Get Out! GAY Magazine – Issue 311 – April 12, 2017

In 1970, Ross left the
group and began
an epic solo career,
singing hits such as
“Ain’t No Mountain
High Enough,”
“Touch Me in the
Morning,” “I’m
Coming Out” and “Upside
Down.” She also embarked
on an acting career, where she
was nominated for an Academy
Award for her performance in
the film “Lady Sings the Blues.”
She also starred in “Mahogany,”
where the costumes were
designed by Ross herself, and
“The Wiz.”
In 1974, Ross became the first
African-American woman to cohost
the 46 Academy Awards.
She also sang the “Star Spangled
Banner” at the Super Bowl XVl.
Motown 25 in 1983 aired as a
monumental television special
honoring Motown, with Diana
Ross introducing Berry Gordy. It
included landmark performances
by artists such as Marvin Gaye,
Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie,
Smokey Robinson and Adam
Ant, who danced with Ross
during his showcase of “Where
Did Our Love Go.”
In 1984, Ross recorded
“Missing You,” a tribute
to Marvin Gaye, who had
died that year. It became an
international hit. She was also
anointed by Michael Jackson to
be an alternate guardian for his
children. Her final hit for Motown
became a collaboration with
Lionel Richie on the theme song
for the film “Endless Love.”
Aside from the fame and glory,
Ross
has also
raised five children,
including her daughter Tracee
Ellis Ross, who recently won a
Golden Globe Award. Ross also
has four grandchildren.
“The Queen of Motown” is
still loved and cherished by
all. She has been saluted at
Oprah Winfrey’s Legends Ball,
a three-day event celebrating
contributions to art and
entertainment. Ross was one
of 25 African-American women
saluted. She was also named one
of the Five Mighty Pop Divas
of the ‘60s. After her famous
concert in Central Park for a
Showtime special, a playground
was named in her honor called
Diana Ross Playground Located
inside Central Park at West 81st
Street and Central Park West.
The concert’s proceeds were
set to build that playground;
however, it was rained out in
the middle, and although Ross
tried to continue, the torrential
downpour made it impossible.
Ross made sure people left the
venue safely, and promised to do
it over the next day, and she held
true to her word. She also wound
up paying the $150,000 required
to build it, as the profits were
absorbed by having to repeat the
concert the following day.