, Motown’s most successful group during the 1960s, delivering 12 No. 1 hits before embarking on a highly successful solo career in 1970. Ross is celebrated as one of the greatest female artists in music history, known for her distinctive voice, glamorous style, and significant cultural impact in both music and film.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Diana Ernestine Earle Ross |
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1944 |
| Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Partner | Robert Ellis Silberstein (1971–1977), Arne Næss Jr. (1986–2000) |
| Children | Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Tracee Ellis Ross, Chudney Ross, Ross Arne Naess, Evan Ross |
| Occupations | Singer, Actress, Producer |
| Labels | Lu Pine, Motown, RCA, EMI |
| Net Worth | Approximately $250 million |
Early Life and Education
Born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, Diana Ross was raised by her parents Ernestine and Fred Ross Sr. in a supportive family environment that nurtured her artistic talents.
She attended Cass Technical High School, where she studied fashion design, but her passion for music soon took precedence.
As a teenager, she formed a singing group called the Primettes with friends Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard, which later became The Supremes after signing with Motown Records in 1961.
Career
Music
Ross’s career skyrocketed in the early 1960s as the lead singer of The Supremes. Under the guidance of Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr., the group became the most successful female vocal group ever, scoring 12 No. 1 hits on the Billboard charts, including classics like “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love,” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.”
In 1967, the group was renamed Diana Ross & the Supremes, signaling her upcoming solo career.
In 1970, Ross left The Supremes and launched her solo career with a self-titled debut album featuring the hit “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”
She continued to dominate the charts with songs such as “Touch Me in the Morning,” “Love Hangover,” “Upside Down,” and the duet “Endless Love” with Lionel Richie. Her 1980 album Diana became her best-selling record, moving over 10 million copies worldwide.
Film and Television
Ross successfully transitioned into acting, earning an Academy Award nomination for her role as Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues (1972). She also starred in Mahogany (1975), delivering the hit theme song “Do You Know Where You’re Going To,” and appeared in The Wiz (1978).
Throughout her career, Ross has appeared in various TV specials and films, including Out of Darkness (1994) and Double Platinum (1999).
Personal Life
Diana Ross has been married twice: first to music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein (1971–1977), with whom she has two daughters, Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross; and later to Norwegian businessman Arne Næss Jr. (1986–2000), with whom she has two sons, Ross Arne and Evan Olav.
Additionally, she has a daughter, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, with Motown founder Berry Gordy. Despite facing personal hardships and public scrutiny, Ross remains a devoted mother and grandmother.
Net Worth
Diana Ross’s net worth is estimated at approximately $250 million, accumulated through her extensive music career, touring, acting roles, and business endeavors.
Discography
- Studio Albums: 26
- EPs: 1
- Soundtrack Albums: 5
- Live Albums: 5
- Compilation Albums: 30
- Singles: 116
Ross has sold over 100 million records worldwide. As a solo artist, she has achieved 27 US Top 40 singles (including 12 Top 10 and six No. 1 hits) and 47 UK Top 40 singles (20 Top 10 and two No. 1 hits). Her album Diana (1980) remains her most commercially successful release.
Filmography
Major Films:
- Lady Sings the Blues (1972)
- Mahogany (1975)
- The Wiz (1978)
- Out of Darkness (TV, 1994)
- Double Platinum (TV, 1999)
Television Specials and Production Credits:
- Diana Ross Live from Central Park (1983)
- Diana Ross: Red Hot Rhythm and Blues (1987)
- Diana Ross Live! The Lady Sings… Jazz & Blues: Stolen Moments (1992)
Awards and Nominations
Diana Ross has received numerous prestigious honors, including:
- An Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for Lady Sings the Blues (1973)
- A Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer (1973) and several other nominations for acting and music
- Thirteen Grammy Award nominations (both solo and with The Supremes), plus a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012
- Seven American Music Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017
- BET Lifetime Achievement Award (2007)
- Kennedy Center Honor recipient
- Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient
- Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Supremes
- Additional accolades such as a Special Tony Award, NAACP Image Awards, TV Land Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1982)
Diana Ross’s enduring legacy is marked by her chart-topping hits, groundbreaking achievements as a Black female artist, and lasting influence on music, fashion, and popular culture.
