Diana Ross will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award on the evening of November 19 at this year’s American Music Awards in recognition of her many accomplishments in the music industry.
After dominating the industry for for 60 years, beginning with the legendary girl group The Supremes and continuing on to become a magnetic solo act and all-around superstar, it goes without saying that the artist who goes by the moniker “Boss” is deserving of the moniker she gave herself.
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) community has long regarded the renowned singer as an original queer icon due to her charismatic demeanour and motivational ascent to the top of the music industry.
In honour of The Boss’ most recent achievement, Billboard Pride has compiled a list of the top six reasons why she deserves the title of gay icon.
Is Diana Ross Gay?
At the start of the 1980s, Diana Ross wanted to turn her iconic music career “Upside Down,” so she engaged the help of Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, the production team known as Chic.
Rodgers claims, “That was the first time we ever made a star.” “It was obviously a star; in fact, it was the star.”
With the help of Rodgers and Edwards, that superstar’s star power increased even further: Diana Ross’ classic “Diana” album, which was released on May 22, 1980, 40 years ago this month, went on to become the best-selling LP of her career, thanks to songs like “Upside Down” and the gay anthem
“I’m Coming Out.” More importantly, it inspired subsequent diva dance-pop artists like Madonna, Janet Jackson, and Beyoncé to incorporate twirling into their performances.
At the dawn of the post-disco period, Ross found himself in a precarious position of transition. The summer of ’79 marked the end of the disco era, and the next year she was released,” adds Rodgers. Consequently, “we had to make an album that wasn’t disco.”
Disco juggernauts, Rodgers and his late partner Edwards were responsible for successes like “Le Freak” and “Good Times” by Chic and “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge. Ross, hoping to attract a younger crowd, made them prove they could do more than disco.
She didn’t explain her intentions to compose an album for children, as Rodgers puts it. But she was aware that we were engaging in such conduct.
At least, it wasn’t until Ross played it for influential WBLS DJ Frankie Crocker. He mistook that for Diana coming out as gay, Rodgers claims.
In spite of this, Rodgers was successful in persuading the singer to continue using the song, pitching it to her as the ideal concert opener for a grand entrance for the remainder of her career.
I told her, “This is your big break, Diana. You are our black queen,'” he tells her. I even composed a fanfare for horns. I likened it to when the president is introduced to the nation with the playing of “Hail to the Chief,” and she seemed to understand.
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Early Life Of Diana Ross
Diana Ross is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. She is also a Grammy Award winner. She began her career in music with “The Supremes,” with whom she released a number of albums that were successful commercially and reached the top of the charts.
Diana Ross has been recognised throughout her whole career with a plethora of honours in recognition of her immense talent and contribution to the music business.
Perhaps you have a good understanding of Diana Ross. But do you have any idea how old she is, how tall she is, or what her net worth will be in the year 2023?
In the event that you are unaware, we have compiled this piece with information regarding Diana Ross’s short biography and wiki, including her career, professional life, personal life, current net worth, age, height, and weight, as well as additional facts. Now, if you’re ready, let’s get this show on the road.
Diana Ernestine Earle Ross was born on March 26th, 1944 in the city of Detroit, which is located in the state of Michigan, United States. Both of her parents passed away; her father, Fred Ross, Sr., in 2007 and her mother, Ernestine Moten, in 1984.
Cass Technical High School was where Diana Ross received her education. She educated herself in the art of fashion design, tailoring, and modelling through the completion of several courses and classes.
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Personal Life Of Diana Ross
Diana Ross went through the marriage and divorce process twice in her life. Her first marriage, which took place in 1971 and was to the music executive and businessman Robert Ellis Silberstein, ended in divorce in 1977.
Robert Ellis Silberstein was her first husband. Diana and Robert Ross are the parents of two beautiful daughters, Tracee Ellis Ross, an actress, model, and TV host, and Chudney Ross.
Rhonda Ross Kendrick is the name of Diana’s daughter from a prior relationship she had with Berry Gordy, who is a songwriter and record producer. Robert is the one who gave birth to and reared Rhonda Ross Kendrick.
Diana Ross and businessman Arne Naess Jr. tied the knot for the second time in 1985, and the couple finalised their divorce in the year 2000. Diana and Arne Ross are the parents of two sons: Ross Naess and Evan Ross, who is an actor and musician.
Net Worth & Salary Of Diana Ross
As of February 2023, it’s been projected that Diana Ross’s net worth is upwards of $270 million. She generated tens of millions of dollars through her recordings with “The Supremes” and from her solo career.
Diana Ross’s studio albums, live albums, and singles consistently charted highly, indicating sales in the hundreds of thousands to the millions.
Diana Ross is a talented musician who has been recognised for her contributions in a variety of ways. She first found fame as a member of the band “The Supremes,” and then found success as a solo artist.
It was clear that Diana Ross was thrilled to receive the 2017 American Music Lifetime Achievement Award for her many accomplishments in the music industry.