Motown legend Diana Ross' most iconic songs of all time
Every song is a banger!
As one of the most famous female artists of all time, Diana Ross rose to fame as the lead singer of vocal group The Supremes and has scooped up an incredible awards in her decades-spanning career. Let's be honest, Diana's records are still as iconic as ever and we can't help but dance along to them.
Many will agree, Diana Ross helped shape the Motown genre and brought the music style to new ears - becoming the most successful artist for the record label in the 60s. We've decided to take a look back at some of Diana Ross' biggest and best songs, as well as her rise to fame since the 60s.
Diana Ross - 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough'
Released in 1970, 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' became Diana Ross' first solo Number 1 in the US, peaking at Number 6 in the UK. Interestingly, the song was a hit single in 1967, after it was first recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
Diana Ross - 'I'm Still Waiting'
'I'm Still Waiting' was released in 1971, reaching the Number 1 spot in the UK charts. However, it was unsuccessful in the US, only reaching Number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
Diana Ross - ‘Surrender’
The 1971 single, written by Ashford and Simpson, became Diana Ross' fifth Top 40 single since leaving The Supremes. It peaked at Number 10 in the UK, her fourth single to reach the Top 10 in the country.
Diana Ross - 'Theme from Mahogany'
'Theme from Mahogany' was first recorded by Thelma Houston in 1973, but then covered by Diana Ross for the theme to the 1975 Motown/Paramount film 'Mahogany.' It peaked at Number 1 in the US and Number 5 in the UK.
Diana Ross - 'Love Hangover'
Initially unsure about the track, Diana Ross ended up liking 'Love Hangover' after she changed it from the ballad to disco genre. Releasing the record in 1976, it became an instant success, with it reaching Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Soul Singles and Hot Dance Club Play charts at the same time. It landed in the UK's Top 10.
Diana Ross - 'My Old Piano'
'My Old Piano' was released in 1980 from her self-titled 10th album. Written and produced by Chic members Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, the song wasn't as successful as expected to be in the US, charting at Number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 single charts. However, in the UK, it charted at Number 5.
Diana Ross - 'I'm Coming Out'
'I'm Coming Out' was the second single to be released from Diana Ross' 10th studio album in 1980. Again, it was written and produced by Chic members Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards and reached Number 1 in the US.
The song has gone on to have huge LGBT+ significance, with the track frequently played at Pride events across the world, with the title 'I'm Coming Out' seen as a reference to "coming out" about an individual's sexual orientation.
Diana Ross - 'Upside Down'
And it seems like Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards can do no wrong as 'Upside Down', released in 1980, was also written and produced by the duo. It saw success in countries across the world and peaked at Number 2 in the UK.
Diana Ross - 'Endless Love'
Originally recorded as a duet with Lionel Ritchie, Diana Ross collaborated with the fellow artist in 1981 for this power ballad track. It peaked at Number 1 in the US and Number 7 in the UK and has since been named the greatest song duet of all-time by Billboard.
Diana Ross - 'Chain Reaction'
This R&B song was written for Diana Ross by the Bee Gees in 1985. It was Diana Ross' second Number 1 single in the UK.
Diana Ross - 'Turn Up the Sunshine'
Following her return to music with her incredible 'Thank You' album in 2021, Diana Ross worked with music group Tame Impala to create the song 'Turn Up the Sunshine'. The song featured in the film Minions: The Rise of Gru.
Let's get to know Diana Ross more...
Who is Diana Ross?
Diana Ross is an American singer, actress and record producer, most famous for her songs 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' and 'I'm Coming Out.' During the 1960s, she became one of Motown's most successful artists of all time.
Where is Diana Ross from?
Diana Ross is from Detroit, Michigan in the US.
How old is Diana Ross?
Diana Ross was born on 26th March 1944, which makes her 80-years-old.
How did Diana Ross become famous?
Diana Ross rose to fame in 1959 after taking on the lead singer role in the US vocal group The Supremes. They are one of Motown's most successful acts, and are the best-charting female group in US history.
The Supremes are also one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time, achieving 100 million single sales and 12 Number 1 US singles with their records including, 'Where Did Our Love Go', 'Baby Love' and 'Come See About Me.'
Diana Ross' solo career
In 1970, Diana Ross went solo, releasing the US number-one hit 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' as her debut single. Since then, her fame has skyrocketed, with 27 of her 116 singles reaching the Billboard Top 40 in the US, 12 of them the Billboard Top 10, and six of them peaking at Number 1. This makes Diana Ross among the top five female solo performers who have reached the top spot that many times.
Has Diana Ross been in any films?
There's no underestimating Diana Ross's talents, as in 1972, she ventured into the film industry with great success. For her performance in Lady Sings the Blues, she won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Academy Award. She also recorded its soundtrack, which went to Number 1.
In 1975, she starred in Mahogany and three years later in The Wiz, alongside Michael Jackson. In 1994, Diana Ross also featured in Out of Darkness, in which she was again nominated for a Golden Globe Award.
How many albums has Diana Ross released?
Diana Ross has released an incredible 25 studio albums, starting with 'Diana Ross' in 1970, all the way up to 'Thank You' in 2021 - which was nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 2023 Grammys.
She has also released various compilation albums, including 'Diamond Diana: The Legacy Collection' in 2017 and 'Supertonic: Mixes' in 2020. Following her 2020 release, Diana has released a total of 30 compilation albums.
Has Diana Ross ever been married?
Diana Ross has been married and has five children. She welcomed her eldest daughter, Rhonda Suzanne, with Motown CEO Berry Gordy. She married her first husband, music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein, in 1971. The pair have two daughters together, actress Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Lane Silberstein, however divorced in 1977.
In 1985, Diana met Norwegian shipping magnate Arne Næss Jr and married him in 1986. They have two sons together, Ross Arne and Evan Olav, but the pair divorced in 2000.
Is Diana Ross still performing?
Yes! Diana Ross has toured the world plenty of times over the past few years, including two tours in 2019 and 'Top of the World Tour' in 2022. She also had a residency show in Las Vegas called 'Diana Ross: An Extraordinary Evening.'
The music legend also put on an amazing performance at Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Concert in June 2022, and prior to her 2022 UK tour performed at Glastonbury Festival.
Diana then delighted fans when she made an appearance on 'Crazy In Love' superstar Beyoncé's 'RENAISSANCE' world tour, in Los Angeles in September 2023. Appearing on stage together, Diana sang 'Happy Birthday' to Beyoncé as the singer celebrated her 42nd birthday.
She then returned to the UK with two dates in London in October 2023, for 'The Music Legacy Tour'.
When did she perform at Glastonbury?
Diana Ross was meant to perform at the 2020 Glastonbury festival, but it was cancelled due to Covid-19. It was announced in November 2021 that she would perform in the Legends slot at the 2022 festival.
In June 2021, she announced her first new music in 15 years! Diana released her album 'Thank You' which was recorded during lockdown, in November 2021. She then went on tour in support of the album, with tour dates across the UK in June 2022.
Diana Ross at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee concert
In May 2022, the full line-up of artists due to perform at the Platinum Party at the Palace was announced, including Queen and Adam Lambert, Duran Duran, Elton John, and Diana Ross.
Following a number of incredible performances, Diana closed the prestigious show with some of her biggest songs including 'Chain Reaction', 'Thank You', and 'No Mountain High Enough'.
Speaking about her part in the concert, she commented: "Her Majesty has and continues to be such an incredible inspiration to so many across the world and I was absolutely delighted to receive an invitation to perform on such a momentous and historic occasion".
The concert took place on 4th June to mark Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign. Sadly, on 8th September 2022, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died aged 96.
How can I listen to Diana Ross' best songs?
You can hear Diana Ross' biggest hits on Greatest Hits Radio! We also play amazing tracks from the biggest artists of the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Check out these other incredible Motown Records artists:
Marvin Gaye
Before becoming a successful solo artist, Marvin Gaye worked behind the scenes with some of the biggest artists already signed to Motown Records and was a session drummer for the likes of The Supremes, Little Stevie Wonder and Martha and the Vandellas.
He scored solo recognition with his first Top 40 solo single in 1962 called 'Hitch Hike' before enjoying success with singles like 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine', 'Can I Get A Witness?' and landmark record 'What's Going On' in 1970. In the same year, his singing partner Tammi Terrell, who he sang with on hit 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' tragically passed away with a brain tumour. He swore he would never duet with a female vocalist again and even threatened to abandon his career on stage for good.
Tammi Terrell
Tammi Terrell was a hugely talented singer and star of Motown during the 1960s. She is most famous for her fantastic duets with Marvin Gaye, with whom she achieved seven Top 40 singles in the US, including 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough'. Tragically, her blossoming career was cut short, when she fell into the arms of Marvin Gaye as they performed a concert in October 1967 and was later diagnosed with a brain tumour. After eight unsuccessful surgeries, she sadly died in March 1970, aged 24.
The Supremes
Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard helped pave the way for other black and female artists to strive for mainstream success. In the mid 60s, the trio's popularity rivalled that of The Beatles, with huge hits including 'Baby Love', 'You Can't Hurry Love' and 'Stop! In the Name of Love' storming the charts backed by legendary songwriting team Holland-Dozier-Holland. In 1967, Cindy Birdsong replaced Florence Ballard and in 1970, with the group now known as Diana Ross & the Supremes, Diana herself left to pursue a solo career!
The Four Tops
The Four Tops seemed a rarity in the world of Motown. Levi Stubbs, Renaldo 'Obie' Benson, Abdul 'Duke' Fakir and Lawrence Payton remained together for four decades. The quartet from Detroit also worked with songwriters and production trio Holland-Dozier-Holland and scored hugely popular singles including 'I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)' and 'Reach Out I'll Be There'. As Motown Records moved from Detroit to Los Angeles and started to focus more on their younger acts rather than established groups like The Four Tops, the quartet remained in the motor city and continued to make music with other labels.
The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5 originated in Gary, Indiana made up of members of the Jackson family. Father and talent manager Joe Jackson founded the pop group, consisting of brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine with younger brothers Marlon and Michael Jackson joining soon after. They signed to Motown after leaving Steeltown Records in 1968 and success soon followed. They enjoyed four consecutive US Number 1 hits on their debut, with songs 'I Want You Back', 'ABC', 'The Love You Save' and 'I'll Be There'.
Stevie Wonder
Motown boss Berry Gordy signed Stevie Wonder at the age of 11, describing the blind singer, songwriter and producer as a child prodigy. When Stevie Wonder released his single 'Fingertips' in 1963, he became the youngest artist ever to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, at the age of 13. He went on to produce incredible hits like 'Superstition', 'Sir Duke' and 'I Just Called To Say I Love You', which have all solidified him as one of the best-selling artists of all time. He has won 25 Grammy Awards and has been nominated 74 times.
Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
Martha Reeves and the Vandellas was a pop girl group founded by friends Annette Beard, Rosalind Ashford and Gloria Williams in Detroit in 1957. Gloria Williams left the group in 1962 and was replaced by lead vocalist Martha Reeves. Their hits included 'Heat Wave', 'Nowhere to Run' and 'Dancing in the Street, which was later covered by David Bowie and Mick Jagger in 1985.
The Temptations
Like Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, The Temptations hailed from Detroit, Michigan. They were famous for their harmonies and dance moves, helping to bring psychedelic soul music to the mainstream. Their classic songs like 'My Girl' and 'Papa Was A Rollin' Stone' made them one of Motown's biggest selling groups of the 60s and 70s. They were also the first group to bag Motown a Grammy Award with their song 'Cloud Nine' in 1969.
Smokey Robinson and The Miracles
Smokey Robinson founded group the Miracles in 1955 and became one of the first acts signed to Motown. Their 1960 hit 'Shop Around' was the label's first million-selling record and they went on to dominate the charts with songs like 'Tears of a Clown' and 'You've Really Got a Hold on Me'.
The Commodores
In the 1970s, funk and soul group The Commodores were the opening act for Motown heavyweights The Jackson 5. With Lionel Richie as their lead vocalist, the group caught the attention of Motown and reached their peak in the late 70s and early 80s, scoring hits like 'Easy' and 'Three Times A Lady'. Lionel Richie went on to enjoy a hugely successful solo career.
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