Diana Ross performing in NYC’s Central Park, July 1983 (Photo: Fathom Events)
Diana Ross gave what was billed as “a very special performance” at the 61st annual Grammy Awards on February 10, 2019. The Recording Academy honored the icon and celebrated her greatest musical accomplishments during the broadcast. The occasion was in advance of the singing legend’s 75th birthday.
Ross was born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Mich., and with Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard, formed the primary lineup of the Supremes. Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest entertainers of all time, the legend has a phenomenal number of hit singles.
With the Supremes, Ross earned an astounding twelve #1 pop hits from 1964’s “Where Did Our Love Go” through 1969’s “Someday We’ll Be Together.” In between were such classics as “Baby Love,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “I Hear a Symphony,” “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” and “Love Child.”
Her #1 solo hits include “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Upside Down,” “Love Hangover,” “Touch Me in the Morning,” and her duet with Lionel Richie, “Endless Love.” She was also one of the soloists on the 1985 charity single, “We Are the World.”
Ross received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, the nation’s highest civilian honor. She is an Academy Award nominee (for her role as Billie Holiday in the 1972 film Lady Sings the Blues), was inducted (by Little Richard) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Supremes in 1988, and in 2012 received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy.
Ross has concerts schedule during this spring and summer. Tickets are available here. Her extensive recording catalog is available in the U.S. here and in the U.K. here.
Related: Album Rewind of the Supremes’ #1 LP, A’ Go-Go
3 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationThat’s quite a couple of bookends for the Euro tour. Austin and the Minnesota State Fair!
The long version of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is one of the most magnificent songs ever. Worth every second. Right up there with the long version of “Papa Was a Rolling Stone”.
I’ve always felt that “The Boss” was under-appreciated. Great song.
Saw her in Charleston the week before the pandemic lockdown. She was still amazing. Great show. When she sang “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, it brought tears to my eyes.
I also think the long version of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is one of the best recordings ever! It is my all time favorites song!