Happy Birthday to Diana Ross, who turns 69 today (March 26th)!!! Ross was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and joined the R&B trio the Primettes in 1959. At the time the Primettes were made up of Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard, and original member Barbara Martin. After signing to Motown records in 1960, the group changed their name to the Supremes.
Starting in 1964 with “When The Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes,” the Supremes scored 33 Top 40 singles, including 12 Number One pop hits. “Someday We’ll Be Together” was the group’s final Number One, after which Ross left to begin a solo career, which earned her an additional 27 Top 40 hits, including 1970’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” her first solo Number One.
Ross also reached the top of the charts with “Touch Me In The Morning” (1973), “Theme From Mahogany(Do You Know Where You’re Going To)” (1975), “Love Hangover” (1976), “Upside Down” (1980), and “Endless Love” — her 1981 duet with Lionel Richie.
She has also had a career as an actress, earning an Academy Award best actress nomination for her role as singer Billie Holiday in Lady Sings The Blues. Her other films included Mahogany, and The Wiz. What a woman! What a career! Happy Birthday, Ms. Ross!!
Check out this iconic performance from 1983 below.
