Who is Diana Ross? Biography, Wiki, Net Worth, Family, Wife, Career, Children & Biography

Diana Ross is an American singer, actress, and cultural icon whose career spans over six decades. Born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, she rose to fame as the lead singer of the vocal group The Supremes, who became Motown’s most successful act during the 1960s. Ross later achieved international stardom as a solo artist and actress. In this article, we will delve into the life and career of this legendary artist.

Contents

Quick Trivia

Age of Diana Ross

Diana Ross was born on March 26, 1944, which means she turned 79 years old in March 2023. Despite her age, Ross remains active in the music industry and still performs live shows. In fact, she celebrated her 78th birthday in 2022 with a family party, as seen in a photo she shared on social media.

Diana Ross’ Parents

Diana Ross was born to Fred Ross Sr. and Ernestine Ross on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan. Fred Ross was born on July 4, 1920, and worked as a former army soldier and auto worker at the Ford Motor Company. Ernestine Ross, on the other hand, was born on January 27, 1916, and worked as a schoolteacher and homemaker.

Diana Ross’ Siblings

Diana Ross grew up with five siblings – three sisters and two brothers. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

Barbara Ross Lee

Barbara Ross Lee was born on June 1, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, making her the oldest of Diana Ross’ siblings. Barbara is a physician by profession and is best known as the sister of Diana Ross. Her claim to fame came from being the first African-American woman to become the dean of a medical school in the United States.

Fred Ross Jr.

Little is known about Fred Ross Jr.’s personal and professional life. However, he is one of Diana Ross’ siblings.

Rita Ross

Rita Ross is the younger sister of Diana Ross. She is known to have worked as a schoolteacher and lives a relatively private life.

Chico Ross

Chico Ross, also known as William Ross, is one of Diana Ross’ younger brothers. He is a former member of the Motown group, the “Contours,” and is known for his exceptional songwriting skills.

Dr. Ross

Dr. Ross, whose full name is Arthur Ross, is another of Diana Ross’ brothers. He is a successful songwriter and composer and has worked on many of his sister’s songs. He is also a talented musician and has released several albums throughout his career.

Music Education

As a teenager, Ross received vocal training at the Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects in Detroit from one of her neighbors, a former member of the jazz group The Four Tops. In 1959, Ross formed the pop-soul vocal group the Primettes with several neighborhood friends. The group later changed its name to The Supremes and became one of the most successful Motown groups of all time.

Career Development

Despite having no formal acting training, Ross’s talent and passion led her to pursue an acting career as well. She landed her first film role in the 1972 film “Lady Sings the Blues,” for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She went on to star in several more films, including “Mahogany” and “The Wiz”.

Continuing Education and Honorary Degrees

Diana Ross has received several honorary degrees for her contributions to music and the arts. In 2002, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the Berklee College of Music, and in 2007, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Brown University. She also continues to learn and grow as an artist, with her most recent album “Thank You” released in 2021.

Early Life and Career

Ross’s professional career began in 1959 when she joined several neighborhood friends to form the pop-soul vocal group The Primettes, which eventually became The Supremes. The group signed with Motown Records in 1961 and quickly rose to fame with hits such as “Baby Love,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” and “You Can’t Hurry Love”. The Supremes remain the best-charting female group in history, with a total of twelve number-one hit singles on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Solo Career

Ross left The Supremes in 1970 to pursue a solo career. She released her self-titled debut album in 1970, which included hits such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand).” Her success continued throughout the 1970s with hits such as “Love Hangover,” “Upside Down,” and “Endless Love” [5]. She has released a total of 25 studio albums, with her latest album “Thank You” just released in September 2022.

Acting Career

In addition to her music career, Ross has also had success in acting. She made her acting debut in the 1972 film “Lady Sings the Blues,” for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. She has since appeared in several films, including “Mahogany” (1975) and “The Wiz” (1978), as well as television shows such as “Out of Darkness” (1994) and “Double Platinum” (1999).

Diana Ross’ Net Worth

Diana Ross’ net worth is estimated to be $250 million as of May 2023 [1]. She has earned this fortune through her successful music and acting careers, as well as her business ventures. Ross has invested in several successful ventures, including the Diana Ross Fragrance Collection, which has been a best-seller in department stores around the world.

Diana Ross’ Husbands

Robert Ellis Silberstein

Diana Ross’ first husband was music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein. They tied the knot in 1971 and had three children together: Tracee Ellis Ross, Chudney Ross, and Rhonda Ross Kendrick. However, their marriage didn’t last, and they eventually divorced in 1977.

Arne Næss Jr.

Diana Ross’ second husband was Norwegian shipping magnate Arne Næss Jr. They got married in 1986 and had two children together: Ross Arne Naess and Evan Ross. However, they too eventually parted ways, and they divorced in 2000.

Diana Ross’ Children

Rhonda Ross Kendrick

Rhonda Ross Kendrick is Diana Ross’ first child, born on August 14, 1971. She is the daughter of Diana Ross and Motown founder Berry Gordy. Rhonda is an actress and a singer, and she has appeared in movies such as “Another World” and “The Temptations.”

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is Diana Ross’ second child, born on October 29, 1972. She is an actress and a television host, best known for her roles in shows such as “Girlfriends” and “Black-ish.” Tracee has won numerous awards for her work, including a Golden Globe in 2017.

Chudney Ross

Chudney Ross is Diana Ross’ third child, born on November 4, 1975. She is an author and a television host, and she has written several children’s books. Chudney is also the founder of the bookstore “Books and Cookies,” which aims to promote literacy among children.

Ross Arne Naess

Ross Arne Naess is Diana Ross’ fourth child, born on October 7, 1987. He is a musician and a singer, and he has released several albums. Ross is also an actor, and he has appeared in movies such as “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” and “Billionaire Boys Club.”

Evan Ross

Evan Ross is Diana Ross’ fifth child, born on August 26, 1988. He is a musician and an actor.

Legacy

Ross’s impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. She paved the way for future female artists and was instrumental in the success of Motown Records. She has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.

Conclusion

Diana Ross is a true icon in music and acting. Her impact on popular culture has been immeasurable, and her music continues to inspire generations. From her early days with The Supremes to her successful solo career and acting roles, Ross’s talent and charisma have captivated audiences for over six decades.

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