Born: March, 26 1944
City and Country of Origin: Detroit, Michigan
Music Training: sang with the forerunner of the Supremes the Primettes
Awards:
Top Recordings: "Where Did Our Love Go," "Baby Love," "Someday We'll Be Together," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"
Diana Ross Biography: Diana Ross, Betty Hutton, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson comprised a group in the late 50s who called themselves the Primettes in honor of a male group known as the Primes which included a couple of future Temptations. After only one unsuccessful recording they were signed by Berry Gordy's Motown Records. There after they had spent two unfruitful years before Gordy suggested that Diana Ross replace Florence Ballard as the groups lead singer did they finally find success. A Phil Spector like production of "When The Lovelight Starts Shining In His Eyes" broke the ice for the fledgling unsophisticated group. After their follow-up flopped Gordy turned the group over to the newly formed Holland-Dozier-Holland production team. It was only then that they hit stride with their first major hit "Where Did Our Love Go." This success was follwed up by four more successive chart toppers. The group quickly abandoned its rough edges and quickly became one of the most polished acts in show business. When Florence Ballard grew increasingly unhappy in her supporting cast Berry replaced her with Cindy Birdsong. At the same time Diana Ross was given top billing. Finally, in 1969 after the release of "Someday We'll Be Together" and persistent rumors of a pending breakup Diana Ross launched her solo career. She was replaced by heavyweight Ernie Terrell's sister Jean Terrell. Meanwhile, Diana Ross was teamed up with the songwriting team of Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson who supplied her with four top 40 hits including the number 1 "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." She branched out into the movies playing Billie Holiday in Lady Sings The Blues a role for which she was nominated for an Academy Award. She also starred in the movies Mahogany and The Wiz.

Music by the Decade:

Sounds of the Fifties

Sounds of the Sixties

Sounds of the Seventies

Sounds of the Eighties

Sounds of the Nineties