Diana Ross: The Iconic Queen Of Music And Entertainment

How Much is Diana Ross Worth?

Let me tell you about Diana Ross, a true legend in the world of music and entertainment. With a staggering net worth of $250 million, Diana Ross has become one of the most celebrated and iconic figures in pop culture. Her journey began as the lead singer of The Supremes, a powerhouse trio that dominated the charts in the 1960s. But Diana didn't stop there. She went on to carve out an extraordinary solo career, earning her place as the only artist in history to have #1 hits as a solo artist, part of a duo, and a trio. Talk about versatility! Her global album sales exceed 100 million, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Back in the day, Diana and The Supremes helped shape the sound of a generation with timeless hits like "Baby Love" and "Stop! In the Name of Love." Their music broke barriers, paving the way for future African American artists in the industry. When Diana stepped out on her own in 1970, she was unstoppable. Her first solo album was a smash hit, featuring the unforgettable anthem "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." Over the decades, Diana has continued to evolve, embracing various musical styles including pop, soul, R&B, and disco.

But Diana's talents extend far beyond music. Her acting career kicked off with the 1972 film "Lady Sings the Blues," where she delivered a powerful performance as jazz legend Billie Holiday. Her portrayal earned her critical acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She went on to star in other memorable films like "Mahogany" and "The Wiz," proving her versatility as both a singer and actress.

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What makes Diana Ross's story even more remarkable is the fact that she achieved all this during a time of racial tension in America. As a black female artist, she became a symbol of empowerment and triumph, inspiring countless others to follow in her footsteps. Over the years, she's received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Even today, Diana continues to perform, captivating audiences with her timeless voice and incredible stage presence.

The Beginnings of a Legend

Now, let's take a trip back to the beginning. Diana Ross was born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, to Ernestine and Fred Ross, Sr. She grew up in a musical household, surrounded by the sounds that would later shape her career. Attending Cass Technical High School, Diana originally dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, taking courses in clothing design, millinery, and tailoring. But fate had other plans for this talented young woman.

At the age of fifteen, Diana joined the Primettes, a sister group to the male vocal group the Primes. The Primettes quickly gained attention, winning a local talent competition in Windsor, Ontario, which led to an invitation to audition for Motown Records. Diana, ever the determined young woman, reached out to her former neighbor, the legendary Smokey Robinson, who agreed to bring the Primettes to Motown. Although Motown executives were impressed, they felt the girls were too young and asked them to return after graduation.

Not ones to give up, the Primettes spent their free time at Motown's Hitsville headquarters, offering their help on recordings. They did everything from hand claps to background vocals, proving their dedication and talent. Their persistence paid off when Motown founder Berry Gordy signed them in January 1961, under the condition that they change their name. A year later, after Barbara Martin left the group, Diana, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson formed the iconic trio known as The Supremes.

The Supremes Era: The Rise to Stardom

Once signed with Motown, The Supremes quickly found success with their 1963 hit "When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes," which reached No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart. It was the beginning of an incredible journey. In late 1963, Gordy made the decision to make Diana the group's lead vocalist, a move that would change the music world forever. Their 1964 hit "Where Did Our Love Go" became their first No. 1 single, kicking off an unprecedented streak of success. Between August 1964 and May 1967, The Supremes enjoyed ten No. 1 hit singles, solidifying their place as Motown's most successful vocal act of the 1960s.

Unfortunately, not all was smooth sailing within the group. In 1967, Florence Ballard was fired due to personal issues, including struggles with alcoholism. Gordy renamed the group Diana Ross & the Supremes, a decision that allowed him to charge more for performances. Despite the changes, the group remained popular, but Diana began exploring solo opportunities. She performed on her own on television specials like "The Dinah Shore Show" and eventually left the group in 1970, marking the end of an era but the beginning of another incredible chapter in her life.

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Diana Ross Goes Solo: A New Era Begins

With her departure from The Supremes, Diana Ross embarked on a solo career that would further cement her status as a global icon. Her self-titled debut album, released in May 1970, was an immediate success, followed by the albums "Everything Is Everything" (1970) and "Surrender" (1971). In late 1971, she starred in her first solo television special, "Diana!" By the end of 1980, Diana began negotiations to leave Motown, eventually receiving a $250,000 severance after two decades with the label. She then signed a groundbreaking $20 million, seven-year contract with RCA Records, the most expensive recording deal in history at the time. Her first album with RCA, "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" (1981), was a huge success, selling over a million copies.

Throughout her solo career, Diana has released an impressive 25 studio albums. If you include live albums and soundtrack albums, her total record count surpasses 30. She's also released over 90 singles, with 17 reaching the Billboard Top 40, 12 hitting the Top 10, and 6 achieving the coveted No. 1 status. In 2022, Diana received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for her latest release, "Thank You." In 2023, she launched the US leg of The Music Legacy Tour, celebrating her greatest hits, with a performance scheduled at London's Royal Albert Hall in October.

Diana Ross: From Stage to Screen

While music has always been at the heart of Diana's career, she's also made a significant impact in the world of acting. Her breakout role came in the 1972 film "Lady Sings the Blues," where she portrayed jazz legend Billie Holiday. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She continued to shine on the big screen with films like "Mahogany" (1975) and "The Wiz" (1978). Diana also starred in television films such as "Out of Darkness" (1994) and "Double Platinum" (1999), showcasing her incredible range as an actress.

A Life Beyond the Spotlight

Offstage, Diana Ross has led a rich and colorful personal life. She's been married twice and is the proud mother of five children and grandmother to seven. Her first serious relationship was with Motown CEO Berry Gordy, whom she began dating in 1965. Together, they welcomed a daughter, Rhonda Suzanne Silberstein, now known as Rhonda Ross Kendrick. However, Gordy did not play a role in raising Rhonda, as Diana married music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein in 1971, two months into her pregnancy. Silberstein raised Rhonda as his own, despite knowing her biological father. Diana and Silberstein went on to have two more daughters, Tracee Joy and Chudney Lane, before divorcing in 1977.

In the early 1980s, Diana dated Kiss guitarist and singer Gene Simmons. She later met Norwegian shipping magnate Arne Næss Jr. in 1985, and they married the following year. Diana became stepmother to Næss's three children and together they had two sons, Ross Arne and Evan Olav Ross. Interestingly, Evan married singer Ashlee Simpson in 2014, making Ashlee Diana's daughter-in-law. Evan is also stepfather to Ashlee's child from her first marriage to musician Pete Wentz. Tragically, Diana and Næss divorced in 2000 after reports surfaced that Næss had fathered another child with a woman in Norway. Næss passed away in 2004 after falling during a mountain climbing accident in South Africa.

Diana's Dream Home

For many years, Diana's primary residence has been a magnificent mansion in Greenwich, Connecticut. This stunning property, sitting on 5 acres of land, was listed for sale in 2007 for $39.5 million. Although it didn't sell, Diana successfully lobbied for a property tax refund after the real estate market crashed. The property consists of two parcels, one assessed at around $9 million and the other at $10 million, the latter being waterfront. It's a true sanctuary for the Queen of Motown, reflecting her taste and success both in and out of the spotlight.