Births on March 26

Diana Ross, American singer-songwriter, producer, and actress

Born Diane Ernestine Earle Ross on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, Diana Ross is an iconic American entertainer whose career has spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on music, film, and popular culture. From her humble beginnings, she swiftly rose to global superstardom, first as the captivating lead singer of one of the most successful groups in history, The Supremes, and then as an immensely accomplished solo artist and actress.

Her journey is a testament to talent, perseverance, and unparalleled stage presence, making her a true legend whose influence continues to resonate.

The Supremes Era: Motown's Reigning Queens

Diana Ross first captivated audiences as the charismatic frontwoman of The Supremes, a vocal group that would become synonymous with the groundbreaking sound of Motown Records in the 1960s. Under Berry Gordy's vision, The Supremes weren't just a musical act; they were a cultural phenomenon, breaking barriers and setting new standards for female artists.

They quickly ascended to become Motown's most successful act of that decade and remain one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time. Their unparalleled success saw them dominate the charts, achieving a staggering twelve number-one hit singles on the US Billboard Hot 100. Tracks like the timeless "Where Did Our Love Go," the irresistibly catchy "Baby Love," the soulful "Come See About Me," and the socially conscious "Love Child" didn't just top the charts; they defined an era, making The Supremes the best-charting female group in history, a record that still stands today.

A Daring Solo Career Takes Flight

After a decade of groundbreaking success with The Supremes, Diana Ross embarked on a bold new chapter, launching a solo career in 1970 that would showcase her versatility across music, film, television, and stage. Her eponymous debut solo album immediately proved her mettle as a standalone force. It featured the electrifying U.S. number-one hit "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," which became an anthem of empowerment, alongside the inspiring "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)," a call for unity that resonated deeply with audiences.

The momentum continued with her second solo album, *Everything Is Everything*, which gave her a first UK number-one single with the heartfelt ballad "I'm Still Waiting." Diana Ross solidified her position as a global superstar by mounting elaborate, record-setting worldwide concert tours, gracing prime-time television with highly watched specials, and consistently releasing hit albums. Classics like *Touch Me in the Morning* (1973), *Mahogany* (1975), and *Diana Ross* (1976) spawned iconic number-one singles such as "Touch Me in the Morning," the evocative "Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)," and the disco-infused "Love Hangover," cementing her status as a premier solo artist.

Continued Musical Dominance and Iconic Hits

Diana Ross's incredible musical journey didn't slow down after the 1970s; she continued to churn out numerous top-ten hits throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, demonstrating remarkable staying power and adaptability. She achieved two more US number-one singles that became cultural touchstones: the uplifting "Upside Down" (1980) and the timeless duet "Endless Love" (1981) with Lionel Richie, which remains one of the best-selling duets of all time. Her international appeal remained undiminished, evidenced by the infectious UK number-one hit "Chain Reaction" (1986) and the powerful UK number-two hit "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" (1991), proving her ability to connect with audiences across generations and borders.

From Stage to Screen: An Acclaimed Acting Career

Beyond her unparalleled success in music, Diana Ross also forged a notable career as an actress, showcasing her dramatic range and captivating screen presence. Her first foray into film was a sensation: her portrayal of the legendary Billie Holiday in the 1972 biographical drama *Lady Sings the Blues*. This powerful performance earned her a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination, cementing her as a formidable dramatic actress. The film's soundtrack, also recorded by Ross, became a number-one hit on the U.S. album chart, further highlighting her multifaceted talent.

She went on to star in two other significant feature films: *Mahogany* (1975), which also featured her hit song "Theme from Mahogany," and *The Wiz* (1978), a magical adaptation of *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz* where she played Dorothy alongside Michael Jackson. Later in her career, she graced the small screen in television films such as *Out of Darkness* (1994), for which she received another Golden Globe Award nomination, and *Double Platinum* (1999), demonstrating her continued presence and impact in the acting world.

A Legacy Unrivaled: Awards, Accolades, and Cultural Impact

The sheer scale of Diana Ross's achievements is staggering, solidifying her place as one of the most influential entertainers of all time. In 1976, *Billboard* magazine rightfully crowned her the "Female Entertainer of the Century," a title reflecting her profound impact and enduring popularity. Since launching her solo career in 1970, Ross has released an impressive 25 studio albums, countless singles, and compilations, selling more than 100 million records worldwide – an extraordinary feat that places her among music's elite.

Her chart prowess is unique: she holds the distinction of being the only female artist to have had number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 as a solo artist, as half of a duet, as a member of a trio (The Supremes), and as an ensemble member. In 2021, *Billboard* further honored her by ranking her as the 30th greatest Hot 100 artist of all time. When combining her hits with The Supremes and her solo career, Diana Ross stands among the Top 5 artists on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart from 1955 to 2018, illustrating her unparalleled consistency and enduring appeal.

Internationally, her success is equally profound. She boasts a top 10 UK hit in every one of the last five decades, and remarkably, she sang lead on a top 75 hit single at least once every year from 1964 to 1996 in the UK, a continuous period of 33 years—a record for any performer. Her monumental contributions were recognized with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 as a member of The Supremes. The Guinness Book of World Records acknowledges her as the greatest female artist in U.S. and U.K. chart history, accumulating a remarkable total of 70 hit singles throughout her illustrious career.

Diana Ross's lifetime of achievement has been celebrated with numerous prestigious awards, including the Kennedy Center Honors in 2007, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, and the highest civilian honor in the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, presented to her in 2016. Her captivating voice, magnetic stage presence, and groundbreaking career continue to inspire and entertain, cementing her status as an eternal icon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diana Ross

Who is Diana Ross?

Diana Ross is an legendary American singer, actress, and entertainer. She rose to international fame as the lead singer of the iconic Motown group, The Supremes, before embarking on a highly successful solo career in music, film, and television.

When did Diana Ross debut?

Diana Ross made her professional debut as the lead singer of The Supremes in the early 1960s, with their first major hit, "Where Did Our Love Go," released in 1964. Her solo career officially began in 1970.

What songs is Diana Ross famous for?

Diana Ross is famous for numerous number-one hits both with The Supremes and as a solo artist. With The Supremes, her iconic songs include "Where Did Our Love Go," "Baby Love," "Come See About Me," and "Love Child." As a solo artist, she is renowned for hits like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Touch Me in the Morning," "Love Hangover," "Upside Down," and the classic duet "Endless Love."

What movies has Diana Ross starred in?

Diana Ross has starred in several notable films, including her critically acclaimed debut as Billie Holiday in *Lady Sings the Blues* (1972), *Mahogany* (1975), and *The Wiz* (1978). She also appeared in television films like *Out of Darkness* (1994) and *Double Platinum* (1999).

Has Diana Ross received any major awards?

Yes, Diana Ross has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career. These include a Golden Globe Award for her role in *Lady Sings the Blues*, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of The Supremes), the Kennedy Center Honors, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.