Last Updated on March 2, 2024
Who Is Diana Ross?
Diana Ernestine Earle Ross is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, film & television producer, and screenwriter.
Diana rose to stardom as a member and lead singer of the vocal group ‘The Supremes.’ The Supremes became Motown’s biggest act during the ‘60s. It’s also considered one of the world’s best-selling female groups and the best-charting girl group in history.
Following a successful stint as a member of The Supremes, Diana Ross left the group in 1970 and embarked on a solo music career. Ross released her eponymous debut album the same year and has since followed up with over 25 others.
Diana Ross has also graced tons of movies and television shows during her music career. After making television appearances earlier on as a member of The Supremes, Ross eventually made her film debut in 1972. She would go on to star in many movies and TV shows, while also serving as an occasional producer and screenwriter for some of her cinematic projects.
In addition to her various exploits in the entertainment industry, Diana Ross is also an acclaimed author. Ross has since authored three books, some of which have become bestsellers in their own right.
Diana Ross Quick Facts
Full Name: | Diana Ernestine Earle Ross |
Popular Name: | Diana Ross |
Gender: | Female |
Birth Date: | March 26, 1944 |
Age: | 78 years |
Parents: | Fred Ross, Sr. and Ernestine Moten |
Siblings: | Arthur “T-Boy” Ross, Barbara Ross, Rita Ross, Chico Ross, Fred Ross, Jr., and Wilbert Ross |
Birth Place: | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
Nationality: | American |
Ethnicity: | African-American |
Education: | Balch Elementary School, Dwyer Junior High School, Cass Technical High School |
Marital Status: | Divorced; was previously married to music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein (from 1971 until their divorce in 1977) and Norwegian shipping magnate Arne Næss Jr. (from 1986 until their divorce in 2000) |
Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
Wife/Spouse: | N/A |
Children: | Tracee Joy and Chudney Lane Silberstein (from her marriage to Silberstein), Ross Arne and Evan Olav (from her marriage to Næss Jr.), and Rhonda Suzanne Silberstein (from an earlier romantic involvement with Motown CEO Berry Gordy) |
Dating: | N/A |
Net Worth: | USD 250 million |
Source of Wealth: | Singing, Songwriting, Record Producing, Acting, Film & Television Producing, Screenwriting, Writing, and Other Ventures |
Height: | 5′ 4.5″ (1.64 m) |
Weight: | 56 kg; In pounds: 123 lbs. |
Early Life and Career Information
Early Life
Diana Ernestine Earle Ross was born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, to Fred Ross, Sr. and Ernestine Moten.
Ross attended Balch Elementary School and Dwyer Junior High School. She later proceeded to Cass Technical High School and graduated in 1962.
Music Career
Diana Ross gained initial recognition as a member of The Supremes. The Supremes released their first song with Motown in 1963, titled “When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes.” The song peaked at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart.
The group went on to achieve crazy success throughout the ‘60s. 12 of their singles have peaked at #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, including “Where Did Our Love Go”, “Come See About Me”, “Baby Love”, and “Love Child”.
Ross departed The Supremes in 1970 to pursue a solo career. She released two studio albums the same year, namely ‘Diana Ross’ and ‘Everything is Everything.’
In 1971, Ross released her third studio album titled ‘Surrender.’ She followed up with three more albums in 1973 – ‘Touch Me in the Morning,’ ‘Diana & Marvin (with Marvin Gaye), and ‘Last Time I Saw Him.’
Ross has since released over 20 more studio albums. They include:
• ‘Diana Ross’ in 1976
• ‘Baby It’s Me’ in 1977
• ‘Ross’ in 1978
• ‘The Boss’ in 1979
• ‘Diana’ in 1980
• ‘Why Do Fools Fall In Love’ in 1981
• ‘The Boss’ in 1979
• ‘Diana’ in 1980
• ‘Why Do Fools Fall in Love’ in 1981
• ‘Silk Electric’ in 1982
• ‘Ross’ in 1983
• ‘Swept Away’ in 1984
• ‘Eaten Alive’ in 1985
• ‘Red Hot Rhythm & Blues’ in 1987
• ‘Workin’ Overtime’ in 1989
• ‘The Force Behind the Power’ in 1991
• ‘A Very Special Season’ in 1994
• ‘Take Me Higher’ in 1995
• ‘Every Day Is a New Day’ in 1999
• ‘Blue’ in 2006
• ‘I Love You’ in 2006
• ‘Diana Ross Sings Songs from The Wiz’ in 2015
• ‘Thank You’ in 2021
Acting Career
Diana Ross made her film debut in 1972 by appearing in the Golden Globe Award-winning movie ‘Lady Sings the Blues.’ She starred in the film as Billie Holiday in addition to recording its soundtrack.
Ross would later star in four other acclaimed movies throughout the ‘70s and ‘90s. They include Mahogany (1975), The Wiz (1978), Out of Darkness * (1994), and Double Platinum * (1999).
Diana Ross has also made tons of television appearances over the years. She appeared in several series alongside other members of The Supremes, including the T.A.M.I. Show (1964), Tarzan (1968), and TCB (1968).
Ross continued making television appearances after going solo. Examples include The Jackson 5ive (1971), The Muppet Show (1977), and Standing Room Only (HBO) (1980). Others are The Oprah Winfrey Show: Farewell and Salute (2011), Christmas in Washington (2012), The Voice (2014), and Ashlee + Evan (2018).
Writing Career
Diana Ross has authored three books during her professional music and acting career. They include:
• Secrets of a Sparrow (published in October 1993)
• When You Dream (published in March 1995)
• Diana Ross: Going Back (published in December 2002)
Awards and Recognitions
Diana Ross has received numerous awards and honors over the years. Notable ones include:
• 1 American Music Award
• 1 BET Music Award
• 1 Billboard Award
• 1 Cable Ace Award
• 1 Cue Magazine’s Entertainer of the Year Award
• 1 Golden Globe Award
• 1 Soul Train Music Award
• 1 Tony Award
• 1 TV Land Award
• 2 Grammy Awards
• 7 American Music Awards
Diana Ross’ Net Worth
Diana Ross has a net worth of $250 million as of 2023. That’s enough to make her one of the wealthiest musicians alive.
The vast majority of Ross’ wealth comes from the music industry, with record sales and touring contributing the biggest share. Diana has sold over 100 million records worldwide.
Diana Ross is also noted for signing one of the most expensive contracts in music history. After leaving Motown at the end of 1980, Ross received $250,000 in severance pay and went on to sign a whopping $20 million, 7-year recording deal with RCA Records.
Lessons from Diana Ross
1. Respect humble beginnings
Diana Ross is undeniably one of the most accomplished musicians of all time. Interestingly, her music career can be traced back to very humble beginnings.
2. Get out there and make things happen
Ross believes that the only way you can make your dreams come true is if you actively go after them. She once said, ‘You can’t just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You’ve got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.’
3. Bloom where you’re planted
Diana Ross is remembered for pursuing a successful music career both as a member of The Supremes and as a solo artist. She lent more meaning to the age ‘bloom where you’re planted.’
Famous Quotes by Diana Ross
• I’m a parent, and I try to take care of my health and keep my life in order. In the last few years I’ve really had to decide what’s important to me, and it seems to me that my family and my health are top on the list. And those have nothing to do with show business.
• My life has often been described as ‘from rags to riches,’ but in fact, the Rosses were never raggedy.
• So I’m not worried about the emotions I carry with me, because I’m happy that I have them; I think it’s good for the work I do. The emotions that are not healthy are the ones you hold inside, like anger.
• They tell me that it will be hard to find a man strong enough to love my own strength and independence, and not worry about being Mr. Diana Ross, but I disagree. I know
• When someone is iconic it means they have established a certain kind of legacy possibly, and I think it does come with time.
Conclusion
Diana Ross is an iconic musician who has commanded the spotlight for over half a century. Ross has also accumulated an incredible amount of wealth during that period. Her net worth is a staggering $250 million.