Mark Hogarth's Home Page - A Briefing of Diana's History

DIANA ROSS CAREER OVERVIEW & HIGHLIGHTS

When Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard signed with Motown Records, the year was 1961, and they had not even graduated from high school. Too young to sign their first contracts alone, their parents had to be present as well. It would be 4 years, under the tutelage and guidance of Motown, before the group had their first big hit. Many do not know that the group started out as a quartet when they were teenagers, but the fourth member of the group, Barbara Martin, later left. At first, they were called "The Primettes," dubbed as the sister act to the another legendary Motown group, "The Primes," who would later go on to fame as "The Temptations."

Diana, Mary, and Florence all worked very hard, with dedication and perseverance, during 1961 to 1964 to define and refine their signature look and style that would become the hallmark of "The Supremes." During those years, the group was only a regional success, but during those early years, "the girls," as they were nick-named, learned the rigors of the business and attended Motown's "artist development school," where they learned proper posture, etiquette, and manners, as well as the trademark choreography of Cholly Atkins, which defined all of Motown's acts.

It would not be until 1964, with their first No. 1 hit, "Where Did Our Love Go," that signaled the entryway for The Supremes to later become the most successful girl group of all time. It would be a dizzying and exciting ride to the top from 1964 to 1970, as The Supremes scored an amazing record number of hits. With the departure of Florence Ballard, her replacement with Cindy Birdsong, and re-christened as "Diana Ross and the Supremes," the group would continue at the top of the charts until 1970, when Diana Ross decided to leave the group and embark on a solo career.

During the 1970's, Diana Ross continued to build a successful career and racked up hit-after-hit record during this decade--and indeed she reigned "supreme" as pop diva. It would be during these years that she would go on to star in three motion pictures--"Lady Sings the Blues," "Mahogany," and "The Wiz." Of the three films, "Lady Sings the Blues" would be the the biggest commercial and artistic success for Diana. Her role as Billie Holiday brought kudos and accolades from the industry and garnered an Academy Award nomination as best leading actress for Diana. It had been 18 years since an African American actress had been nominated for a leading actress Oscar: Dorothy Dandridge first broke this barrier, with her incredible performance in the film "Carmen Jones" in 1954. It should be noted that this was a hallmark period for African American actresses, for Diana was opening up new territory for those who would follow her. Until then, it was, with rare exception, to see an African American actress star in the lead role of a mainstream Hollywood film.

In 1981, Diana, having been at Motown for 20 years, said good-bye. As Diana herself said, it was time. Signing with RCA Records, for a record $20 million then, this period was a time of professional growth, as a business executive, for Diana, as well as a time for personal growth and more creative freedom. She now took direct control of her own career and, as she admits herself, she had a great deal to learn about all aspects of the music industry, for she was now executive producer for her music projects and television specials. Now at the helm, she created RTC Management, Inc. ("R" for Rhonda, "T" for Tracee, and "C" for Chudney, Diana's 3 daughters), the umbrella company that oversees and manages her companies, record and film projects, and concert tours.

Divorced from her first husband, Diana was now a single parent. During this time, Diana and her daughters relocated to New York, where Diana restarted again on a new plateau. While Diana continued to build her career and produced hit records during the 80s, the importance of her daughters' upbringing was always tantamount. With an amazing ability to balance both her work and family, she pulled off one of her greatest achievements--raising three daughters who are beautiful and intelligent, as well as well-adjusted, content, and talented individuals in their own rights.

While Diana would produce and release 6 albums for RCA, it is her 1983 concert performance in New York's Central Park that is one of her most memorable career highlights. An electrifying thunderstorm, an electrifying performance, and an electrifying success marked this as the supreme pinnacle for Diana, as she affirmed--and cemented--her "legend" and "diva" status.

The late 1980's would mark an end as well as a new beginning for Motown Records. Berry Gordy, Jr., Motown's founding father sold his record company in 1988, and one of his most successful artists, Diana Ross, would return, as recording artist and now, part owner. In 1989, Diana released her "Workin'Overtime" CD, marking her debut once more as a Motown artist.

Outside of North America, Diana is represented by EMI Records, Ltd. Also, be sure to read Diana's lovely memoirs entitled "Secrets of a Sparrow," published by Villard Books, 1993.

With 18 Number #1 hit records on the U.S. Billboard pop charts -- 12 Number #1 hit records with the Supremes and 6 Number #1 hit records during her solo career -- Diana is tied with Elvis Presley. Both are surpassed only by one other musical act -- The Beatles. Diana is among the top five artists in this category in the modern rock/pop era.

In 1994, on her 30-year anniversary in the recording-entertainment industry, Diana Ross receives an award on "The Soul Train Music Awards" for her legendary career. Patti Labelle sings a lovely tribute medley of some of Diana's biggest hits, and Motown founder, Berry Gordy, Jr., presents the award to Diana, who is deeply touched by this honor, because it comes from her own people. Diana is accompanied onstage by her five children.

In 1995, Diana releases her fine CD "Take Me Higher," a superb blend of beautiful ballads and uptempo dance tracks, co-produced with the multi-talented Narada Michael Walden. Diana also returns to making movies. She stars in the ABC-TV movie "Out of Darkness," in which she gives an amazing portrayl as a woman with schizophrenia, struggling to rebuild her life and reconnect with her family and daughter. For her stellar performance, Diana is nominated for a Golden Globe Award.

In 1999, Diana's much-anticipated new CD "Every Day is a New Day" is released. Diana also stars in the diva-duet TV movie "Double Platinum" with singing sensation Brandy, also on the ABC network.

The Summer of 2000 sees the launch of the "Return to Love" tour featuring a retrospective of the great Supremes songs from the group's golden years. Alongside Diana on tour are 1970s Supremes Scherrie Payne (1973-77) and Lynda Laurence (1972-73). A fabulous show--great costumes, orchestra, and dancers.

Recent honors for Diana include induction into the BET (Black Entertainment Television) Hall of Fame in 2000 and the "Heroes Award" from the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in 2001. A remarkable career for this woman extraordinaire. Diana Ross -- Viva La Diva.

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