Diana Ross
Diana Ross was born in 1944. Emerging from the housing projects in Detroit to become an international superstar, she gained prominence first as a member of the supremes, then as a solo artist. The mention of her name evokes the indelible image of the broadly smiling diva, the long hair, sequined gowns, etc.
Ross first recorded on the small lupine label in 1959, as a member of the Primettes. The group signed to Motown in1961, and later changed their names to the supremes. In 1963, all the singles released by the supremes featured Diana Ross as the lead singer. That year they first hit the top 40 with “when the love light starts shining through his eyes”.
In 1964 the supremes single “ where did our love go” began a run of five consecutive #1 singles. Thereafter where a series of #1 hits such as, “the happenings”, “baby love”, “ stop! in the name of love”, “ you can’t hurry love”, and you keep me hanging on”. Someday well be together was Ross’ last hit with the supremes before going solo.
Ross moved to California to launch her solo career. Her reworking of the Ashford and Simpson standard “ain’t no mountain high enough” became their first #1 hit as a solo artist. In 1971, Her first child Rhonda was born later announced as berry Gordy child (the founder of Motown).
Ros married her first husband, Robert Ellis Siberstein, a union that produced two children, Tracee (from girlfriends) and Chudney Ellis. In 1972 Diana Ross made her first debut portraying the late jazz singer Billie holiday in “ lady sings the blues”. The film was successful, and Ross was received an Oscar nomination for her performance.
Most of us know Miss Diana Ross, an African American performer. Her acting and singing career is what lead her to fame. She goes by the nickname of Miss Ross. Here is something you may not know, her birth name is Diane Ernestine Earle Ross. However her birth certificate says Diana. She was born and raised here in Detroit, Michigan. Where most babies in Detroit are delivered so was she, Hutzel Women’s Hospital. On March 26, 1944 a star entered the city with much more potential than anyone would have ever expected. She lived near the North End area of Detroit (woodward) and later moved to the Brewster projects. Miss Diana Ross attended a high school all Detroit citizens are familiar with, Cass Technical HS. She discovered her talent at a very young age as she began to sing in the choir at church. It was shortly after this when her career started to grow.
The group ranged from ages nine to fourteen. They group was brought to Berry Gordy’s attention by Bobby Taylor of the Vancouver. Berry Gordy fell in love with Michael. He sang his songs with so much feeling and inspiration and pain. It was like he had gone through everything he was singing about. Right off top, they exploded onto the pop and R&B charts in the 1969 with “I Want You Back”. Diana Ross played a big part in the Jackson 5’s debut. She allowed them to be an opening act for herself and the Supremes concert in Los Angeles, California in 1969. A few day later the group was on their way to stardom. Four chart-topping releases followed over the next eleven month with songs “ABC”, “The Love You Save”, and “I'll Be There”. That made Jackson 5 only group to have its first four records reach number 1 on the charts. This group captured the hearts of young people and a lot of other people ranging from different ages with their talent and charm. It was the youngest Michael in the group that was the lead singer and who stood out the most to the people. Years later, Berry Gordy recalled the group as a determination to succeed in his autobiography. He wrote their hard work was unconditional, and they were willing to sweat to
In 1988 Gordy sold Motown Records to MCA and Boston Partners, ending Motown’s era as an independent company. In the post-Gordy era, Motown continued to release hit music by new artists such as Boyz II Men, Johnny Gill, alongside veteran performers like Wonder, Ross, and the
A third and final tune that both Ella and Billie performed is “Willow Weep for Me,” with Ella recording it in 1960 on Hello, Love and Billie recording it in 1956 on Lady Sings the Blues. In Ella’s rendition, she again expertly exercises her range, going from highs to lows easily, and still keeping the tempo slow. This song is actually an impressive piece of work for Billie, who utilizes her vocals to the best of her ability, and is able to thoroughly embody the
Faith Evans was born on June 10, 1973, and grew up in Newark, NJ, where she began singing in church at the mere age of two. A high school honor student, she sang in her school's musical productions before winning a full scholarship to Fordham University. After just one year, though, she left college to put her jazz and classical training to use in the field of contemporary RB. It didn't take her long to find work and over the next few years, she sang backup and wrote songs for artists like Hi-Five, Mary J. Blige, Pebbles, Al B. Sure, Usher, Tony Thompson, and Christopher Williams. Thanks to her work on Blige's 1994 sophomore effort, My Life, Evans met producer/impresario Sean "Puffy" Combs, who signed her to his Bad Boy label. In 1995, Evans released her debut album, Faith, which went platinum on the strength of the hit RB singles "You Used to Love Me" and "Soon as I Get Home." The same year, she met fellow Bad Boy artist the Notorious B.I.G. (some accounts say at a photo shoot, others a phone conversation) and married him after a courtship of just nine days; shortly thereafter, she guested on a remix of his smash single "One More Chance."
The couple wrote over 100 chart hits together, including the Chiffons' "One Fine Day," the Monkees' "Pleasant Valley Sunday," the Drifters' "Up on the Roof," the Cookies' "Chains" (later covered by the Beatles), Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel) Like a Natural Woman" and the Crystals' controversial "He Hit Me (and It Felt like a Kiss)."
Motown Records was founded in 1959 by Berry Gordy who turned his music production company into history’s most successful black-owned record label company.
She and their first baby died during childbirth. Johnson then went on the road. Robert traveled all over the Midwest and all the way down to Mississippi and Arkansas. He married Calletta Craft during his travels. She died only a few years later while Robert was on the road.
You know she's a Jackson. And you know she's a singer. Of course, you know the girl can dance. You know she's a leading lady in Hollywood. And maybe you still think of her as a cute little girl with a famous last name and big , bright eyes. Do you think she's what she was yesterday? Better think again. As many of her other fans and followers already know, the only label that fits her is… Janet.
The Marvelettes, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, The Drifters, The Temptations, The Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight & the Pips, The Spinners, Aretha Franklin
Cholly Atkins stared his dance carrier when he was inspired by a primary school teacher who performed variety shows. This inspired Atkins to start dancing. He started out as a street performing and then got a job as a dancing and singing waiter before world Cholly Atkins war two. He married Dottie Saulters in 1922 and in the 1930s his son was born, Charles Stlvan Atkinson. He then moved on to touring with stars like Count Base and Louis Armstrong. After the war he teamed up with Coles.
Araminta Ross was born in 1822. She was one of eleven children of Harriet and Benjamin Ross.
Billie Holiday was an African-American and she was born in April, 7, 1915 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She had no formal music education when she was step into the stage of the club platform to sing. She had an amazing voice and several producers appreciated her talents and promoted her to become a recognition jazz singer. Her addiction of drugs and alcohol ultimately damaged her liver and heart. She was pledged to guilty in court when the police found a possession of an illegal substance in her New York City apartment. She passed away in the hospital near the Upper East Side due to liver failure.
Aretha Louise Franklin also known as the Queen of Soul was born on March 25, 1942 in Memphis Tennessee. She is known for being a solo singer, and also a very talented pianist. Soul, R&B, Jazz, and Gospel are genres that she sings. Throughout her career she signed with Colombia Records, along with some others, and has released many popular singles that would now be considered classical. Aretha was the first female artist to be introduced into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame. She also had to grow up sooner than many other girls because she had her first child at a very young age. Up until this day Aretha is still alive living at age seventy-two and has won many Grammy awards and is considered one of the most honored artist.
Britney Spears was born on December 2, 1981. She lived in Kentwood, Louisiana and was constantly performing in front of people and always wanted to be on 'Star Search'. Britney tried out for the New Mickey Mouse Club at age 8 and then again at 11 and made it. Then she went solo because her talent was evident and she wanted more (A & E Television Networks, 2011).