Randy Taraborrelli Interview

[marv2]

Joan Rivers interviews Randy Taraborrelli "Call Me Miss Ross" author


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf5ZGj-Q3ZA

[marv2]

This interview, also from the 80s provides a nice contrast to the Mary Wilson interview from "American Black Journal" in my opinion.

[marv2]

Does anyone know whatever happened to him? Is he still writing?

[lakeside]

Does anyone know whatever happened to him? Is he still writing?
http://jrandytaraborrelli.com/

[marv2]

http://jrandytaraborrelli.com/

Oh ok, so he is still writing. Do you know if Diana Ross ever sued him for his book "Call Her Miss Ross"?

[milven]

Oh ok, so he is still writing. Do you know if Diana Ross ever sued him for his book "Call Her Miss Ross"?


https://www.google.com/images/branding/googlelogo/2x/googlelogo_color_160x56dp.png

[midnightman]

Actually Berry Gordy sued J. Randy Taraborrelli for libel and invasion of privacy following the release of the book on...

...Michael Jackson.

https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/educational-magazines/taraborrelli-j-randy-1956

True, Diana did not like how she was portrayed in Call Me Miss Ross [[and Smokey Robinson was pretty blunt against it in public a few times) but she never sued him. And has never sued Mary Wilson, nor Mark Bego, nor Mark Ribowsky, nor Tony Turner, for their books on her and the Supremes.

I mean if we're gonna keep it 100, let's get the facts straight.

[jobeterob]

Randy updated Call Her Miss Ross, deleted what was questionable and turned it into the definitive Diana Ross book. - and it really was a work obviously admiring someone he was writing about

And of course he wrote many other books and is on Facebook

His writing was a notch above Mary’s and a light year above Mark Bego

[marv2]

Randy updated Call Her Miss Ross, deleted what was questionable and turned it into the definitive Diana Ross book. - and it really was a work obviously admiring someone he was writing about

And of course he wrote many other books and is on Facebook

His writing was a notch above Mary’s and a light year above Mark Bego

Mary sold much more books than he..........

[marv2]

Actually Berry Gordy sued J. Randy Taraborrelli for libel and invasion of privacy following the release of the book on...

...Michael Jackson.

https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/educational-magazines/taraborrelli-j-randy-1956

True, Diana did not like how she was portrayed in Call Me Miss Ross [[and Smokey Robinson was pretty blunt against it in public a few times) but she never sued him. And has never sued Mary Wilson, nor Mark Bego, nor Mark Ribowsky, nor Tony Turner, for their books on her and the Supremes.

I mean if we're gonna keep it 100, let's get the facts straight.

I wonder why she didn't sue anyone. She always claimed she was a fighter and she certainly is not nice. So why not sue? Hmmmmm........... let me think about that for a moment! LOL!!!!

[Roberta75]

I wonder why she didn't sue anyone. She always claimed she was a fighter and she certainly is not nice. So why not sue? Hmmmmm........... let me think about that for a moment! LOL!!!!

Wonder why you care and spend so much time focusing on a woman you dont care much about. You seem real obesessed with Diana Ross. Dont you have any kinda life outside of this here forum? Hmmmmm........... let me think about that for a moment! LOL!!!

[drlorne]

Interesting, last night at her Q&A portion of her show, she said she avoids gossip, focuses on being positive, meditates and loves her family. From what Andy and George have said about her feedback on the Expanded Editions, she’s always been pleased, and nice. It’s working for her.
She came across as very humble and sincere when she thanked the audience for attending. You could tell she loves what she does.

[vgalindo]

Wonder why you care and spend so much time focusing on a woman you dont care much about. You seem real obesessed with Diana Ross. Dont you have any kinda life outside of this here forum? Hmmmmm........... let me think about that for a moment! LOL!!!
Thank you Roberta. His obsession with Diana Ross is kinda scary and so sad! Lol

[jobeterob]

Mary sold much more books than he..........

You obviously have no clue how many books he's written and on who. But then he doesn't write trash books.

[Roberta75]

Thank you Roberta. His obsession with Diana Ross is kinda scary and so sad! Lol

In all seriousness im real glad Miss Ross got good security around her. Ya never know when folks are this obsessed. It only takes something to put them over the edge.

[midnightman]

I wonder why she didn't sue anyone. She always claimed she was a fighter and she certainly is not nice. So why not sue? Hmmmmm........... let me think about that for a moment! LOL!!!!

I mean maybe she didn't think it was worth it. Aretha Franklin also didn't sue [[though she threatened to) David Ritz for his book on her [[which is what he originally wanted to work with her on but she refused to delve into her personal life to anyone she thought was a stranger). Marvin Gaye's estate didn't sue for some of the fables told in the books on him [[in particularly how MG III was born). Some folks just decided lawsuits are not necessary. Even MARY and Florence's estate could've sued for what Tony Turner wrote about them [[and Tony wasn't particularly nice about Mary so why didn't Mary sue? She would've had every right to do so).

[marv2]

I mean maybe she didn't think it was worth it. Aretha Franklin also didn't sue [[though she threatened to) David Ritz for his book on her [[which is what he originally wanted to work with her on but she refused to delve into her personal life to anyone she thought was a stranger). Marvin Gaye's estate didn't sue for some of the fables told in the books on him [[in particularly how MG III was born). Some folks just decided lawsuits are not necessary. Even MARY and Florence's estate could've sued for what Tony Turner wrote about them [[and Tony wasn't particularly nice about Mary so why didn't Mary sue? She would've had every right to do so).

That's what I'm saying. Oh in regards to Mary not suing Tony. Didn't his book come out around the time her second book came out? Didn't she fire him? Wasn't it Berry Gordy that threaten to sue him which prevented him from releasing his 3rd book? Makes me wonder if Mary didn't have to get at him to make him leave "the scene" LOL! Any way. I don't like to, but I have sued people before. Sometimes they leave you no choice. Miss Ross, if she felt all these people lied on her in all of these books [[including those by Martha Reeves, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Bettye LaVette and on and on and on....) she should have sued them to clear her name........that's if none of it were true.

[Zantellor]

Roberta, I do not post much but may I ask you why you are always so nasty to Marv?

[luke]

JRTs book was loaded with footnotes and highly researched. He spent much of the introduction of the updated edition extending an olive branch to Mary Wilson and expressing his respect for her.

[RanRan79]

That's what I'm saying. Oh in regards to Mary not suing Tony. Didn't his book come out around the time her second book came out? Didn't she fire him? Wasn't it Berry Gordy that threaten to sue him which prevented him from releasing his 3rd book? Makes me wonder if Mary didn't have to get at him to make him leave "the scene" LOL! Any way. I don't like to, but I have sued people before. Sometimes they leave you no choice. Miss Ross, if she felt all these people lied on her in all of these books [[including those by Martha Reeves, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Bettye LaVette and on and on and on....) she should have sued them to clear her name........that's if none of it were true.

I actually like Diana's approach, which is the way most famous folks do it. Unless you claim something extraordinarily horrible, like Tony Turner did with his proposed third book claiming that Berry Gordy molested him as a youth, and of which Gordy promptly went into legal attack mode, as he should've [[assuming it was false), you let people say whatever they want and you pay them no mind. The things that have been claimed against Diana Ross have been nothing of the sort that should've made her run to her lawyers about anything. Only a few people like yourself who seem overly invested in the goings on in the life of a 75 year old woman who was in her twenties when most of the gossip usually takes place seem to really care about what is said about her. For everything a few people say negatively about her, she keeps pressing on. The proof is in the fruit that she bore, and that would be her children and grandchildren. If you wanna gauge the happiness of a woman of Diana's age, check out the relationship to the children. I've seen it in the women I know personally my whole life. The elderly women who were shitty mothers, you can tell. The good ones? You can tell that too. I suspect that as long Diana Ross has a family that love and respects her and doesn't care what anyone has to say about her, she give you and everyone else nothing as the books are written and the Soulful Detroit posts are created. Never underestimate the love of family. It will outweigh all even when the whole world is against you.

[marv2]

I actually like Diana's approach, which is the way most famous folks do it. Unless you claim something extraordinarily horrible, like Tony Turner did with his proposed third book claiming that Berry Gordy molested him as a youth, and of which Gordy promptly went into legal attack mode, as he should've [[assuming it was false), you let people say whatever they want and you pay them no mind. The things that have been claimed against Diana Ross have been nothing of the sort that should've made her run to her lawyers about anything. Only a few people like yourself who seem overly invested in the goings on in the life of a 75 year old woman who was in her twenties when most of the gossip usually takes place seem to really care about what is said about her. For everything a few people say negatively about her, she keeps pressing on. The proof is in the fruit that she bore, and that would be her children and grandchildren. If you wanna gauge the happiness of a woman of Diana's age, check out the relationship to the children. I've seen it in the women I know personally my whole life. The elderly women who were shitty mothers, you can tell. The good ones? You can tell that too. I suspect that as long Diana Ross has a family that love and respects her and doesn't care what anyone has to say about her, she give you and everyone else nothing as the books are written and the Soulful Detroit posts are created. Never underestimate the love of family. It will outweigh all even when the whole world is against you.

That's nice, but there is no way in Hell I am going to believe that is why she has not sued this guy or anyone else that has written about her in books!

[marv2]

Roberta, I do not post much but may I ask you why you are always so nasty to Marv?

I can't see what he is posting. I put him on ignore over 3 years ago. Ralph will have to tell me......

[Roberta75]

Ralph isnt telling you diddly squat so grow up.

[Roberta75]

Roberta, I do not post much but may I ask you why you are always so nasty to Marv?

Im actually not but best you stay out of it my dear Zantellor.

[midnightman]

JRTs book was loaded with footnotes and highly researched. He spent much of the introduction of the updated edition extending an olive branch to Mary Wilson and expressing his respect for her.

Randy is a huge Supremes fan or I reckon he is.

[jobeterob]

I actually like Diana's approach, which is the way most famous folks do it. Unless you claim something extraordinarily horrible, like Tony Turner did with his proposed third book claiming that Berry Gordy molested him as a youth, and of which Gordy promptly went into legal attack mode, as he should've [[assuming it was false), you let people say whatever they want and you pay them no mind. The things that have been claimed against Diana Ross have been nothing of the sort that should've made her run to her lawyers about anything. Only a few people like yourself who seem overly invested in the goings on in the life of a 75 year old woman who was in her twenties when most of the gossip usually takes place seem to really care about what is said about her. For everything a few people say negatively about her, she keeps pressing on. The proof is in the fruit that she bore, and that would be her children and grandchildren. If you wanna gauge the happiness of a woman of Diana's age, check out the relationship to the children. I've seen it in the women I know personally my whole life. The elderly women who were shitty mothers, you can tell. The good ones? You can tell that too. I suspect that as long Diana Ross has a family that love and respects her and doesn't care what anyone has to say about her, she give you and everyone else nothing as the books are written and the Soulful Detroit posts are created. Never underestimate the love of family. It will outweigh all even when the whole world is against you.

Smashingly good post Mr R

[midnightman]

That's what I'm saying. Oh in regards to Mary not suing Tony. Didn't his book come out around the time her second book came out? Didn't she fire him? Wasn't it Berry Gordy that threaten to sue him which prevented him from releasing his 3rd book? Makes me wonder if Mary didn't have to get at him to make him leave "the scene" LOL! Any way. I don't like to, but I have sued people before. Sometimes they leave you no choice. Miss Ross, if she felt all these people lied on her in all of these books [[including those by Martha Reeves, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Bettye LaVette and on and on and on....) she should have sued them to clear her name........that's if none of it were true.

Not too many stars think of suing, most rather move on. It could state that what these people said was true or they might not bother because it's a private thing. Bettye LaVette also could've been sued for saying she and Aretha for instance smoked weed and drank liquor together and that Ted White was a pimp but either she shrugged it off or didn't know. You just never know how celebrities, especially ones who rise to the top, feel when a lot of stuff is said about them, true or not.

[midnightman]

I actually like Diana's approach, which is the way most famous folks do it. Unless you claim something extraordinarily horrible, like Tony Turner did with his proposed third book claiming that Berry Gordy molested him as a youth, and of which Gordy promptly went into legal attack mode, as he should've [[assuming it was false), you let people say whatever they want and you pay them no mind. The things that have been claimed against Diana Ross have been nothing of the sort that should've made her run to her lawyers about anything. Only a few people like yourself who seem overly invested in the goings on in the life of a 75 year old woman who was in her twenties when most of the gossip usually takes place seem to really care about what is said about her. For everything a few people say negatively about her, she keeps pressing on. The proof is in the fruit that she bore, and that would be her children and grandchildren. If you wanna gauge the happiness of a woman of Diana's age, check out the relationship to the children. I've seen it in the women I know personally my whole life. The elderly women who were shitty mothers, you can tell. The good ones? You can tell that too. I suspect that as long Diana Ross has a family that love and respects her and doesn't care what anyone has to say about her, she give you and everyone else nothing as the books are written and the Soulful Detroit posts are created. Never underestimate the love of family. It will outweigh all even when the whole world is against you.

Tony also claimed Marvin Gaye was, well, gay, as well as Eddie Kendricks. He has NO credibility.

[midnightman]

That's nice, but there is no way in Hell I am going to believe that is why she has not sued this guy or anyone else that has written about her in books!

Well Diana is far from the only superstar celebrity who didn't sue against an author for a supposedly defaming book on her [[which I don't think it was). So I guess if we're to believe the stories in books about Diana, we have to believe the stories about Aretha, about Michael Jackson, about Smokey Robinson, about any artist that has had issues over the years and put into a book or two. Whitney Houston didn't sue Kevin Ammons for his Good Girl, Bad Girl book [[which claimed Whitney's alleged girlfriend Robyn Crawford was also fooling with Whitney's brother Michael) or Faith Evans, who alleged Whitney had an affair with 2Pac [[Bobby Brown alluded to the same thing in his book). I mean if the stuff about Diana is true and I tend to believe a good chunk of it [[because we're not all saints of course), we have to believe everything else, right? Just going on the theory that if a celebrity doesn't sue on a book about them, that means the stories are factual.

[captainjames]

Interesting interview but I like Randy. However, I am always suspicious when there are only two people involved like his story about Michael and Diana sitting on the couch talking and Diana leaves for a moment to find Michael at her makeup mirror. I would love to know who told him that story........... Michael or Diana since they were the only two in the room. I read things like this when there are only two or sometimes just one individual present but obviously someone is able to write about because there was a GHOST in the room.

[Albator]

Tony also claimed Marvin Gaye was, well, gay, as well as Eddie Kendricks. He has NO credibility.
Quincy Jones did the same

[Albator]

I can't see what he is posting. I put him on ignore over 3 years ago. Ralph will have to tell me...... This is like Randy Taborelli, "someone told me"

[captainjames]

My first observation from the Turner book after reading it and then trashing it was "Why are there no pictures of him and Flo" ? Surly, they had cameras back then right ? I could have wrote the same book and talked about meeting Flo and then Diana and then Mary. The whole thing was odd and felt dirty.

[RanRan79]

That's nice, but there is no way in Hell I am going to believe that is why she has not sued this guy or anyone else that has written about her in books!

What would she be suing about though? Do you really think it's worth her time to sue someone who writes in a book about how she copied someone's dress and then wore it before they had a chance? Or how about suing because someone said she hit him upside the head with a hat box with a dog hidden inside? Or maybe she should've sued because someone wrote that she wasn't always nice to Mary Wilson?

The law appears to be [[and you legal scholars please feel free to step in and confirm or correct me) fairly strict on what constitutes a person being able to sue an author for libel or defamation. Diana would have to prove that her reputation has truly suffered as a result of these books, and I don't believe she can do that. I know a few Mary fans like to believe that Dreamgirl somehow kept Diana from scoring another hit, but that's a fantasy, not reality. The truth is that by the time Dreamgirl hit the street, Diana hadn't had a hit over here in two years. And then three or so years after Dreamgirl, Diana hit the top 5 r&b. She was still in demand as a concert draw. Still being approached to take part in major television appearances. Mary's book didn't steal her shine, nor did JRandyT's book, Tony Turner, or anyone else since. Music wise, what killed Diana's career was stinky music which nobody wanted to bother with, and when she did record good stuff, she was considered "past it" by the business who was more interested in the Toni Braxton and Mary J Blige's of the industry.

Diana is the rule for celebrities, not the exception, when it comes to allowing negative depictions in books to go without pursuing legal options, if any exists for her particular case. You almost never hear of celebrities suing authors.

[RanRan79]

Im actually not but best you stay out of it my dear Zantellor.

Uh yeah, you're pretty nasty to him Roberta, even when he's not being nasty himself. I get it when he's being a dick. Give him what he gives you. But if not, let him be, please. It'll go a long way to achieving what little peace can be achieved in a forum allowed to run amok.

[RanRan79]

Well Diana is far from the only superstar celebrity who didn't sue against an author for a supposedly defaming book on her [[which I don't think it was). So I guess if we're to believe the stories in books about Diana, we have to believe the stories about Aretha, about Michael Jackson, about Smokey Robinson, about any artist that has had issues over the years and put into a book or two. Whitney Houston didn't sue Kevin Ammons for his Good Girl, Bad Girl book [[which claimed Whitney's alleged girlfriend Robyn Crawford was also fooling with Whitney's brother Michael) or Faith Evans, who alleged Whitney had an affair with 2Pac [[Bobby Brown alluded to the same thing in his book). I mean if the stuff about Diana is true and I tend to believe a good chunk of it [[because we're not all saints of course), we have to believe everything else, right? Just going on the theory that if a celebrity doesn't sue on a book about them, that means the stories are factual.

Exactly. These folks would spend a lot of money in legal fees fighting every single thing alleged about them, and they mostly wouldn't be able to prove that someone is lying. Could you imagine Diana trying to prove that something is a lie from 1965? Nearly impossible. It's usually one person's word against another.

[RanRan79]

Interesting interview but I like Randy. However, I am always suspicious when there are only two people involved like his story about Michael and Diana sitting on the couch talking and Diana leaves for a moment to find Michael at her makeup mirror. I would love to know who told him that story........... Michael or Diana since they were the only two in the room. I read things like this when there are only two or sometimes just one individual present but obviously someone is able to write about because there was a GHOST in the room.

It would probably be hearsay. JRandyT would just assert that a source told him that Diana told the source what happened. Let's say the story is real. I can imagine Diana maybe having to tell somebody what she walked in on. She may have thought that story was too wild to sit on, even for her.:D

[Roberta75]

Uh yeah, you're pretty nasty to him Roberta, even when he's not being nasty himself. I get it when he's being a dick. Give him what he gives you. But if not, let him be, please. It'll go a long way to achieving what little peace can be achieved in a forum allowed to run amok.

I really respect you RanRan so I will let him go and wish him peace and tranquillity and freedom from his Miss Ross obsession.

[Roberta75]

My first observation from the Turner book after reading it and then trashing it was "Why are there no pictures of him and Flo" ? Surly, they had cameras back then right ? I could have wrote the same book and talked about meeting Flo and then Diana and then Mary. The whole thing was odd and felt dirty.

BAM Captain. Bam. Not ONE single photo that struck me as real odd as well. That said Tony Turners a liar and a fraud but his books were real funny and made me LOL cause I know 90% of what he wrote was fake. LOL

[midnightman]

Quincy Jones did the same

Yeah. In regards to Marvin. That was lowdown outing him since he is not here to refute it. Being an uber famous celebrity is scary because your whole life becomes an open book.

[midnightman]

Exactly. These folks would spend a lot of money in legal fees fighting every single thing alleged about them, and they mostly wouldn't be able to prove that someone is lying. Could you imagine Diana trying to prove that something is a lie from 1965? Nearly impossible. It's usually one person's word against another.

Exactly. It's a waste of money. Suing for hearsay is never good.

[midnightman]

It would probably be hearsay. JRandyT would just assert that a source told him that Diana told the source what happened. Let's say the story is real. I can imagine Diana maybe having to tell somebody what she walked in on. She may have thought that story was too wild to sit on, even for her.:D

That is wild though. Imagine a 11 year old kid in your house wearing your clothes and imitating you and he's an artist on your label. Talk about "Wacko". ;)

[Laurent]

We all know that those biographies contain stories that are not always factual. It is really the question of the credit can we give to an interview given by someone involved: the story is always distorted by the interviewed person and its own interests. But how to know how distorted it is? To know who close to the subject the interviewed person is, and his sides [[real friend or rival…) of course helps but that information is usually hard to get [[and when the sources are mentioned, they are at the end of the book… well, it’s really not practical to go back and forth while reading…)
As Captainjames rightly points out, related stories involving only two persons whom which we know none of them would tell about it to a journalist are necessarily a recreation that most probably comes from a third party. And Taraborrelli’s biographies are full of that [[or, does he have the ability to transform into a fly? - oh! that’s only in Harry Potter only – sorry).

Most of us here know how the read between the lines, and it’s also the reason why I wrote in a former website I created on Diana Ross, about Taraborrelli’s “Call Her Miss Ross”, that it made me love her more [[probably because it depicted Diana Ross in a more human way than only an ultimate Goddess – or maybe just because I didn’t believe everything I read - lol). But some things I read or hear in interviews still get me on my nerves, I can’t help it!
It’s also one of the main reasons I created a factual Timeline about Diana’s career that can help to put some perspective to some stories and to correct the too numerous inaccuracies that we can found in those books [[and alas also in the booklet of the expanded edition).
http://dianarosssupremes.free.fr/
Laurent
[[RanRan79; love your post on Diana’s approach, I couldn’t have say it better)

[sup_fan]

let's also look at the time period in which CHMR was written. in the 80s, the style of celebrity writing was tabloid-ish. sensational revelations were the hit thing. Supposedly the ghost writers and publishers encouraged Mary to amp things up too. "tell alls" and intimate secrets sold not only books but magazine and tabloid newspapers.

While some of this is still around today [[TMZ anyone?) it appears as though the biographies being written are toning things down somewhat. in 1987 the word "diva" was sort of new and almost offensive. Nowadays, anyone can be a diva.

I believe that's why Randy opted to released the latest Diana biography which is MUCH more even handed with the material.

[midnightman]

Yeah Randy's revised bio on Diana got rid of the tabloid stories.

[bradsupremes]

Randy is a great guy and his revised Diana Ross biography from 2007 really is the definitive biography on her. He’s been involved with all the expanded editions and he is one of the authority voices on the Supremes/Ross history. He also has written some incredible books on the Kennedys.

[sup_fan]

some of his early books are great too - his first DR biography and motown: hot wax, cool city, solid gold

[Bluebrock]

Randy is a great guy and his revised Diana Ross biography from 2007 really is the definitive biography on her. He’s been involved with all the expanded editions and he is one of the authority voices on the Supremes/Ross history. He also has written some incredible books on the Kennedys.
Yes he is a nice enough guy.I have not always seen eye to eye with him on everything, but for the most part he is thoroughly decent guy. I enjoyed his books on Marilyn and Sinatra amongst others. He has a real flair to his writing and is not afraid to admit to previous mistakes.

[PeaceNHarmony]

Yes he is a nice enough guy.I have not always seen eye to eye with him on everything, but for the most part he is thoroughly decent guy. I enjoyed his books on Marilyn and Sinatra amongst others. He has a real flair to his writing and is not afraid to admit to previous mistakes.I had a brief e-mail exchange with Randy when he was between books and I was impressed with him. I think he truly regrets CMMR and has worked to redeem himself as a popular, but serious, biographer.

[marv2]

I think it was rather sad and embarrassing that Randy T. would reveal on television how jealous Diana Ross was of Whitney Houston. I mean, she had like a 20 year head start on Whitney and was old enough to be Whitney's mom.

[marv2]

I think Joan and Randy T. were a bit strong in stating that no one liked Diana Ross. Just because they audience was frowning doesn't mean they did not like Ross, right?

[marv2]

One of the most telling stories that came out of this interview was about that Las Vegas security guard that helped Miss Ross only to be refused help from her when he needed it. Kind of reminds of that time back in her Supremes days when she collapsed on stage in Boston from exhaustion and Florence took care of her and made sure Mr. Gordy cancelled the remaining shows so that Ross could be hospitalized.

When Florence became ill, Miss Ross exclaimed "Oh she is not sick, lazy is more like it". Sad because Florence really was sick.

[midnightman]

What would she be suing about though? Do you really think it's worth her time to sue someone who writes in a book about how she copied someone's dress and then wore it before they had a chance? Or how about suing because someone said she hit him upside the head with a hat box with a dog hidden inside? Or maybe she should've sued because someone wrote that she wasn't always nice to Mary Wilson?

The law appears to be [[and you legal scholars please feel free to step in and confirm or correct me) fairly strict on what constitutes a person being able to sue an author for libel or defamation. Diana would have to prove that her reputation has truly suffered as a result of these books, and I don't believe she can do that. I know a few Mary fans like to believe that Dreamgirl somehow kept Diana from scoring another hit, but that's a fantasy, not reality. The truth is that by the time Dreamgirl hit the street, Diana hadn't had a hit over here in two years. And then three or so years after Dreamgirl, Diana hit the top 5 r&b. She was still in demand as a concert draw. Still being approached to take part in major television appearances. Mary's book didn't steal her shine, nor did JRandyT's book, Tony Turner, or anyone else since. Music wise, what killed Diana's career was stinky music which nobody wanted to bother with, and when she did record good stuff, she was considered "past it" by the business who was more interested in the Toni Braxton and Mary J Blige's of the industry.

Diana is the rule for celebrities, not the exception, when it comes to allowing negative depictions in books to go without pursuing legal options, if any exists for her particular case. You almost never hear of celebrities suing authors.

Also, she kept butting heads with RCA Records over her musical direction. When she was in Motown, she was THE QUEEN. But RCA didn't treat her as such. And that led to a woman at the age of 41 to lose touch with the MTV generation. I mean she was still dressing up in gowns with big hair and old school show business charm. She was split between what her image had been and what they expected of her. Once Whitney Houston took off as America's Sweetheart of Song, Diana had to pass the torch. The book didn't end Diana's chart success, it was a mixture of MTV, the industry's reluctance to older black artists [[sans Aretha, Tina and a solo Patti LaBelle), RCA struggles and the emergence of Whitney, that led to Diana being out of favor by 1986.

[midnightman]

I think it was rather sad and embarrassing that Randy T. would reveal on television how jealous Diana Ross was of Whitney Houston. I mean, she had like a 20 year head start on Whitney and was old enough to be Whitney's mom.

My guess is Randy got caught up in the drama that he had to make something up. By all accounts, Diana loved Whitney.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c5/13/ee/c513ee08b7938b57758f6972c39729a8.png

[marv2]

This short little interview, along with Mary's book and Diane's own admission explains why she has no friends other than her children. Very depressing and sad for her to live this long and have no friends.

[marv2]

Diane's reaction to a 10 year old Taraborelli gift he had worked hard to draw for her was "just make another one....." is priceless~ Cruella de Vil has nothing on this chick LOL!

[marv2]

My guess is Randy got caught up in the drama that he had to make something up. By all accounts, Diana loved Whitney.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c5/13/ee/c513ee08b7938b57758f6972c39729a8.png

That is interesting that you would say that. This is what J. Randy Taraborelli had to say about it:

"Thank you! My first best seller! I love being a part of The Sleaze Factor. -:) JRT"

https://sleaze-factor.blogspot.com/2018/07/call-her-miss-ross-by-j-randy.html

[detmotownguy]

This short little interview, along with Mary's book and Diane's own admission explains why she has no friends other than her children. Very depressing and sad for her to live this long and have no friends.

Speaking of friends, didn’t Mary write in her second book that Diane told her that they were not friends or something to that effect?

[marv2]

Speaking of friends, didn’t Mary write in her second book that Diane told her that they were not friends or something to that effect?

Yes she did. You have a great memory. They were out shoe shopping somewhere when Diane made that comment. I almost fell out of my chair when I read that. LOL! She has NO friends and I think that is by design. Later on in the 90s she goes on Oprah wining about she doesn't have any friends except her secretary and that she didn't know why LOL!!!!

[Bluebrock]

Ignore this individuals remarks folks. He just cannot rid himself of this Diana Ross obsession.

[Albator]

This short little interview, along with Mary's book and Diane's own admission explains why she has no friends other than her children. Very depressing and sad for her to live this long and have no friends.so saaaaad

[JohnnyB]

Captainjames, thank you for mentioning that one point! I have asked myself countless times why Flo’s confidant, biggest supporter, hero and almost-like-family friend NEVER seems to have taken a moment to pose with her for a photo...

[marv2]

so saaaaad

The saddest thing is when she threw that cup of hot tea into the face of that Detroit society lady at Mayor Coleman A. Young's Inauguration reception. All because she thought the woman had said something about what Miss Ross was wearing.

[RanRan79]

Also, she kept butting heads with RCA Records over her musical direction. When she was in Motown, she was THE QUEEN. But RCA didn't treat her as such. And that led to a woman at the age of 41 to lose touch with the MTV generation. I mean she was still dressing up in gowns with big hair and old school show business charm. She was split between what her image had been and what they expected of her. Once Whitney Houston took off as America's Sweetheart of Song, Diana had to pass the torch. The book didn't end Diana's chart success, it was a mixture of MTV, the industry's reluctance to older black artists [[sans Aretha, Tina and a solo Patti LaBelle), RCA struggles and the emergence of Whitney, that led to Diana being out of favor by 1986.

Agreed. Also it is important to remember that Diana had two children in a very short period of time around this time also, and she prioritizes motherhood. But Mary's book was a non factor. All the book did was confirm what a lot of people already suspected: that Diana Ross could be a first class bitch. I think any case Diana might have wanted to bring against Mary, or JRandyT, or even Tall Tales Turner, would've hinged on her being able to prove that her reputation suffered horribly and irreparably in the wake of these books. That would be an easy case if suddenly she lost bookings and was ostracized from the industry, but she wasn't. Plus little tid bits about her diva antics were already out there in print, so Mary wasn't giving the world the scoop that Mother Theresa was a mean old lady who was secretly poisoning the poor, she was merely expounding upon what information was already floating around out there. Diana didn't have a case.

[detmotownguy]

That made the Det News and Free Press. I was shocked they would report that incident abt Ms. Ross. I can’t remember the ladies name, but I know she was loaded and should have sued. But then again, Ms. Ross was under so much stress. I wonder what mental disorder makes people do things like that?
On a side note, U gotta love Coleman Young lol!

[RanRan79]

I don't think Diana cares about having a ton of friends. She and Smokey are apparently still close though. Patti Labelle says she and Diana talk often. There's nothing wrong with having a few friends. Keep your circles small. The larger they are, the more drama. I've learned that in the few short years I've been on this earth. Diana is 75 so I would hope she's learned it also.

[marv2]

That made the Det News and Free Press. I was shocked they would report that incident abt Ms. Ross. I can’t remember the ladies name, but I know she was loaded and should have sued. But then again, Ms. Ross was under so much stress. I wonder what mental disorder makes people do things like that?
On a side note, U gotta love Coleman Young lol!

Yes, Motown had to scramble fast and hard to squash that potential lawsuit. It's been said that her mental disorder is that she is a socio-path. Now I am not a doctor,etc, but that's what many have concluded about Diana Ross. That's why when I read "Dreamgirl, My Life As A Supreme" I began to pick up on that and Mary's mournful tone regarding many of the things Ross did. You can hate her or feel sorry for her because she ain't right! In every sense of the word........

[marv2]

I don't think Diana cares about having a ton of friends. She and Smokey are apparently still close though. Patti Labelle says she and Diana talk often. There's nothing wrong with having a few friends. Keep your circles small. The larger they are, the more drama. I've learned that in the few short years I've been on this earth. Diana is 75 so I would hope she's learned it also.

Most sociopaths don't. Normal people do like friends and friendships.

[marv2]

Look at the video again. Pay attention to Joan Rivers puzzled look and the comments she made. She was describing a sociopath and may not have even realized it. Same thing with Mary and her first book. Mr. Gordy's comments in Ebony Magazine as to why he never married her. They were all describing what we now know as a sociopath!

[detmotownguy]

Actually Mary’s book was pretty benign and it is obvious she didn’t hate DR, but rather a portrait/life experience of major disappointment. Why treat people so badly! Millions of people have come from nothing and don’t act like that.
I wonder Wht the tea incident cost Motown lol!

[Roberta75]

That made the Det News and Free Press. I was shocked they would report that incident abt Ms. Ross. I can’t remember the ladies name, but I know she was loaded and should have sued. But then again, Ms. Ross was under so much stress. I wonder what mental disorder makes people do things like that?
On a side note, U gotta love Coleman Young lol!

Nothing shows up when I goggle it. Any links you can share so we can all read this story about Miss Ross throwing hot tea in a ladys face.
Please and thanks

https://www.google.com/search?q=diana+ross+throws+cup+of+tea+in+womans+fa ce+at+coleman+young+inauguration&rlz=1C9BKJA_enUS603US603&oq=diana+ross+throws+cup+of+tea+in+womans+face+at+ coleman+young+inauguration&aqs=chrome..69i57.32268j0j4&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

[Albator]

Most sociopaths don't. Normal people do like friends and friendships.
Diana Ross wasn't that alone for her last birthday party

[marv2]

Diana Ross wasn't that alone for her last birthday party

Fanatics paying to go to a party/concert that the artist organized themselves is not what I call a celebration thrown by friends for you...........

[marv2]

Actually Mary’s book was pretty benign and it is obvious she didn’t hate DR, but rather a portrait/life experience of major disappointment. Why treat people so badly! Millions of people have come from nothing and don’t act like that.
I wonder Wht the tea incident cost Motown lol!

Mary was a doll when it came to her book. Many people [[especially Detroiters) were encouraging her to go harder! To tell it all.....but she didn't. I don't know what it cost Motown to squash the tea incident, but it wasn't cheap! LOL!

[midnightman]

I don't think Diana cares about having a ton of friends. She and Smokey are apparently still close though. Patti Labelle says she and Diana talk often. There's nothing wrong with having a few friends. Keep your circles small. The larger they are, the more drama. I've learned that in the few short years I've been on this earth. Diana is 75 so I would hope she's learned it also.

I often wonder about her childhood. It seems those who are deeply ambitious as she was come from awful childhoods. I know Diana talked how she was raised in a loving family but she's talked about how difficult it was getting the attention of her father. Folks like that adapt a rebellious, ambitious, and sometimes nasty streak when they get older. That explains why she always had to be the center of attention. I guess when one gets older, they mellow. Diana has some of that old streak in her but judging on Patti and even Mary, she is not the same person she was 50 years ago.

[marv2]

I often wonder about her childhood. It seems those who are deeply ambitious as she was come from awful childhoods. I know Diana talked how she was raised in a loving family but she's talked about how difficult it was getting the attention of her father. Folks like that adapt a rebellious, ambitious, and sometimes nasty streak when they get older. That explains why she always had to be the center of attention. I guess when one gets older, they mellow. Diana has some of that old streak in her but judging on Patti and even Mary, she is not the same person she was 50 years ago.

All you have to do is pay attention and you will see that she is hardly ever around any of her own brothers and sisters! They come to her shows when she is playing the Detroit area ,but let her or one of her kids get married and they are invisible. When Arthur aka T-Boy died, she did not even go to his funeral and she was in the country at that time!

[RanRan79]

Most sociopaths don't. Normal people do like friends and friendships.

Well to be fair, most normal people don't sit on the internet and write so negatively about a person they don't know either...

If she's such a sociopath, why does Mary want to have Diana in her life? Why is it that whenever someone needs some cash for a house or a doctor's bill they call on Diana? If someone is a sociopath, wouldn't the normal people want to stay as far away from that person as they could? Isn't the fact that the "normal" folks like Mary Wilson and Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy still wanting to be around a sociopath make themselves sociopaths? Seriously, aren't the only people who are attracted to sociopaths, sociopaths themselves?

And why would a sociopath, the definition of which includes someone who lacks a conscience, help people out when they need it? The entire scenario sounds really weird.

[RanRan79]

I often wonder about her childhood. It seems those who are deeply ambitious as she was come from awful childhoods. I know Diana talked how she was raised in a loving family but she's talked about how difficult it was getting the attention of her father. Folks like that adapt a rebellious, ambitious, and sometimes nasty streak when they get older. That explains why she always had to be the center of attention. I guess when one gets older, they mellow. Diana has some of that old streak in her but judging on Patti and even Mary, she is not the same person she was 50 years ago.

I think her childhood has something to do with her drive. She has spoken about feeling second rate to her sister Barbara, particularly where her father was concerned. I suspect that when she figured out that God had blessed her with a singing voice, it was her way of getting attention from her father. Apparently it didn't work too well as her father looked at singing as almost nonsense, especially when compared to Barbara Ross' academic achievements. So when Gordy took an interest in her, this older man who presided over Motown in a paternalistic way, I think she revved her engine and did whatever she could to maintain his attention, no matter the cost. Ultimately she achieved the highest status of music legend there is. One has to wonder what might have happened if Fred Ross had lavished upon her the attention Diana craved. Would she have been so intent on a music career? Would Gordy have been able to treat her the way that he did and get results?

Likewise, Mary's youth comes into play as an adult also. I suppose that her need to resurrect this "Diana and I need to come together" sentiment every so often is because of the rejection issues that she has steemming from her own childhood. After all, if she's the sociopath that some want you to believe, why would Mary want to have a relationship with her? Of course I don't believe that Diana is a sociopath [[that's an accusation clearly leveled by people with little to no knowledge of mental health, but instead have the ability to Google the terminology), but Diana has all but said she's not interested in Mary Wilson at this point in their lives, so why keep on it? I think Mary has a hard time letting go of people. I think that's why she didn't leave Motown with Jean and Lynda. There may have even been some of that in play when she was with Pedro, although of course we know she bravely did end that relationship.

I think a lot of people are unaware of the way their childhood is manifesting itself in their adult lives. I suspect that if the truth of some childhoods of posters on SD were revealed that it would give light into some of what we see abounding in these types of threads.

[midnightman]

Well to be fair, most normal people don't sit on the internet and write so negatively about a person they don't know either...

If she's such a sociopath, why does Mary want to have Diana in her life? Why is it that whenever someone needs some cash for a house or a doctor's bill they call on Diana? If someone is a sociopath, wouldn't the normal people want to stay as far away from that person as they could? Isn't the fact that the "normal" folks like Mary Wilson and Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy still wanting to be around a sociopath make themselves sociopaths? Seriously, aren't the only people who are attracted to sociopaths, sociopaths themselves?

And why would a sociopath, the definition of which includes someone who lacks a conscience, help people out when they need it? The entire scenario sounds really weird.

Exactly.

Marvin Gaye had issues when they were recording D&M but Diana invited him to her show in Brussels in 1982 weeks before Sexual Healing came out and they kissed and hugged [[the emotion was real with Diana, she was HAPPY to see him and he was happy to see her). If Diana was a sociopath, Marvin would've not attended and stayed far away from her, right?

https://media.giphy.com/media/2ud6BlIUaEdc4/giphy.gif

[midnightman]

I think her childhood has something to do with her drive. She has spoken about feeling second rate to her sister Barbara, particularly where her father was concerned. I suspect that when she figured out that God had blessed her with a singing voice, it was her way of getting attention from her father. Apparently it didn't work too well as her father looked at singing as almost nonsense, especially when compared to Barbara Ross' academic achievements. So when Gordy took an interest in her, this older man who presided over Motown in a paternalistic way, I think she revved her engine and did whatever she could to maintain his attention, no matter the cost. Ultimately she achieved the highest status of music legend there is. One has to wonder what might have happened if Fred Ross had lavished upon her the attention Diana craved. Would she have been so intent on a music career? Would Gordy have been able to treat her the way that he did and get results?

Likewise, Mary's youth comes into play as an adult also. I suppose that her need to resurrect this "Diana and I need to come together" sentiment every so often is because of the rejection issues that she has steemming from her own childhood. After all, if she's the sociopath that some want you to believe, why would Mary want to have a relationship with her? Of course I don't believe that Diana is a sociopath [[that's an accusation clearly leveled by people with little to no knowledge of mental health, but instead have the ability to Google the terminology), but Diana has all but said she's not interested in Mary Wilson at this point in their lives, so why keep on it? I think Mary has a hard time letting go of people. I think that's why she didn't leave Motown with Jean and Lynda. There may have even been some of that in play when she was with Pedro, although of course we know she bravely did end that relationship.

I think a lot of people are unaware of the way their childhood is manifesting itself in their adult lives. I suspect that if the truth of some childhoods of posters on SD were revealed that it would give light into some of what we see abounding in these types of threads.

Yeah Mary's feelings of being rejected as a childhood definitely affected her and makes me understand why she occasionally talks about wanting her and Diana to reunite. Altogether, her, Diana and Florence were women whose childhoods affected the way they eventually became as adults.

One has to read the full history of Diana to understand why she became what she became.

[captainjames]

My guess is Randy got caught up in the drama that he had to make something up. By all accounts, Diana loved Whitney.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c5/13/ee/c513ee08b7938b57758f6972c39729a8.png

They admired each other -
There are some entertainers that you don't compare because they are in their own place in history.
Aretha, Whitney, Diana, Nancy. Michael and Elton.
There was a Tribute to Diana Ross that I remember Whitney singing on.

[midnightman]

They admired each other -
There are some entertainers that you don't compare because they are in their own place in history.
Aretha, Whitney, Diana, Nancy. Michael and Elton.
There was a Tribute to Diana Ross that I remember Whitney singing on.

This one? :)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK3qzIyo8b8

[Albator]

Fanatics paying to go to a party/concert that the artist organized themselves is not what I call a celebration thrown by friends for you...........

You seem to have difficulties following your own rules ! A few weeks ago, you were full of pride that Mary Willson called Donna Summer "her friend". Yet she didn't even know she was sick. What kind of friendship this is?
she was as friend to Donna that Diana is to Beyonce.
Does it make Mary Wilson a sociopath?

[J. Randy Taraborrelli]

Just wanted to pop in and thank you folks for some of the nice comments here. What I've learned is that if you're in the public eye and you're around long enough, eventually your old TV appearances will pop up to mortify you over and over and over again.

What can I say about that Joan Rivers appearance? I remember it well; it was my first national TV show and, boy... what a day. I remember sitting in the make up room getting a nice varnishing on my face of what seemed like all the amber waves of grain rolled into one coat of paint when Joan walked in. "First time on TV, kid," she said. "Nervous?" she asked me. I scoffed. Me? Nervous? That'll be the day, I thought. "Heck, no," I told her, full of confidence. "I'm just gonna be myself." She looked aghast. "Oh my dear," she said, shaking her head. "You will have to be SO MUCH MORE that just yourself!" Okay... I thought, NOW I'm nervous.

So much craziness happened that day. My friends know all the stories; one day I'll write about them, maybe.

Indeed, what can I say about this show and all of the others relating to Call Her Miss Ross? I was barely 30... dumb in so many ways... giving it my best shot... hoping to not look like an idiot... you know... a heady experience and pretty much what you'd expect for a guy who, prior to this time, could barely afford to eat spaghetti and Ragu with his best friend, George Solomon [[and, believe me, for the two of us, that was a big night; we probably had a collective fifty cents to our names.)

Call Her Miss Ross holds an assortment of bittersweet memories for me. My first New York Times best seller, it's still my most popular title even though it's been out of print for something like 25 years. [[It's that cover! What a cover!) I've had 14 New York Times best sellers since that one, but none can compare to the impact CHMR had on me, my audience [[and on Miss Ross, too, I dare say.) I've had dozens of opportunities to re-issue that book over the years - as recently as last year, actually - but have always declined. Why? Because as someone here so wisely opined, it was of a very specific time and place back in the 1980s, and it will always belong there, frozen for all eternity. Yes, I admit, I do cringe when I read a lot of it. I had always wanted a re-do. And I had that opportunity 12 years ago when I wrote a third Diana biography and was able to clean up all the ... well... naivete, I guess [[trying to be kind to myself here)... of CHMR. That said, I'm still proud of CHMR; a lot of people over the years have said it made them love Diana more, not less. My friends and family know how I feel about her and about all of the Supremes. Of course they do, and I think my readers do, as well.

It's been many years now since I have had the chance to write about any of my childhood heroes, and I really miss those days. I look at this wide-eyed youngster on this video and I think, kid... you don't have a freakin' clue, do you? You don't know a thing about life... about love... about how complicated relationships are...about anything actually. But I know you're doing the best you can with what you have to work with - just maybe don't smile so much when telling these terrible stories, alright? :-)

So, yeah... 30 years later, when these things pop up out of nowhere, I have to smile and acknowledge the incredible journey I've had. YouTube keeps you humble, that's for sure, but also grateful.

Thank you for posting this little slice of my history and reminding me of what was then... and what's now. Also, I want to thank you guys - any of you who have supported me since I was a kid and watched me grow up with the passing of one decade after another... after another. I think after all this time, you know my heart. For sure, I know yours, too. And as for Miss Ross and all of the Supremes. How lucky have we been?! How truly LUCKY have we been to have been able to live in this world ... with them?

[Bluebrock]

Just wanted to pop in and thank you folks for some of the nice comments here. What I've learned is that if you're in the public eye and you're around long enough, eventually your old TV appearances will pop up to mortify you over and over and over again.

What can I say about that Joan Rivers appearance? I remember it well; it was my first national TV show and, boy... what a day. I remember sitting in the make up room getting a nice varnishing on my face of what seemed like all the amber waves of grain rolled into one coat of paint when Joan walked in. "First time on TV, kid," she said. "Nervous?" she asked me. I scoffed. Me? Nervous? That'll be the day, I thought. "Heck, no," I told her, full of confidence. "I'm just gonna be myself." She looked aghast. "Oh my dear," she said, shaking her head. "You will have to be SO MUCH MORE that just yourself!" Okay... I thought, NOW I'm nervous.

So much craziness happened that day. My friends know all the stories; one day I'll write about them, maybe.

Indeed, what can I say about this show and all of the others relating to Call Her Miss Ross? I was barely 30... dumb in so many ways... giving it my best shot... hoping to not look like an idiot... you know... a heady experience and pretty much what you'd expect for a guy who, prior to this time, could barely afford to eat spaghetti and Ragu with his best friend, George Solomon [[and, believe me, for the two of us, that was a big night; we probably had a collective fifty cents to our names.)

Call Her Miss Ross holds an assortment of bittersweet memories for me. My first New York Times best seller, it's still my most popular title even though it's been out of print for something like 25 years. [[It's that cover! What a cover!) I've had 14 New York Times best sellers since that one, but none can compare to the impact CHMR had on me, my audience [[and on Miss Ross, too, I dare say.) I've had dozens of opportunities to re-issue that book over the years - as recently as last year, actually - but have always declined. Why? Because as someone here so wisely opined, it was of a very specific time and place back in the 1980s, and it will always belong there, frozen for all eternity. Yes, I admit, I do cringe when I read a lot of it. I had always wanted a re-do. And I had that opportunity 12 years ago when I wrote a third Diana biography and was able to clean up all the ... well... naivete, I guess [[trying to be kind to myself here)... of CHMR. That said, I'm still proud of CHMR; a lot of people over the years have said it made them love Diana more, not less. My friends and family know how I feel about her and about all of the Supremes. Of course they do, and I think my readers do, as well.

It's been many years now since I have had the chance to write about any of my childhood heroes, and I really miss those days. I look at this wide-eyed youngster on this video and I think, kid... you don't have a freakin' clue, do you? You don't know a thing about life... about love... about how complicated relationships are...about anything actually. But I know you're doing the best you can with what you have to work with - just maybe don't smile so much when telling these terrible stories, alright? :-)

So, yeah... 30 years later, when these things pop up out of nowhere, I have to smile and acknowledge the incredible journey I've had. YouTube keeps you humble, that's for sure, but also grateful.

Thank you for posting this little slice of my history and reminding me of what was then... and what's now. Also, I want to thank you guys - any of you who have supported me since I was a kid and watched me grow up with the passing of one decade after another... after another. I think after all this time, you know my heart. For sure, I know yours, too. And as for Miss Ross and all of the Supremes. How lucky have we been?! How truly LUCKY have we been to have been able to live in this world ... with them?
Glad to see you have joined the forum. It is good that you will be able to see first hand some of the comments about Ms Ross. As you can see there is one particular member who is very vocal in his hatred for Diana. Maybe he will draw his horns in a little now he knows you are watching.
Enjoy the forum!

[PeaceNHarmony]

Just wanted to pop in and thank you folks for some of the nice comments here. What I've learned is that if you're in the public eye and you're around long enough, eventually your old TV appearances will pop up to mortify you over and over and over again.

What can I say about that Joan Rivers appearance? I remember it well; it was my first national TV show and, boy... what a day. I remember sitting in the make up room getting a nice varnishing on my face of what seemed like all the amber waves of grain rolled into one coat of paint when Joan walked in. "First time on TV, kid," she said. "Nervous?" she asked me. I scoffed. Me? Nervous? That'll be the day, I thought. "Heck, no," I told her, full of confidence. "I'm just gonna be myself." She looked aghast. "Oh my dear," she said, shaking her head. "You will have to be SO MUCH MORE that just yourself!" Okay... I thought, NOW I'm nervous.

So much craziness happened that day. My friends know all the stories; one day I'll write about them, maybe.

Indeed, what can I say about this show and all of the others relating to Call Her Miss Ross? I was barely 30... dumb in so many ways... giving it my best shot... hoping to not look like an idiot... you know... a heady experience and pretty much what you'd expect for a guy who, prior to this time, could barely afford to eat spaghetti and Ragu with his best friend, George Solomon [[and, believe me, for the two of us, that was a big night; we probably had a collective fifty cents to our names.)

Call Her Miss Ross holds an assortment of bittersweet memories for me. My first New York Times best seller, it's still my most popular title even though it's been out of print for something like 25 years. [[It's that cover! What a cover!) I've had 14 New York Times best sellers since that one, but none can compare to the impact CHMR had on me, my audience [[and on Miss Ross, too, I dare say.) I've had dozens of opportunities to re-issue that book over the years - as recently as last year, actually - but have always declined. Why? Because as someone here so wisely opined, it was of a very specific time and place back in the 1980s, and it will always belong there, frozen for all eternity. Yes, I admit, I do cringe when I read a lot of it. I had always wanted a re-do. And I had that opportunity 12 years ago when I wrote a third Diana biography and was able to clean up all the ... well... naivete, I guess [[trying to be kind to myself here)... of CHMR. That said, I'm still proud of CHMR; a lot of people over the years have said it made them love Diana more, not less. My friends and family know how I feel about her and about all of the Supremes. Of course they do, and I think my readers do, as well.

It's been many years now since I have had the chance to write about any of my childhood heroes, and I really miss those days. I look at this wide-eyed youngster on this video and I think, kid... you don't have a freakin' clue, do you? You don't know a thing about life... about love... about how complicated relationships are...about anything actually. But I know you're doing the best you can with what you have to work with - just maybe don't smile so much when telling these terrible stories, alright? :-)

So, yeah... 30 years later, when these things pop up out of nowhere, I have to smile and acknowledge the incredible journey I've had. YouTube keeps you humble, that's for sure, but also grateful.

Thank you for posting this little slice of my history and reminding me of what was then... and what's now. Also, I want to thank you guys - any of you who have supported me since I was a kid and watched me grow up with the passing of one decade after another... after another. I think after all this time, you know my heart. For sure, I know yours, too. And as for Miss Ross and all of the Supremes. How lucky have we been?! How truly LUCKY have we been to have been able to live in this world ... with them?Hi Randy, and welcome. I'll pass on your mortifying appearance and start anew! As you may have seen there are several [[!) level-headed posters here who will welcome your information. And yes, what a wonderful world it has been to have witnessed the Supremes and to remain witnessing the once-in-a-lifetime Diana Ross. I wish you well and look forward to your biographies.

[captainjames]

Thanks Randy
LOL -- I knew you were here !!
We were all young once but we all knew you loved the Supremes.

[Albator]

About « call her Miss Ross », Rupaul stated

« Love her even more after this one »

[3677danielr]

Diana said in a Larry King interview that her lawyers advised her that it was best not to sue because she would have to sit through long depositions and it would be time consuming but she regretted that she did not sue.

[3677danielr]

Cindy Birdsong may have told him the story. According to the book Diana shared the story with her.

[BobbyC]

Okay I'll say it. I loved Call Her Miss Ross, The Music and the Madness, AND Dreamgirl. When I read those books, I found Diana Ross to be an odd, quirky, career driven woman who made it all happen for herself. I am always confused by people who want to just say DR came off as a bitch. I never saw her that way! She was just hyper-focused, egotistical and sometimes thoughtless when it came to other people. That doesn't make her a bitch IMO. She never maliciously stomped on anybody and was almost always complimentary and gracious regarding the other Supremes and/or other performers.It seems to me that she has a very precise view of herself and although many people got left high and dry along the way, it wasn't her fault. Diana's story is fascinating--people like us are still talking about her 60 years later! She was one of a kind and still is.

[midnightman]

Diana is a very complex person. It's easy to dismiss her as some prima-donna who would throw tantrums when she didn't get what she want. Even Marvin Gaye admitted that Diana was a hard worker and admitted he was wrong for coming at her the way he did when they worked on their album. Sometimes I wish Diana had written that second book just so she can clear the air on what happened all those years ago. I know those rumors really got to her though. Diana strikes me as a person who wants to stay positive and remain positive and she has her reasons - five children and four grandchildren [[last I checked). The fact she came off as a great mother and grandmother further convinces me that what has been written about her was dead wrong.

[BobbyC]

RanRan I loved your post about family. I never had that, unfortunately. Good man.

[Albator]

"Yes, I admit, I do cringe when I read a lot of it. I had always wanted a re-do. And I had that opportunity 12 years ago when I wrote a third Diana biography and was able to clean up all the ... well... naivete, I guess [[trying to be kind to myself here)... of CHMR. That said, I'm still proud of CHMR; a lot of people over the years have said it made them love Diana more, not less. My friends and family know how I feel about her and about all of the Supremes. Of course they do, and I think my readers do, as well."


I do love her even more for sure. It was easy to read between the biased lines.
There have been tons of first rate testimony claiming she can be impossible to work with... Or that she can be very wise and tolerant.


There is an interview with Barbara Walters where she laughs when she heard the interviewer say "you are describe as a temperamental Diva that demands everything"

[jim aka jtigre99]

I did not end up disliking her after reading Miss Ross and Dreamgirl. I liked all three even more because it humanized them. Diana seeking parental attention and getting it from Gordy/Motown and the public, Flo who suffered a tragedy and then harbored mistrust of everyone because of that and Mary who was given to an Aunt felt abandoned and tries to make a family with her group and her friends who also did not rock the boat or say how she felt so she would not be abandoned again. They were human beings and they all do love each other because they shared the Supremes with each other even if there were personal differences that they did not like. Ross was very driven and if you pamper and give into the whims of anyone they will not act perfectly. I know I read something Cindy said that they were all good Moms and that should say alot about each of them even if they are all far from perfect human beings. I liked those books because if in any of there places-Diana, Mary, Flo,Cindy, Jean and Scherrie-what would your actions be if you were in their place? It would be a different life than the one you have now. The books helped humanize them and no reason to judge, just to enjoy ALL of their talents, which are immense.

[RanRan79]

I wasn't endeared to Diana after reading either Dreamgirl, CHMR or All That Glittered. I was young and reading these things at surface value. It wasn't until I was older that I started seeing through the crap. Not that the books were crap [[except for Glittered, the fairytale of a POS), but with age comes experience, and hopefully maturity, and one starts to see the story different. I realized Diana was as human as the rest of us. The same goes for the other Supremes. One of my favorite sayings is that we're all the villain in somebody else's story. That's why I'm always so amazed at how many people take up the mantle of real or imagined wrongs on behalf of Florence and Mary where Diana is concerned. I once posed the question in this forum: what would books written about you say, especially during your youth? In recent years I've looked back over my life and begun to realize that I romanticized certain aspects of myself when I was younger. I didn't see it then, but I was definitely a villain in a few stories. I have no room to judge. But we all live in glass houses, and yet some still find a way to fling rocks.

[khansperac]

The thing all these books have in common, and what ultimately is viewed as negative, is the time period they were released. These books were all part of that 80’s [[early 90’s) set of trashy auto/biographies , therefore in the literary world, are not taken seriously.

[TYK1986]

I was in my mid 20's when I read Dreamgirl and already knew a bit about the drama from reading youtube comments :p. Probably why I got the book in the end. Just wanted to know what the people they were discussing had to say for themselves. I eventually got secrets of Sparrow too. Problem with books like these is that it's easy to take someone's side and take their word for it. Just because some don't get along doesn't mean that it's the same for you.

[Ollie9]

I wasn't endeared to Diana after reading either Dreamgirl, CHMR or All That Glittered. I was young and reading these things at surface value. It wasn't until I was older that I started seeing through the crap. Not that the books were crap [[except for Glittered, the fairytale of a POS), but with age comes experience, and hopefully maturity, and one starts to see the story different. I realized Diana was as human as the rest of us. The same goes for the other Supremes. One of my favorite sayings is that we're all the villain in somebody else's story. That's why I'm always so amazed at how many people take up the mantle of real or imagined wrongs on behalf of Florence and Mary where Diana is concerned. I once posed the question in this forum: what would books written about you say, especially during your youth? In recent years I've looked back over my life and begun to realize that I romanticized certain aspects of myself when I was younger. I didn't see it then, but I was definitely a villain in a few stories. I have no room to judge. But we all live in glass houses, and yet some still find a way to fling rocks.

I really like the anecdote “we are all villains in someone else’s story”. So very true. I have made a note for when i might next need to share some words of comfort.

[floyjoy678]

I wasn't endeared to Diana after reading either Dreamgirl, CHMR or All That Glittered. I was young and reading these things at surface value. It wasn't until I was older that I started seeing through the crap. Not that the books were crap [[except for Glittered, the fairytale of a POS), but with age comes experience, and hopefully maturity, and one starts to see the story different. I realized Diana was as human as the rest of us. The same goes for the other Supremes. One of my favorite sayings is that we're all the villain in somebody else's story. That's why I'm always so amazed at how many people take up the mantle of real or imagined wrongs on behalf of Florence and Mary where Diana is concerned. I once posed the question in this forum: what would books written about you say, especially during your youth? In recent years I've looked back over my life and begun to realize that I romanticized certain aspects of myself when I was younger. I didn't see it then, but I was definitely a villain in a few stories. I have no room to judge. But we all live in glass houses, and yet some still find a way to fling rocks.

Oh Lord, I pray no one would ever write a book about me in my late teens/early 20s. I look back at my behavior and some of the mean things that came out of my mouth and am shocked I was not punched in the face more than the few times I was lol. I can honestly say though the person I am today is very laid back and earthy, that's not who I was back then. Point is: we all evolve in life [[most of us at least).

[lucky2012]

"I did then what I knew to do. Now that I know better, I do better." Maya Angelou

[Ollie9]

"I did then what I knew to do. Now that I know better, I do better." Maya Angelou

I like this also lucky.
I wouldn’t mind someone writing a book about me in my 20’s or whenever. The reason being.... i have always been an extremely nice person. Ask anyone. :cool:

[RanRan79]

Problem with books like these is that it's easy to take someone's side and take their word for it.

Exactly! And I'd offer that we tend to do this even when speaking to someone in person. If they sit down with you and tell you stuff going on, or has gone on, in their lives, the tendency is to get wrapped up in this person's versions of events. But that's just it: it's their version. On the flip, there are some who demonize Mary for writing both of her books because every page isn't a love letter to Diana Ross. Now I will not back down from my criticism that some of the stuff in Mary's books was not Mary's business to tell, but she was certainly free to write about her feelings. She felt slighted, she felt disrespected, she felt overlooked, she felt undervalued. And there are people who question why she should've felt like that. Wtf? Whether that was Gordy or even Diana's intention to make Mary, or even Florence, feel some type of negative way, the reality is that they perceived certain things, correct or false, and had human reactions to it. Does that mean that everything Mary or Diana or anyone else in the Motown stable wrote is 100 percent accurate? Nope. But it's how they remember it. Of course I'm sure there are instances where outright lies have been printed. News flash: people lie. That cannot come as a surprise. But to take sides, like you even know these people, or were present for anything, is just a real bad look.

[RanRan79]

I really like the anecdote “we are all villains in someone else’s story”. So very true. I have made a note for when i might next need to share some words of comfort.

I can't remember where I heard it originally, but I've used it a number of times over the last couple years, especially when telling someone -in the nicest way possible- to shut the fuck up, there isn't a saint in the room. Some folks forget their own dirt. Or hope you do.:rolleyes:

[RanRan79]

Oh Lord, I pray no one would ever write a book about me in my late teens/early 20s. I look back at my behavior and some of the mean things that came out of my mouth and am shocked I was not punched in the face more than the few times I was lol. I can honestly say though the person I am today is very laid back and earthy, that's not who I was back then. Point is: we all evolve in life [[most of us at least).

LOL I know what you mean. I never realized how reckless my mouth was back in the day. Not that I was in danger of getting punched. You walk in this direction like you plan on doing something and you won't be walking back, or walking at all. But I was definitely nastier than I remember being. Definitely had some mean moments. And then there was the stuff that wasn't nasty or mean, but boy I wouldn't want them documented for the world to see.:p

[RanRan79]

I like this also lucky.
I wouldn’t mind someone writing a book about me in my 20’s or whenever. The reason being.... i have always been an extremely nice person. Ask anyone. :cool:

Yes, Lucky found a great quote. As for Ollie...mmm hmmm.:p

[Roberta75]

"I did then what I knew to do. Now that I know better, I do better." Maya Angelou


Isnt that the darned truth. I was a brat in my teens and a bitch in my 20s. Im real nice now though. LOL

[TYK1986]

I've always been a pussy, still am, till things get too much and the F word gets a place in front of every single word lol. I always forget to a certain extend that the Supremes were only teens when they joined Motown. While most, including myself, are still going to school, college or whatever at that age they, the Supremes, were touring and doing show after show. I'm sure they got on each others nerves and had moments when they fell out. It's only normal and especially at that age and older when you spend so much time together. Only when you get all the once involved together we can get a true story, to a certain extend. But that's never going to happen :rolleyes:. Isn't a bit drama what keeps things going, especially, in this part of the forum.

[midnightman]

What we need to understand: the Supremes were all KIDS when they started in the music business.

They formed the group together - or better yet they were "put together", in 1959, ages ranging from 15 to 16 [[only Betty McGlown was the eldest at 17). The original four were kids. Barbara Martin was 17 when she replaced a departing Betty in 1960 when she married that year at the age of 18.

By the time Barbara departed in early 1962, you had a trio that had been together and they were yet in their 20s [[Florence was 19 that June, Diana and Mary turned 18 that March). YOUNG. Way younger than the other groups [[save for the Marvelettes, who were mostly under the ages of 16-17 when "Please Mr. Postman" came out so those two groups were practically the same age - Martha and the Vandellas by comparison were the oldest of the three "star" girl groups by two, three years).

There was a reason the Supremes were called "the girls" in 1960 [[and by the time they signed in 1961, "Berry's girls"). Problem is some don't think black people should be able to be "young". We are already called "men" and "women" by our mid-teens so the way Diana, Mary and Flo all get attacked for their actions are not like "oh they're just kids, they don't know better" but more like "look at these women". Plus, they were victims of male aggression at some form or another [[Flo being r*ped, Diana being sexually assaulted at a party, etc.).

They were two years out of high school when "Where Did Our Love Go", "Baby Love" and "Come See About Me" turn them into superstars and Diana and Mary were barely 20 years old. Florence was kicked out of the group shortly after turning 23. Diana was 25 when she left for her solo career. Mary was only 33 when the group disbanded and only 42 when she released the "Dreamgirl" book.

Whenever you read books about celebrities that reportedly had "bad behavior", there's a reason for them acting out. And it doesn't make sense if you just read it from one side of the spectrum. I read from all three sides: from Mary's side, Diana's and Florence's. Three of them experienced the group three different ways. And instead of taking one side, I take all three sides and see a common ground in all of them. I'm not gonna judge a 76-year-old Diana Ross on what she did in 1963, just like I wouldn't judge a 76-year-old Mary Wilson for what she did in 1974.

What's important is the legacy of the group and I'm sure Diana and Mary can smile broadly knowing they made history [[Florence surely came to terms with her history and found peace and happiness in listening to the Supremes' stuff as she told Peter Benjaminson) and that's what should be important to spread. Drama is fun but that's only part of what made the Supremes special to the public. And I just hope people remember that when the obituaries for Mary and Diana come.

[captainjames]

All I will say is Randy is an excellent writer and has written at least 3 books on Diana. I think he is still a fan and I believe he use to run one of the fan clubs.

[grangertim]

My two pennies on Randy.

I think he really, really, really loves Diana Ross. In the mid-1980s wrote a very - um, fawning - book on Diana called Diana that had a lot research, had a lot of detail, and was very well written. But it didn’t sell. So ten years later, he recycled much of it - and I mean huge tracts of Diana was taken without any changes - and turned it into the tabloid-feeding Call Her Miss Ross. Nice books on celebrities don’t sell. Ones that dish the dirt fly off the shelves. I think he did it to make serious money, and to make a name for himself. And it worked, establishing him as a biographer of note. Biographies on Madonna, Jackie Onassis, Liz Taylor etc., followed.

He then updated the same material again into Diana Ross - A Biography that removed the more salacious bits from Call Her Miss Ross, such as interviews from disgruntled ex-staff, turning it into what I think is the definitive Ross biography. It’s a very honest and positive book.

I do wonder what his relationship with Miss Ross is like now.

[Rafalle]

Randy is a horror, a nasty little bitch. In the interview he is embarrassingly camp. He made his name from making up and exaggerating stories about Diana. Avoid at all costs.

[BobbyC]

I love Randy. I think he's pretty fair in his books.

[jobeterob]

He obviously loved and knew Diana as a fan who followed her.

I believe he may have interviewed her once - maybe; I can't quite remember.

As she said once "And this guy Randy, he wrote a book about me; he doesn't know me".

I think grangertim hit the nail on the head; just like Mary Wilson, Randy had to put in some spice or the book wouldn't sell. So they did what was necessary.

Neither of them did any lasting damage and they both made some money.

[blackguy69]

He interviewed her at least 9 times not once

[Circa 1824]

[QUOTE=jobeterob;589124

Neither of them did any lasting damage and they both made some money.[/QUOTE]

i beg to differ, her career never recovered

[jim aka jtigre99]

Randy is an excellent reporter. I find his books to be quite informative. I don't think any of the books written by Randy or Mary or Diana, for that matter has done anything to negatively impact any of their careers. They are not saints, they are human beings. Reading all of the books made me like them more as they showed a human side to the star facade that the entertainment business uses. And to be honest, no one really sees what their own faults are or care to admit it, especially to the press[[and stars to their fans).

[Circa 1824]

Randy is an excellent reporter. I find his books to be quite informative. I don't think any of the books written by Randy or Mary or Diana, for that matter has done anything to negatively impact any of their careers. They are not saints, they are human beings. Reading all of the books made me like them more as they showed a human side to the star facade that the entertainment business uses. And to be honest, no one really sees what their own faults are or care to admit it, especially to the press[[and stars to their fans).

How many times has Diana charted in the US since those killer tell-all’s?

I know her music during this time was sh*t, but those books added to the downfall, both personally and professionally.

[jim aka jtigre99]

How many times has Diana charted in the US since those killer tell-all’s?

I know her music during this time was sh*t, but those books added to the downfall, both personally and professionally.
Ross started to decline prior to those books-the 1985 singles Eaten Alive hit #77 and Chain Reaction only hit #95 and that was with the magic touch of Michael Jackson and Barry Gibb, who had huge success with everyone else they worked with. Her choices going forward were all poor. Workin Overtime was the wrong choice at the wrong time for a legend. I was surprised EDIAND didn't do well since it was pretty decent and featured on Double Platinum but by then the focus was more on Brandy. The books may have reaffirmed the perception of people about what they think they know about her but if the music is good enough, it wouldn't matter. Barbra Streisand is well known to be such a perfectionist amid many accusations back to Funny Girl and A Star is Born[[remember the press on that?) yet has hit the charts regardless because of the music. And, I don't find them to be killer tell-all's. They weren't Diana Dearest in any regards. Plus, haven't the posters here been relishing on how the remakes of Ross' old songs have been hitting #1 on the dance charts? That she sells out in Vegas? I am sure Ross may have been hurt because some of her behavior had been exposed but there was nothing in either Randy's or Mary's books that were terrible enough to make the mass public turn on her. I think Ross' reaction to the negative publicity and her lack of any good musical material were more in line to that then those books. I especially ended up liking all of them more from Mary's book-Diana was a driven and aggressive person who was dealing with the spotlight, I saw nothing mean spirited towards her singing partners, just that she was totally focused on herself and what was happening to her. I liked Florence because she told it like it is, had her own personal trauma which made it hard for her to trust people and Mary was a hard worker who was the great balancing act dealing with how her 2 friends were going in opposite directions while dealing with Gordy's shameful assertions about her talent. Of course, in those days of Mommie Dearest, people did look only for whatever negativity they could find and focus on that. Quite frankly, Randy's books as well as Mary's were not the killer tell all's that legend would have you believe.

[BobbyC]

Come on, guys. Mary's book made me a fan and I am sure I am not the only one. The Supremes were about to be assigned to the dust bin of history when it came out. If not for those outrageous stories about outrageous DR, the book would have sunk and nobody would have cared. Because of Mary's book, I bought Supreme Faith, Martha's book, all the Temptations books, etc. Dreamgirl, along with the Big Chill movie, gave all these performers a second lease on life. As a kid of the 70's, the only Motown acts I knew were of the second and third waves at Motown, and being on that label in the 70's meant pretty much nothing to the younger audience. Marvin, The Supremes, Tempts, Tops and all the rest of the 60's first wave were definitely "of Motown" and it was a selling point in those years. Few people thought of the commodores or Rick James or even High Inergy as Motown groups. Anyway, I think Dreamgirl and Call Her Miss Ross and all the other books HELPED. I don't believe for one second that that book caused DR to fail on the charts--in fact, who of her 60's peers were getting big pop hits by the mid 80's? Very few.

[jim aka jtigre99]

Come on, guys. Mary's book made me a fan and I am sure I am not the only one. The Supremes were about to be assigned to the dust bin of history when it came out. If not for those outrageous stories about outrageous DR, the book would have sunk and nobody would have cared. Because of Mary's book, I bought Supreme Faith, Martha's book, all the Temptations books, etc. Dreamgirl, along with the Big Chill movie, gave all these performers a second lease on life. As a kid of the 70's, the only Motown acts I knew were of the second and third waves at Motown, and being on that label in the 70's meant pretty much nothing to the younger audience. Marvin, The Supremes, Tempts, Tops and all the rest of the 60's first wave were definitely "of Motown" and it was a selling point in those years. Few people thought of the commodores or Rick James or even High Inergy as Motown groups. Anyway, I think Dreamgirl and Call Her Miss Ross and all the other books HELPED. I don't believe for one second that that book caused DR to fail on the charts--in fact, who of her 60's peers were getting big pop hits by the mid 80's? Very few.
I am glad that it made you a fan. Mary has done an excellent job of being in the media to celebrate the Supremes. As far as Ross' chart action, she did well in 1981 with her #1 duet Endless Love and when she moved to RCA, it helped her financially as Motown was never going to give her as much $$$. Why Do Fools Fall In Love hit #7 and Mirror, Mirror hit #8 on her first RCA release, after that Muscles and Missing You hit #10 in 1982 & 1984, respectively. Her chart action for her other releases were up & down in 1983 & 1984, and when she released Eaten Alive in 1985, she was not able to recreate the chart magic with Michael that she had with Muscles and this was before Dreamgirl and Call Her Miss Ross. Her chart action was always up & down, even in her Motown days-with 1974 Sleepin made it to #70 and the following year Theme from Mahogany was #1. Aside from Barbra Streisand and Rod Stewart releasing classic songs [[his 2006 duet with Diana hit #19 on the adult contemporary chart), most of the older artists were not charting as they once had been. Still, like I said the remixes of Ross' former hits are hitting #1 on the dance charts, which many of the Ross fans here have made many posts about. So.........

[jobeterob]

The career continued unabated like a few of her peers have as well - but there aren’t many

And the accolades if anything increased - Grammy Lifetime Achievement, Kennedy Centre, American Music Award of Merit, Soul Train Heritage Award; and there was success on the Jazz Chart with Blue, the Classical Chart with Christmas in Vienna, and the 4 #1’s on the Dance chart; and there were the made for TV movies, especially Out of Darkness for which she nominated for an Emmy.; and I Love You had a pretty decent debut.

But Covid sure has put a hole in Dianaplans like it has for everyone else.

[BobbyC]

Well all I was saying was that Randy T said in Call Her Miss Thing, that DR never had a big hit after Mary's book, implying that M's book was the reason. I usually agree with Randy on most of his opinions, but I thought this one was way off. I remember reading about DR trying to beat up a paparazzi with her shoe in the middle of the street, and winding up on her azz. I saw that story and the pics from it without hearing anything from Mary Wilson so it's not like Dreamgirl was any big revelation, nor was Call Her Little Missy. I'm glad Diana has "artistic temperament!"

[jobeterob]

Diana has had her cake and ate it too - she and her kids have literally everything

As Maxine Powell once said - something like “well I knew Diane before she was famous and she was just as snotty then as she is now” - from the mid 80’s. And I don’t think it was said with lots of malice - just a statement

And lots of people stand up for Diana - Scherrie Payne, Lynda Laurence, Claudette Robinson, Janie Bradford, Melba Moore, Cher, Smokey, Berry, the Gordys

[Rafalle]

Well said. Makes me want to be snotty. That’s why we love her - she’s it and she knows it!

[BobbyC]

If anything, we are long overdue for a new show of "artistic temperament" from Miss Ross. It's been years! I'll even offer to pose as a paparazzi so she can beat me over the head with her stiletto heal! Let's make it happen!!! Diana really needs to get with it!

[sup_fan]

someone earlier commented about the "magic touch of Michael Jackson and Barry Gibb" on the EA project and title track. I don't know if that was their opinion on the material but "magic touch" would probably be the furthest from how i would ever describe what is IMO one of the worst projects within the DR catalog.

sure MJ and BG had sensational results with other artists. and with themselves. but that by no means guarantees success with a vocalist like Diana. every producer has their strengths and areas of forte. Other than the fact that MJ was "MICHAEL JACKSON" I can't find much of anything in his style or productions that would compliment Diana's strengths.

And Barry had done a glorious job on Guilty with Barbra - i can practically hear Diana on every track. and in each song, the production of Barbra's vocals is wonderful. So WTF happened with EA? it's a disaster of an album.

even if Mary Wilson had personally endorsed Diana and said she was an angel, EA would have bombed. it was a mistake in every way and form. The 1 redeeming element was Chained Reaction. and while it's a hit and very catchy, it's hardly what i would call a milestone in her growth as an artist or a significant artistic statement.

[Boogiedown]

Let's face it , it was a big thick book that summarized its content by characterizing her with this demanding title in big letters:
CALL HER MISS ROSS
It wasn't ,
.... OH JUST CALL HER DIANE

lol!

[Ollie9]

Let's face it , it was a big thick book that summarized its content by characterizing her with this demanding title in big letters:
CALL HER MISS ROSS
It wasn't ,
.... OH JUST CALL HER DIANE

lol!

I like it lol.

[Ollie9]

If anything, we are long overdue for a new show of "artistic temperament" from Miss Ross. It's been years! I'll even offer to pose as a paparazzi so she can beat me over the head with her stiletto heal! Let's make it happen!!! Diana really needs to get with it!

Be careful what you wish for Bobby lol. One would hope that at 76 her days of running after photographers to beat them with her stilettos are over.....At least I’d like to think. :eek:

[Ollie9]

someone earlier commented about the "magic touch of Michael Jackson and Barry Gibb" on the EA project and title track. I don't know if that was their opinion on the material but "magic touch" would probably be the furthest from how i would ever describe what is IMO one of the worst projects within the DR catalog.

sure MJ and BG had sensational results with other artists. and with themselves. but that by no means guarantees success with a vocalist like Diana. every producer has their strengths and areas of forte. Other than the fact that MJ was "MICHAEL JACKSON" I can't find much of anything in his style or productions that would compliment Diana's strengths.

And Barry had done a glorious job on Guilty with Barbra - i can practically hear Diana on every track. and in each song, the production of Barbra's vocals is wonderful. So WTF happened with EA? it's a disaster of an album.

even if Mary Wilson had personally endorsed Diana and said she was an angel, EA would have bombed. it was a mistake in every way and form. The 1 redeeming element was Chained Reaction. and while it's a hit and very catchy, it's hardly what i would call a milestone in her growth as an artist or a significant artistic statement.

I disagree. Chain Reaction provided a massive boost to her career and is most certainly a significant song when evaluating her career.
Had “Chain Reaction” been the albums lead single, it might have proved as successful in the USA as it was in Europe. I consider the whole album a decent effort.
The order the songs are presented in is all wrong for me. My personal playlist is....

Chain Reaction
I Love Being In Love. [[Should have been the follow up to CH)
Crime Of Passion
Love On The Line
More and More

Experience
Oh Teacher
Eaten Alive
Im Watching You
Don’t Give Up.

[midnightman]

I think if Diana had Ashford and Simpson producing her RCA works, she wouldn't have had flops later on. Though I can argue that if RCA's U.S. division had pushed Chain Reaction instead of Eaten Alive, CR would've been a bigger hit. Eaten Alive was trash IMHO

Also, I agree with the books not hurting her but I don’t know about them being in the "dustbin of history"...

[BobbyC]

I think we need a new reality show, with Diana, Mary, Martha Reeves and maybe Gladys Knight [[or Horton) and Patti Labelle in one house, unable to escape each other. Whoever gets a fist full of weave wins!

[Boogiedown]

I think we need a new reality show, with Diana, Mary, Martha Reeves and maybe Gladys Knight [[or Horton) and Patti Labelle in one house, unable to escape each other. Whoever gets a fist full of weave wins!
hee hee . that's a good one.
From what I've read about Bettye Lavette, throw her in too, that'll sauce it up for sure !

[BobbyC]

Bettye Lavette can come along--as long as she has a foul mouth! We need some saltiness with all the goody goodies onboard like DR and Mary. We'll give Diana Berry's personal home phone number so she can tattle on the others. Then we'll throw gowns at them, but two will be identical so that when one diva wears one, the other will think she's been upstaged! I'm telling you, this has possibilities!

[SatansBlues]

Another slow day on SD I see..

[BobbyC]

Must be since you are flitting from thread to thread unlike myself.

[carlo]

I think we need a new reality show, with Diana, Mary, Martha Reeves and maybe Gladys Knight [[or Horton) and Patti Labelle in one house, unable to escape each other. Whoever gets a fist full of weave wins!

Gladys Horton passed away some years ago. RIP.

I have never met J. Randy Taraborelli, although I know he's close with some of the super fans. I tend to wonder what led him to write his second book, "Call Her Miss Ross"? Was it a case of a super fan and former fan club president feeling slighted by his muse, and then wanting to write a negative book that would turn the head of the diva herself, and capture her attention? Almost like an act of obsessive desperation? It's ironic because his third book was much more balanced and he wrote about her from a human perspective, and chalked up much of her earlier diva behaviour to being a young person, who has since, matured. Perhaps in the same way, we can argue that the incentive for him to write his second book was also born out of the mindset of a young and immature, yet aspiring writer. I can only imagine the heat he's received over the years from Ross fans.

[reese]

Gladys Horton passed away some years ago. RIP.

I have never met J. Randy Taraborelli, although I know he's close with some of the super fans. I tend to wonder what led him to write his second book, "Call Her Miss Ross"? Was it a case of a super fan and former fan club president feeling slighted by his muse, and then wanting to write a negative book that would turn the head of the diva herself, and capture her attention? Almost like an act of obsessive desperation? It's ironic because his third book was much more balanced and he wrote about her from a human perspective, and chalked up much of her earlier diva behaviour to being a young person, who has since, matured. Perhaps in the same way, we can argue that the incentive for him to write his second book was also born out of the mindset of a young and immature, yet aspiring writer. I can only imagine the heat he's received over the years from Ross fans.

Maybe after the success of DREAMGIRL, Randy figured a tell-all would be much more successful than his first book on Diana had been.

CHMR certainly got a lot of attention. I remember the day it was released in my city, multiple copies of the book filled the entire window display of one of the main Barnes and Noble's. ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT did at least three stories on the book, even including an interview with Mary who complained that some of the stories in his book were written just as she written them in her book.

I also remember some negative feedback. I think it was on CBS THIS MORNING where one of the hosts compared him to a jilted lover. Some of his colleagues at SOUL magazine also publicly voiced displeasure that he used their files for such a negative book.

[Albator]

I din’t read It as negative but funny.
It din’t bother me at all as a fan. It was almost a burlesque story at time

[midnightman]

I did remember Randy took a beating in the press for the book. However, the sales motivated him to do his book on MJ just two years later.

[Ollie9]

Of course, in those days of Mommie Dearest, people did look only for whatever negativity they could find and focus on that. Quite frankly, Randy's books as well as Mary's were not the killer tell all's that legend would have you believe.

One has to remember that only after M’s Crawford's death were revelations of wire coat hanger beatings and midnight bleaching sessions revealed. It’s important to keep an open mind......me thinks!.