Diana Ross
Diana Ross, born Diane Ernestine Earle Ross on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, is an iconic American singer and actress, renowned for her powerful influence in the music industry, particularly as the lead singer of the Supremes, one of the most successful vocal groups of the 1960s.
Ross grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Detroit. She attended the Cass Technical High School, where she developed her passion for music and performance. During her teenage years, she began her singing career in a girl group called the Primettes, which eventually evolved into the Supremes when they signed with Motown Records in 1961.
The Supremes quickly became a dominant force in the music scene, thanks to a string of chart-topping hits such as "Where Did Our Love Go," "Baby Love," and "Stop! In the Name of Love." Under the leadership of producer Berry Gordy, the group's polished image and catchy songs helped them achieve unprecedented success, leading them to become the most commercially successful girl group in music history.
After leaving the Supremes in 1970, Diana Ross launched a highly successful solo career. Her debut album, "Diana Ross," included hits like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and helped solidify her status as a solo superstar. Over the years, she has released numerous albums and singles across various genres, including soul, pop, and jazz, earning her multiple Grammy Awards and other accolades.
In addition to her music career, Ross has made significant contributions to film and television. She starred in the film "Lady Sings the Blues," a biopic about the legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her other notable film appearances include "Mahogany" and "The Wiz."
Ross has continued to perform and record music, remaining a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Her contributions have earned her the title of the "Queen of Motown." She is regarded not only for her musical prowess but also for her influence on various artists and her role as a cultural icon. In recognition of her impact, she has received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Diana Ross's enduring career, marked by her dynamic performances and timeless music, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of American music and culture.
Diana Ross
A2 Now That There's You 3:27
A3 You're All I Need To Get By 3:27
A4 These Things Will Keep Me Loving You3:06
A5 Ain't No Mountain High Enough 6:08
B1 Something On My Mind 2:21
B2 I Wouldn't Change The Man He Is 3:17
B3 Keep An Eye 3:14
B4 Where There Was Darkness 3:14
B5 Can't It Wait Until Tomorrow 3:14
B6 Dark Side Of The World 3:06
Produced by Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson
Written-By – N. Ashford / V. Simpson* (tracks: A1 to A3, A5 to B6)
Written-By – H. Fuqua, J. Bristol (track A5)
Label: Tamla Motown – STML 11159
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Pop
The 1970 self-titled Diana Ross album was critically acclaimed as a strong solo debut, proving her viability beyond The Supremes with standout hits like the iconic, anthemic "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and the hopeful "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)," showcasing a more mature, narrative-driven artistry that moved from immediacy to nuance, though some contemporary critics found certain tracks less impactful, it's now seen as a pivotal moment defining her independent artistry.
It marked a significant step in establishing Diana Ross as a solo star, moving away from the group sound and embracing more complex musical storytelling. It blended pop, soul, and gospel, with a focus on powerful vocals, orchestral arrangements, and gospel choirs, especially on the iconic singles.
The album featured two massive hits: the joyous "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" and the electrifying, show-stopping "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," which became her first solo #1.
The sepia-toned cover, featuring Ross in a simple tye-dye shirt and shorts while eating an apple, was a radical departure from the glamorous gowns of The Supremes. It signaled a "new," more natural and independent Diana.
Except for "These Things Will Keep Me Loving You," every track was penned or co-penned by Ashford & Simpson, who crafted a cohesive narrative of self-definition for her solo debut.
Critics noted a shift towards more introspective themes, with songs exploring romance, confidence, and independence, culminating in a powerful statement of self-definition.
While overwhelmingly positive, with retrospectively high praise for its significance and vocal performance, some early reviews found parts bland, though most agree it was a strong, complete artistic statement for Motown.
It's considered a landmark debut, redefining Black female artistry and proving Diana Ross's strength as a singular force, not just a group member.
In summar, it's seen as an album that demands close listening, showcasing her evolving power and nuanced artistry beyond simple iconography, solidifying her status as a major solo artist.
I’m Still Waiting
Producer, Written-By – Deke Richards 3:35
A2 Surrender
Written-By – N. Ashford - V. Simpson 2:53
A3 I Can't Give Back The Love I Feel For You
Written-By – N. Ashford - V. Simpson, B. Holland 3:06
A4 Remember Me
Written-By – N. Ashford - V. Simpson 3:16
A5 And If You See Him
Written-By – N. Ashford - V. Simpson 2:50
A6 Reach Out I'll Be There
Written-By – Holland-Dozier-Holland 4:50
B1 Didn't You Know (You'd Have To Cry Sometime)
Written-By – N. Ashford - V. Simpson 2:56
B2 A Simple Thing Like Cry
Written-By – N. Ashford - V. Simpson 2:56
B3 Did You Read The Morning Paper?
Written-By – N. Ashford - V. Simpson, Monica 3:53
B4 I'll Settle For You
Written-By – N. Ashford - V. Simpson 2:58
B5 I'm A Winner
Written-By – N. Ashford - V. Simpson 3:05
B6 All The Befores
Written-By – N. Ashford - V. Simpson 4:35
Label: Tamla Motown – STML 11193
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country:UK
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Motown
The UK album titled I'm Still Waiting is the third solo studio album by Diana Ross, released in October 1971 by Tamla Motown. It is the British release of her US album Surrender, retitled and with the hugely successful title track added to the listing.
The album's title track, "I'm Still Waiting," became Diana Ross's first solo number-one single in the UK after BBC Radio 1 DJ Tony Blackburn heavily promoted it on his radio show. The song had originally appeared on her 1970 album Everything Is Everything in the US.
Due to the single's massive success in the UK, the Surrender album was reissued there under the I'm Still Waiting title and included the hit song, reaching the top 10 on the UK album charts and earning a silver disc for sales. The original UK vinyl release (catalogue number STML 11193) came in a picture sleeve, sometimes with a textured finish.
The album is a collection of sophisticated soul tracks and ballads, showcasing Ross's vocal performances as she continued her solo career post-Supremes. It was primarily produced by Ashford & Simpson, with Deke Richards producing the title track. The album features several other significant tracks, including the top 20 hit single "Remember Me" and "Reach Out I'll Be There," a cover of the Four Tops' hit.
While not a massive U.S. pop hit (peaking at #56), the Surrender album (i.e. this album minus the track "I'm Still Waiting") was crucial in establishing Ross as a formidable solo soul vocalist, laying groundwork for her later superstardom. It captures a moment before she became a global movie star, focusing purely on her vocal gifts and emotional delivery.