An all-around superstar and legendary singer Diana Ross began her career with Motown Records as part of The Supremes, at the young age of 15. The Supremes went on to become one of the most successful US female bands, claiming 12 number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
After leaving the band in 1970 to go solo Diana’s success continued and she claimed her first UK number 1 in 1971 before going on to achieve another UK number 1 and 21 UK Top 10 singles.
In 1993 Diana Ross was recognised by the UK’s Guinness Book of World Records as being “The Most Successful Female artist of all Time”.
As she approaches her 75th birthday a new film ‘Diana Ross: Her Life, Love and Legacy’ hits the cinemas on the 26th March for one night only. We take a look at some of her top hits!
Chain Reaction – Released in 1986 it reached number 1 in the UK charts and remained at number 1 for three weeks. Written by the Bee Gees who also provided the backing vocals for the single it is recognized as one of Diana’s most iconic songs, however, it was never a huge hit in the US charts.
I’m Still Waiting – This was Diana’s first number 1 in the UK, charting in 1971 and appearing on her album Everything Is Everything. It remained at number 1 for four weeks and also reached number 1 in Ireland. A soulful song it was only originally meant for the album, however, UK DJ Tony Blackburn championed it heavily and managed to persuade the record company to release it as a single.
Upside Down – Listed at number 80 on Billboards ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’ this single peaked at number 2 for Diana in the UK charts, as well as being a huge hit across Europe and hitting the top spot in the US. Written and produced by legendary Chic members Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards it earned Diana her ninth Grammy Award.
When you tell me that you love me – Released in 1991 it was the lead single for Diana’s album The Force Behind The Power and is a love ballad which has since been covered by various artists. Considered as one of her ‘signature songs’ it just missed out on the Christmas number 1, beaten by Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. It re-charted in 2005, reaching number 2 again, with Westlife and Diana’s original vocals alongside.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Originally a hit for other Motown stars Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Diana released the song in 1970 and it became her first US number 1 solo hit. Know for its upbeat sound and unique spoken word passage, it reached number 6 in the UK charts and also earned Diana a Grammy award nomination.
Baby Love – A classic Supremes song it was recorded in 1964 and written and produced by the Motown team of Holland-Dozier-Holland. It hit the number one spot in the US charts and was the second of five Supremes songs in a row to go to number 1. It also reached number 1 in the UK charts and is still arguably the bands most well-known song.
I’m Gonna Make You Love Me – Another from Diana Ross and the Supremes this time featuring another classic Motown band The Temptations. It was piped to the post in the US by Marvin Gaye’s I Heard It Through The Grapevine and peaked at number 3 in the UK charts. Written by Kenny Gamble and Jerry Ross, it was originally a hit for Dee Dee Warwick.
Endless Love – One of the best duets of all time this song features the vocal talents of Diana and songwriter Lionel Richie. A beautiful romantic ballad the duet has been covered over the years by various artists, and when it was released in 1981 it became the second biggest selling single of the year in the US. Originally used as the theme song for the film Endless Love the song was nominated for an Academy Award.
Theme From Mahogany – Recorded in 1975 by Diana for the film Mahogany, the song went on to be nominated for an Academy Award with Diana performing live at the ceremony. Becoming a number 1 hit in the US and reaching number 5 in the UK, the song became one of the most notable parts of the film and was recorded with a full orchestra.
I’m Coming Out – The second single from Diana’s 1980 self-titled album, the song charted at number 13 in the UK charts but has since gone on to become a huge iconic hit – especially within the LGBT community. Written and produced by Chic members Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards the song supposedly has further meaning for Diana who was leaving Motown Records at the time.
Diana Ross: Her Life, Love and Legacy is in UK cinemas for one night only on 26th March to mark Diana’s 75th Birthday. Tickets can be bought from www.mycineplace.com/dianaross
