Diana Ross, the iconic American singer and actress, boasts an impressive net worth of $250 million. She rose to prominence as a member of The Supremes in the 1960s, and later achieved massive solo success. Diana is a unique figure in music history, being the only artist ever to have #1 hits as a soloist, duet partner, and member of a trio. Over her career, she has sold more than 100 million albums globally.
The Early Years and Breakthrough with The Supremes
Diana Ross’ career began as part of The Supremes, one of Motown Records’ biggest acts in the 1960s. The group helped shape the sound of a generation with classics like “Baby Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” Ross’s voice played a crucial role in the success of the group, paving the way for future African American artists to find recognition in mainstream music.
In 1970, Ross took a bold step forward by launching a solo career, which saw instant success. Her debut album, Diana Ross, included hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and marked the beginning of a series of chart-topping albums throughout the ’70s and ’80s. Her style evolved over the years, exploring pop, R&B, soul, and disco influences.
Diana Ross: The Actress
Diana Ross’ talents went beyond the stage. She ventured into acting, starring in the 1972 film Lady Sings the Blues, a role that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She continued her acting career with films such as Mahogany (1975) and The Wiz (1978). Diana’s diverse skills in both music and film further solidified her place as a cultural icon.
Her influence in the music industry, especially as an African American woman during a time of racial tensions in the U.S., is profound. Ross became a symbol of empowerment, achieving remarkable success as a black female artist in a male-dominated industry. Her achievements were recognized with numerous accolades, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Diana’s Continued Impact on Music
Ross’ impact remains strong to this day. She continues to perform at major events and festivals, introducing her timeless music to new generations. Despite facing some personal and professional challenges throughout her career, Diana’s resilience and powerful voice have kept her relevant in the music industry. She is celebrated as one of the most influential figures in American music history, with her legacy enduring across decades.
Early Life and Aspirations
Diana Ross was born in Detroit, Michigan, on March 26, 1944. She was the second-eldest of six children to parents Ernestine and Fred Ross, Sr. While growing up, Ross attended Cass Technical High School, where she pursued fashion design, millinery, and tailoring. Initially, she aspired to be a fashion designer before her musical journey began.
At just 15 years old, Ross joined the Primettes, the female counterpart to the male vocal group The Primes. The Primettes entered a talent competition in Windsor, Ontario, which eventually led to them auditioning for Motown Records. Although initially rejected for being too young, Ross and her bandmates kept showing up at Motown’s Hitsville headquarters, contributing to recordings and background vocals. Their perseverance paid off when Motown founder Berry Gordy signed them in 1961, after which they became known as The Supremes.
The Supremes: Chart-Topping Success
The Supremes’ first hit, “When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes,” released in 1963, reached No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. The group’s breakthrough came in 1964 with “Where Did Our Love Go,” their first No. 1 hit. The Supremes would go on to score ten No. 1 singles between 1964 and 1967, making them Motown’s most successful vocal group of the 1960s.
In 1967, Florence Ballard, one of the original members, was replaced due to personal struggles. With the group now officially rebranded as “Diana Ross & The Supremes,” Diana Ross took on more solo projects, including TV specials. Her increasing visibility led to her departure from the group in 1970, marking a new chapter in her career. Ross’ final performance with The Supremes took place in Las Vegas on January 14, 1970.
Solo Career: A Star on Her Own
Her first album with RCA, Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1981), was a major commercial success, selling over a million copies. As a solo artist, Ross released 25 studio albums, over 30 records in total, and more than 90 singles. Notably, 17 of her singles reached the Billboard Top 40, with 12 landing in the Top 10 and 6 hitting No. 1.
Ross’ career continued into the 2020s, as evidenced by her 2022 Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Thank You. In 2023, she launched The Music Legacy Tour, celebrating her greatest hits, including a performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Expanding Her Horizons in Film
Beyond her musical career, Diana Ross expanded her talents into acting. She starred in the film Lady Sings the Blues (1972), earning nominations for both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. Ross also appeared in Mahogany (1975) and The Wiz (1978), and in the television films Out of Darkness (1994) and Double Platinum (1999), showcasing her versatility in both music and film.
Diana Ross’ Personal Life
Ross has been married twice and has five children, as well as seven grandchildren. She began a relationship with Motown CEO Berry Gordy in 1965, and they had a daughter, Rhonda Suzanne Silberstein, who later changed her name to Rhonda Ross Kendrick. Ross married Robert Ellis Silberstein in 1971, and together they had two daughters: Tracee Joy and Chudney Lane. They divorced in 1977.
From 1980 to 1983, Ross dated Kiss guitarist Gene Simmons. In 1985, she met Norwegian businessman Arne Næss Jr., and they married the following year. The couple had two sons: Ross Arne and Evan Olav Ross. In 2014, Evan married singer Ashlee Simpson, making Simpson Ross’ daughter-in-law. Ross and Næss divorced in 2000, and tragically, Næss died in a mountain climbing accident in 2004.
Real Estate Ventures
Diana Ross has also invested in real estate, owning a large mansion in Greenwich, Connecticut. The property, which spans 5 acres, was listed for sale in 2007 for $39.5 million but didn’t sell. Ross later lobbied for a tax refund after the real estate market crash, successfully reducing her property taxes. The estate consists of two parcels, with one assessed at around $9 million and the waterfront property assessed at $10 million.
