**Diana Ross: A Detailed Biography**
**1. Early Life**
Diana Ross was born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, to parents Ernestine and Fred Ross. She was raised in a lively neighborhood known as the Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects with her five siblings. Even in her early years, Ross showed a keen interest in music, which was heavily encouraged by her family. She attended Cass Technical High School, a four-year college preparatory high school, where she took classes in clothing design, millinery, pattern making, and tailoring, along with music and performing arts.
**2. Career**
Diana Ross' illustrious career began when she joined the Primettes, a sister group to a male vocal group called the Primes, in 1959. This group, including friends
Florence-Ballard,
Mary-Wilson, and
Betty-McGlown, later became The Supremes after signing with Motown Records in 1961. The Supremes soared to fame with hits like "Stop! In the Name of Love" and "Where Did Our Love Go," becoming one of America's most successful vocal groups.
In 1970, Ross left The Supremes to pursue a solo career. Her solo success was immediate with hits such as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Touch Me in the Morning." Throughout the 70s and 80s, she dominated the charts with her music and also ventured into acting. She received critical acclaim for her role as Billie Holiday in the film "Lady Sings the Blues" (1972), which earned her an Academy Award nomination.
Ross continued recording and performing over the decades, with a brief reunion with The Supremes in 1983. She remains a significant figure in the music industry, influencing many artists and continuing to perform.
**3. Notable Achievements**
Diana Ross has numerous accolades to her name. She has won several American Music Awards and has been nominated for a Tony Award and twelve Grammy Awards. In 1988, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Supremes. Moreover, Ross received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. Her influence on the music industry has been profound, with her pioneering contributions to the integration of R&B and pop music.
**4. Personal Life**
Diana Ross has been married twice—first to music business manager
Robert-Silberstein from 1971 to 1977 and then to Norwegian shipping magnate Arne Næss Jr. from 1986 until their divorce in 2000. She has five children: Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Tracee Ellis Ross, Chudney Ross, Ross Næss, and Evan Ross, several of whom have pursued careers in the entertainment industry.
Ross has always been known for her glamorous public image and her private dedication to her family. Despite the demands of her career, she has often spoken about the importance of balancing her personal life with her professional obligations.
Throughout her life, Diana Ross has exemplified resilience and versatility, making her one of the most enduring figures in American music history. Her journey from a young girl in Detroit to an international superstar is a testament to her talent, ambition, and influence.