No performer in the music industry has transformed traditional soul music into a global pop phenomenon the way that Diana Ross did in the 1960s and 1970s. Her immersion in Motown's coveted Soul Sound inspired generations of singers to come including: Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Rihanna among many.
These 5 "Reasons" stand as a testament to the validity of Diana Ross' unique ability to turn what some would call a mediocre voice into one of the most classic in the history of recorded sound.
#1 - Lady Sings The Blues (film and album): One of the finest soundtracks ever created. It reestablished Diana as a viable Jazz singer with a triumphant approach to old standards. The film garnered her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
#2 - The Glamor: Whitney Houston has often cited Diana as the most glamorous of the Soul Tradition. She set the bar for female entertainers with her class, poise and brilliant delivery of her wardrobe.
#3 - The Supremes: Still recognized as the most successful female group of ALL time trumping Destiny's Child, TLC, En Vogue and SWV. If it had not been for Diana Ross and The Supremes, perhaps the concept of the female group would have died with the Motown Era. They still have a record 17 #1 hits on the Billboard Charts and can be heard singing our favorites "Come See About Me", "I Hear A Symphony", "Remember Me", "Where Did Our Love Go", and "You Can't Hurry Love" daily on the airwaves.
#4 - The Collaboration: The many collaborations that Diana had with Marvin Gaye were magic. Although Tammi Terrell had classic duets with Marvin, Diana solidified just how perfectly a man's soulful voice can merge with a woman's. See: "My Mistake" and "You Are Everything". But our favorite Diana collaboration is with Motown hitmakers - The Temptations. "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" is still one of the most classic records from the 70's Soul Era.
#5 - "Do You Know Where You're Going To" Theme From Mahogany: This could be considered one of the greatest songs ever created. The vocals on this song are unmatched and solidify Diana as a genius musician who's career could rival Aretha, Chaka, Gladys and Tina purely on the quiet delivery which has made her a National Phenomenon.
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