Lionel's Biggest Regret

[marybrewster]

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/829486-lionel-richie-opens-up-on-endless-love-duet-with-diana-ross

[marybrewster]

Lionel Richie has regretted missing out on Endless Love performances with Diana Ross again since the Oscars in 1981.

The legendary singer, during a recent chat on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, admitted: "That's one of the things I miss about my entire career."

[marybrewster]

"From that time on that stage to the present day, we have never stood together onstage... either I was on tour, she was on tour, she was in this part of the world, I was in that part of the world; we could never get our schedules together," he added.

The much-loved duet began as an instrumental for the Franco Zeffirelli romance of the same name, and snowballed into a summer hit that remained at the top of the US charts for about three months.

But the track was hurriedly recorded in Canada, in between Ross's concerts, and the two former Motown superstars only ever performed it once - at the Academy Awards - before the hit lost to Arthur's Theme by Christopher Cross.

Lionel Richie deeply regretted that he has not done Endless Love performances with Diana Ross again since 1981.

[Ollie9]

One of my very favourite Diana tv performances. Lionel wasn’t bad either lol.
One thing that has always bugged me is the quality of the sound. I remember watching it as a kid when first televised and having to turn up the volume control considerably higher. It sounds like they are singing from under a duvet.

[Bluebrock]

Lionel Richie has regretted missing out on Endless Love performances with Diana Ross again since the Oscars in 1981.

The legendary singer, during a recent chat on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, admitted: "That's one of the things I miss about my entire career."

I guess i can let the cat out of the bag now, but Lionel had been lined up to join Ms Ross on stage at Glastonbury in 2020. Sadly the festival was cancelled as indeed it has been in 2021. I don't know if they will revive the plan should she ever commit to Glastonbury 2022. It was kept under wraps, but i am no longer under any contract so i am able to speak freely. It would have been something else.

[Ollie9]

I guess i can let the cat out of the bag now, but Lionel had been lined up to join Ms Ross on stage at Glastonbury in 2020. Sadly the festival was cancelled as indeed it has been in 2021. I don't know if they will revive the plan should she ever commit to Glastonbury 2022. It was kept under wraps, but i am no longer under any contract so i am able to speak freely. It would have been something else.

What a massive treat for fans that would have been. Have you any idea if they might have performed anything else together?. “You Are Everything” would have been rather nice.

[Bluebrock]

What a massive treat for fans that would have been. Have you any idea if they might have performed anything else together?. “You Are Everything” would have been rather nice.
He was scheduled to perform 3 songs with her. I suspect You are everything would have been one of them, but i do not know for sure. I did also hear rumours he would perform "lady" as part of a possible medley with her which may have also included All night long. Lionel obviously wanted it to be worth his while even though he was already scheduled to be in the country.
Barry Gibb was the other special guest.
Sadly i do not see this happening now.

[Atasteofhoney]

I cannot get over that I missed all three of them!! I have never seen Diana live and one of my biggest fears is that she passes away before I see her live.

[Bluebrock]

I cannot get over that I missed all three of them!! I have never seen Diana live and one of my biggest fears is that she passes away before I see her live.

Let us hope that does not prove to be the case.

[jobeterob]

There are a lot of missed moments for everyone and many will never be recovered

[khansperac]

In what world would Lionel be singing 3 songs at a Diana Ross concert?

[SatansBlues]

Andy Coen also asked LR about a possible Commodores reunion. LR said there were talks pre-pandemic but things are up in the air now... it did not sound promising.

[Bluebrock]

In what world would Lionel be singing 3 songs at a Diana Ross concert?

They would be duet performances in a medley so i was told.
The way it was described to me it sounded like it would be a fun performance. Lionel would not have been performing 3 solo songs but he would have been involved in 3 songs. I think Barry was also scheduled to contribute to the medley and also perform a duet with Diana. Three all time musical legends sharing the Legends stage at Glastonbury would have been an iconic moment.

[khansperac]

They would be duet performances in a medley so i was told.

Was there talk of a new duet produced by Lionel for Diana’s new album? Was he going to do some new material for her?

[Bluebrock]

Was there talk of a new duet produced by Lionel for Diana’s new album? Was he going to do some new material for her?

Not that i am aware of. I don't think he is involved in the new album.

[khansperac]

Not that i am aware of. I don't think he is involved in the new album.

Can you share any info on who some of the writers or producers are. Thanks in advance. I will understand if you can’t share this info.

[nomis]

i love her leaving Motown on such a high with "Endless Love" at the top for what ? 9 weeks ? if i remember correctly...such a classy way to go out on her biggest record...I hope the Academy Awards perfomance one days makes it on to cd release..so much of her tv work is worthy of release

[PeaceNHarmony]

i love her leaving Motown on such a high with "Endless Love" at the top for what ? 9 weeks ? if i remember correctly...such a classy way to go out on her biggest record...I hope the Academy Awards perfomance one days makes it on to cd release..so much of her tv work is worthy of releaseThat performance is/was/shall be DA BOMB! Diana goes deep, hits every note, and still looks gorgeous and effortless. Gag on it, haytas! There's a reason why Diana Ross has remained at the top.

[marybrewster]

It always struck me as odd that in 30 years, Lionel wouldn't have just show up to a DR concert. EL has been in her set list for decades; I don't see why she wouldn't have allowed an impromptu duet. The audience would have gone nuts.

[Boogiedown]

I would have thought his biggest regret would have been recording DANCING ON THE CEILING :rolleyes::o:p

[Bluebrock]

Can you share any info on who some of the writers or producers are. Thanks in advance. I will understand if you can’t share this info.
I honestly do not know. It is being kept very much under wraps. Sorry.

[florence]

I wonder if we just might have got Diana and Barry singing Islands In The Stream?!

[nomis]

I would have thought his biggest regret would have been recording DANCING ON THE CEILING :rolleyes::o:p

The song on Motown 25 he sang to the little girl was even more cringe than " hello " video

[Levi Stubbs Tears]

Three all time musical legends sharing the Legends stage at Glastonbury would have been an iconic moment.

Four legends as Nile Rodgers was also supposed to be sharing the stage. Does seem a little crowded for a 60 minute set though, but hopefully that would've meant no time for 'I will Survive' lol

[nomis]

Four legends as Nile Rodgers was also supposed to be sharing the stage. Does seem a little crowded for a 60 minute set though, but hopefully that would've meant no time for 'I will Survive' lol

Well she couldn't make the supremes medley any shorter than it is lol

[TheMotownManiac]

I would have thought his biggest regret would have been recording DANCING ON THE CEILING :rolleyes::o:p

💖💚🧡💜💛💘🧡💙💚💝

[after you]

I find it interesting that they recorded this song in Canada I wonder where 🤎

[milven]

It always struck me as odd that in 30 years, Lionel wouldn't have just show up to a DR concert. EL has been in her set list for decades; I don't see why she wouldn't have allowed an impromptu duet. The audience would have gone nuts.

I also wished that everytime I saw her singing EL in concert that LR would walk on stage and join her. But I think scheduling conflicts probably stopped it, not that she would not "allow" him. After all, she let Gloria join her for Survive when she was in Newark. We went wild when Gloria walked out and joined Diana.

And on a personal note, wishing you a very Happy Birthday this weekend

[Bluebrock]

Well she couldn't make the supremes medley any shorter than it is lol

It was to be extended quite extensively for Glastonbury.

[Bluebrock]

Four legends as Nile Rodgers was also supposed to be sharing the stage. Does seem a little crowded for a 60 minute set though, but hopefully that would've meant no time for 'I will Survive' lol
I had forgotten all about Nile!
The stage would be big enough for all 4 of them, and it would be only for a very brief time that all 4 would be on stage together.

[Bluebrock]

I wonder if we just might have got Diana and Barry singing Islands In The Stream?!

I wondered that myself, but it would be unlikely she would perform a song she initially rejected only to see it become a worldwide smash.
She doesn't take things like that very well! Divas will be divas!

[SatansBlues]

It always struck me as odd that in 30 years, Lionel wouldn't have just show up to a DR concert. EL has been in her set list for decades; I don't see why she wouldn't have allowed an impromptu duet. The audience would have gone nuts.
I've always assumed it was because of his "fee" to perform the song with DR. How much would he ask for to perform. But looking over Diana Ross's history she has a history of doing duets, but rarely if ever doing them live. Going back to 68/69 when the Supremes and Temptations song I'm Gonna Make You Love Me went to #2 on the charts the groups never performed the song together either in concert or on tv. Same with her duets with Marvin Gaye. Did she and Julio Iglesias ever perform their duet together either in concert or on tv. What about her song with Al B. Sure? Notice a pattern?

[reese]

I've always assumed it was because of his "fee" to perform the song with DR. How much would he ask for to perform. But looking over Diana Ross's history she has a history of doing duets, but rarely if ever doing them live. Going back to 68/69 when the Supremes and Temptations song I'm Gonna Make You Love Me went to #2 on the charts the groups never performed the song together either in concert or on tv. Same with her duets with Marvin Gaye. Did she and Julio Iglesias ever perform their duet together either in concert or on tv. What about her song with Al B. Sure? Notice a pattern?

I think Diana and Julio might have done their duet together once, in NYC or LA, but I'm not sure. And she did perform EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD with Michael Jackson on her 1981 tv special. But I don't think she's done any of the others with her partners in concert.

[vgalindo]

I find it interesting that they recorded this song in Canada I wonder where 🤎
This is the first time I heard that it was Canada. It was always reported that Diana Ross was doing an engagement at Lake Tahoe Nevada. And after her show real late at night. Drove down to Reno Nevada to meet Lionel Ritchie for the recording. I believe Lionel has told this story many times

[reese]

This is the first time I heard that it was Canada. It was always reported that Diana Ross was doing an engagement at Lake Tahoe Nevada. And after her show real late at night. Drove down to Reno Nevada to meet Lionel Ritchie for the recording. I believe Lionel has told this story many times

The Canada reference in the story could be wrong. I have only heard that Lionel says he met up with Diana for the session in Nevada. Maybe only the instrumental track was done in Canada?

[nomis]

the vocals were recorded in Reno May 8th 1981....in 1983 for Lionel's shows at the Universal Amphitheatre Richie sang the song with a film clip of Diana performing her segment..the question is was this the Academy Awards footage or was it specially shot for the show ?

[reese]

the vocals were recorded in Reno May 8th 1981....in 1983 for Lionel's shows at the Universal Amphitheatre Richie sang the song with a film clip of Diana performing her segment..the question is was this the Academy Awards footage or was it specially shot for the show ?

I never knew anyone who saw Lionel's show back then. I do remember him giving an interview where he said the effect looked as if Diana was there in real life. He said something like "I touched her hand and it was like the Oscars all over again."

[JohnnyB]

I never knew anyone who saw Lionel's show back then. I do remember him giving an interview where he said the effect looked as if Diana was there in real life. He said something like "I touched her hand and it was like the Oscars all over again."

Diana’s portion of the “duet” in Lionel’s concert must have been filmed specifically for his show, it was not footage from the Oscars telecast. It was quite creative as I recall. The screen with Diana’s image moved, giving the appearance the two were walking in synch. Although I only saw it once, Lionel performed this version of Endless Love in both his 1983 and 1984 tours...

[Bluebrock]

Diana’s portion of the “duet” in Lionel’s concert must have been filmed specifically for his show, it was not footage from the Oscars telecast. It was quite creative as I recall. The screen with Diana’s image moved, giving the appearance the two were walking in synch. Although I only saw it once, Lionel performed this version of Endless Love in both his 1983 and 1984 tours...

Interesting. I never heard that story before. Thank you.

[Ollie9]

Gag on it, haytas! There's a reason why Diana Ross has remained at the top.

Yea all you haters. Look on and weep. :confused::confused::confused:

[Ollie9]

Diana’s portion of the “duet” in Lionel’s concert must have been filmed specifically for his show, it was not footage from the Oscars telecast. It was quite creative as I recall. The screen with Diana’s image moved, giving the appearance the two were walking in synch. Although I only saw it once, Lionel performed this version of Endless Love in both his 1983 and 1984 tours...

Do you remember if it contained Diana singing a re-recorded version of the song or just miming to the duet version. It must have been an exciting moment for the audience.

[JohnnyB]

Do you remember if it contained Diana singing a re-recorded version of the song or just miming to the duet version. It must have been an exciting moment for the audience.

I don’t remember if the performance was lip syncing. It was such a creative visual—and yes, the audience ate it up—that I didn’t notice. I do remember she was wearing a white gown. The performance truly gave the illusion of a live duet.

[Ollie9]

I don’t remember if the performance was lip syncing. It was such a creative visual—and yes, the audience ate it up—that I didn’t notice. I do remember she was wearing a white gown. The performance truly gave the illusion of a live duet.

Thanks Johnny. It’s surprising nothing has ever surfaced on you tube.

[khansperac]

I wonder if the reason they haven’t performed it since then is because Diana went out of her way to help him. Then perhaps when she called on him to sing it with her at one of her concerts, he declined or was too busy. So she she said to herself “never again”. If they were ever to sing it again, I would not want her to sing it like her solo version. I would want to hear it sung like the duet version- with the “my love, my love” ending.

[Bluebrock]

I wonder if the reason they haven’t performed it since then is because Diana went out of her way to help him. Then perhaps when she called on him to sing it with her at one of her concerts, he declined or was too busy. So she she said to herself “never again”. If they were ever to sing it again, I would not want her to sing it like her solo version. I would want to hear it sung like the duet version- with the “my love, my love” ending.

It's quite possible.
I wish she had done something similar in her concerts rather than perserving with her awful solo version.
I do recall her performing the duet with one of her backing singers for a short while. Cannot remember his name off hand, but i recall him being quite nervous at the prospect of fluffing the lines! Thankfully to the best of my knowledge he did a fine job.

[reese]

It's quite possible.
I wish she had done something similar in her concerts rather than perserving with her awful solo version.
I do recall her performing the duet with one of her backing singers for a short while. Cannot remember his name off hand, but i recall him being quite nervous at the prospect of fluffing the lines! Thankfully to the best of my knowledge he did a fine job.

Bobby Glenn sang it with her for quite a while. Then I believe it was Quentin Anderson. I don't think any of the Boom Brothers did it with her on stage.

[Guy]

I've long wondered how they have never had the occasion to sing that song live since the Oscars telecast 40 years ago. EL is the biggest song in both of their catalogs by some measures [weeks at No.1 ?] It would have been quite an event -- and still could be.

I guess I am relieved to learn that it is not due to any personal animosity between the two. I recall during the 2019 Q&A after the Radio City show she was asked her favorite duet partner and she answered "Julio Iglesias." After some murmurs from the audience she then said "...and Lionel." Didn't know what to make of that given that the Q&A was rehearsed.

[Bluebrock]

Bobby Glenn sang it with her for quite a while. Then I believe it was Quentin Anderson. I don't think any of the Boom Brothers did it with her on stage.

It was Bobby Glenn i was thinking of. He was a nice guy.
Thank you for the reminder.

[Bluebrock]

I've long wondered how they have never had the occasion to sing that song live since the Oscars telecast 40 years ago. EL is the biggest song in both of their catalogs by some measures [weeks at No.1 ?] It would have been quite an event -- and still could be.

I guess I am relieved to learn that it is not due to any personal animosity between the two. I recall during the 2019 Q&A after the Radio City show she was asked her favorite duet partner and she answered "Julio Iglesias." After some murmurs from the audience she then said "...and Lionel." Didn't know what to make of that given that the Q&A was rehearsed.

She always had nothing but good things to say about Julio. I do think she was genuinely intimidated by him. I met him when both he and Diana were guests on the Des O'Connor show one Christmas.
All i shall say is he would NOT get away with some of his behaviour today.

[Guy]

She always had nothing but good things to say about Julio. I do think she was genuinely intimidated by him. I met him when both he and Diana were guests on the Des O'Connor show one Christmas.
All i shall say is he would NOT get away with some of his behaviour today.

Interesting. At the time of the Ross duet -- which was first released on the Iglesias album -- there were rumors that they were an 'item.' But even my 15 year old spidey-sense told me that was just very suggestive PR intended to promote the recording.

Or was it?

I mean, I was genuinely surprised that in 2019 she would claim that the favorite duet of her storied career was that moderate chart hit; arguably the least memorable duet in her catalog.

[nomis]

She always had nothing but good things to say about Julio. I do think she was genuinely intimidated by him. I met him when both he and Diana were guests on the Des O'Connor show one Christmas.
All i shall say is he would NOT get away with some of his behaviour today.

I read he was "hands on " in a bad way in La Toya's Jacksons first autobiography

[Bluebrock]

I read he was "hands on " in a bad way in La Toya's Jacksons first autobiography
He was most certainly "hands on" in a very bad way. I really do not know what Ms Ross saw in him.

[nomis]

He was most certainly "hands on" in a very bad way. I really do not know what Ms Ross saw in him.

He was there for her when her mother passed away..which doesn't excuse his disgraceful treatment of women..but then she once dated gene Simmons another big misogynist

[Levi Stubbs Tears]

All i shall say is he would NOT get away with some of his behaviour today.

Well, probably few of us would get away with our 'normal' behaviour [[even as innocent as we thought it was) from 10, 20 or 30 years back.

I could easily put in sexual harassment charges [[or bullying etc etc) against male & female contacts/co-workers from the past and most of them weren't even 'stars'.

I did see Lionel RIchie in concert [[free tickets) in 1987 when Tina Arena was his support act. I have a feeling she might have duetted with him on Endless Love that night but [[since she had no hits at that stage of her career) it could just have been one of his back-up singers.

[Bluebrock]

Well, probably few of us would get away with our 'normal' behaviour [[even as innocent as we thought it was) from 10, 20 or 30 years back.

I could easily put in sexual harassment charges [[or bullying etc etc) against male & female contacts/co-workers from the past and most of them weren't even 'stars'.

I did see Lionel RIchie in concert [[free tickets) in 1987 when Tina Arena was his support act. I have a feeling she might have duetted with him on Endless Love that night but [[since she had no hits at that stage of her career) it could just have been one of his back-up singers.

I saw the same tour but it wasn't Tina who duetted with him.

[Bluebrock]

He was there for her when her mother passed away..which doesn't excuse his disgraceful treatment of women..but then she once dated gene Simmons another big misogynist

I'm sure he had his good points, but not many of them were on display on that December afternoon.
He was much more of a diva than Diana was. He insisted on not being filmed from a certain angle and he demanded which lines he wanted to sing on their duet. In fact he made such a fuss of it that i do believe the whole song was cut from the broadcast.
I could say so much more but i will refrain - for now.

[Jaap]

Wasn't there the story that Lionel Richie [[who was still with the Commodores when Endless Love was released) had invited Ross to come to a Commodores opening night at Radio City Hall [[not as performer) and then the band announced that Ross would appear as "special guest star"?

[reese]

Wasn't there the story that Lionel Richie [[who was still with the Commodores when Endless Love was released) had invited Ross to come to a Commodores opening night at Radio City Hall [[not as performer) and then the band announced that Ross would appear as "special guest star"?

It was mentioned in CALL HER MISS ROSS. Supposedly Diana became rather upset about it because it made the NY Daily News and even Ticketron was mentioning it.

[nomis]

Wasn't there the story that Lionel Richie [[who was still with the Commodores when Endless Love was released) had invited Ross to come to a Commodores opening night at Radio City Hall [[not as performer) and then the band announced that Ross would appear as "special guest star"?

One member of the Commodores used to be my landlord..he told me a couple of funny stories of Diana's diva temprement

[Ollie9]

One member of the Commodores used to be my landlord..he told me a couple of funny stories of Diana's diva temprement

If you care to share nomis, i would be interested to hear....

[1382hitsville]

In the 80's Mr Iglesias was a frequent guest on Dutch TV, and yes, his demanding personality is and was well known with all the crews. And yes, he only lets his face being shot from one side and angle. And yes, there are unconfirmed rumors about the "entertainment" he wanted in his dressingroom [girls, pharmaceuticals). He countered the bad publicity later by living together with a Dutch model, 23 years his junior, so became a bit more Dutch and remained populair.

[Bluebrock]

One member of the Commodores used to be my landlord..he told me a couple of funny stories of Diana's diva temprement

They are the stuff of legends. Some are indeed funny. Others less so.

[Bluebrock]

In the 80's Mr Iglesias was a frequent guest on Dutch TV, and yes, his demanding personality is and was well known with all the crews. And yes, he only lets his face being shot from one side and angle. And yes, there are unconfirmed rumors about the "entertainment" he wanted in his dressingroom [girls, pharmaceuticals). He countered the bad publicity later by living together with a Dutch model, 23 years his junior, so became a bit more Dutch and remained populair.

His behaviour has been an open secret for over 40 years. I do believe he has settled many indecent assault charges out of court.

[nomis]

If you care to share nomis, i would be interested to hear....

sure..i think i told this yrs ago on the forum..it would have been about 2004 and i was renting a room at one of Roland LaPread's properties..a friend of mine knew him and hanged out with once when he was chatting to Barry White on the phone which i thought was fly..anyway been there for a few months and was waiting to see him his wife always took my rent and then one day he was on site we talked about Motown and of corse, I mentioned Diana...he started shaking his head and muttering "Diana Ross ! that woman is so rude shes unbelievable !" then he told me these stories -

Roland arrived at Motown headquarters to sign his contract with the label he was a bit lost in the building and came across Diana in a corridoor or outer office he said "can you please tell me where Berry's office is im to sign a contract.."...Diana turned to him and said "do you know who Iam ? how dare you approach me !" he replied "Lady I just asked you a question.." anyway on signing the contract in Berry's office Diana was also in the room and co signed as witness [[which would surely be a bit unethical) there were no lawyer present for Roland..just Berry and Diana there

Motown on the same day threw an industry bash at a club to introduce the new group somehow, on the way to the venue Roland ended up sharing a limo with Diana to the event..they were driving there and Diana suddenly decided she need something from her home so they took a detour to that destination on arriving at Diana's hollywood home she turned to Roland and said "I dont have my keys can you jump the fence and break into the house for me!" he said "Lady..Your Diana Ross ! you can afford a damn locksmith I aint breaking into your home"..
thats all he told me not scandalous or anything but very Diana..

[Ollie9]

sure..i think i told this yrs ago on the forum..it would have been about 2004 and i was renting a room at one of Roland LaPread's properties..a friend of mine knew him and hanged out with once when he was chatting to Barry White on the phone which i thought was fly..anyway been there for a few months and was waiting to see him his wife always took my rent and then one day he was on site we talked about Motown and of corse, I mentioned Diana...he started shaking his head and muttering "Diana Ross ! that woman is so rude shes unbelievable !" then he told me these stories -

Roland arrived at Motown headquarters to sign his contract with the label he was a bit lost in the building and came across Diana in a corridoor or outer office he said "can you please tell me where Berry's office is im to sign a contract.."...Diana turned to him and said "do you know who Iam ? how dare you approach me !" he replied "Lady I just asked you a question.." anyway on signing the contract in Berry's office Diana was also in the room and co signed as witness [[which would surely be a bit unethical) there were no lawyer present for Roland..just Berry and Diana there

Motown on the same day threw an industry bash at a club to introduce the new group somehow, on the way to the venue Roland ended up sharing a limo with Diana to the event..they were driving there and Diana suddenly decided she need something from her home so they took a detour to that destination on arriving at Diana's hollywood home she turned to Roland and said "I dont have my keys can you jump the fence and break into the house for me!" he said "Lady..Your Diana Ross ! you can afford a damn locksmith I aint breaking into your home"..
thats all he told me not scandalous or anything but very Diana..

Thanks very much for sharing nomis lol. I have a couple of stories of my own, but unfortunately there not fun like yours. Perhaps I will share one day, but for the mo prefer to keep things positive. ;)

[Bluebrock]

sure..i think i told this yrs ago on the forum..it would have been about 2004 and i was renting a room at one of Roland LaPread's properties..a friend of mine knew him and hanged out with once when he was chatting to Barry White on the phone which i thought was fly..anyway been there for a few months and was waiting to see him his wife always took my rent and then one day he was on site we talked about Motown and of corse, I mentioned Diana...he started shaking his head and muttering "Diana Ross ! that woman is so rude shes unbelievable !" then he told me these stories -

Roland arrived at Motown headquarters to sign his contract with the label he was a bit lost in the building and came across Diana in a corridoor or outer office he said "can you please tell me where Berry's office is im to sign a contract.."...Diana turned to him and said "do you know who Iam ? how dare you approach me !" he replied "Lady I just asked you a question.." anyway on signing the contract in Berry's office Diana was also in the room and co signed as witness [[which would surely be a bit unethical) there were no lawyer present for Roland..just Berry and Diana there

Motown on the same day threw an industry bash at a club to introduce the new group somehow, on the way to the venue Roland ended up sharing a limo with Diana to the event..they were driving there and Diana suddenly decided she need something from her home so they took a detour to that destination on arriving at Diana's hollywood home she turned to Roland and said "I dont have my keys can you jump the fence and break into the house for me!" he said "Lady..Your Diana Ross ! you can afford a damn locksmith I aint breaking into your home"..
thats all he told me not scandalous or anything but very Diana..

She could be an absolute nightmare when she wanted to be. I have seen grown men cry in her presence due to the immense stress and strain of her often unreasonable demands.
On the other hand she can be such a kind and thoughtful lady.
I have seen both sides of the lady.
I have a very high patience threshold and most of the diva behaviour kind of just passed me by. Water off a duck's back as the old saying goes. I had encountered far worse behaviour.
Anita Baker, Eddie Murphy, Bobby Brown and Grace Jones for starters.
Ms Ross is just a pussycat in comparison. A Bengal tiger maybe but a pussycat nonetheless!
On the other hand she displayed such kindness and compassion towards me when my life threatened to crash around me in the 90's. I am not going into detail here, but she was so practical and downright kind when i literally thought my life could never recover. I will never forget her help and ķindness, both financially and more importantly on a personal level.
This is the side to her no one ever sees. That is partly down to her of course. She loves to act the big Diva in public, but much of it is just her armour to protect a more vulnerable and lesser seen side to her.

[Ollie9]

She could be an absolute nightmare when she wanted to be. I have seen grown men cry in her presence due to the immense stress and strain of her often unreasonable demands.
On the other hand she can be such a kind and thoughtful lady.
I have seen both sides of the lady.
I have a very high patience threshold and most of the diva behaviour kind of just passed me by. Water off a duck's back as the old saying goes. I had encountered far worse behaviour.
Anita Baker, Eddie Murphy, Bobby Brown and Grace Jones for starters.
Ms Ross is just a pussycat in comparison. A Bengal tiger maybe but a pussycat nonetheless!
On the other hand she displayed such kindness and compassion towards me when my life threatened to crash around me in the 90's. I am not going into detail here, but she was so practical and downright kind when i literally thought my life could never recover. I will never forget her help and ķindness, both financially and more importantly on a personal level.
This is the side to her no one ever sees. That is partly down to her of course. She loves to act the big Diva in public, but much of it is just her armour to protect a more vulnerable and lesser seen side to her.

Regarding behaviour, from the little i have personally witnessed of her i don’t think man, woman or child is safe from the lash of her temper if that’s where she’s at. I mean that quite literally.
On the other hand, friends from the hotel and entertainment world have spoken of the easygoing and hospitable side of her nature. I guess it all depends on the day lol.
It’s nice that we can discuss and acknowledge both sides of the woman yet still remain firm fans.

[RanRan79]

Regarding behaviour, from the little i have personally witnessed of her i don’t think man, woman or child is safe from the lash of her temper if that’s where she’s at. I mean that quite literally.
On the other hand, friends from the hotel and entertainment world have spoken of the easygoing and hospitable side of her nature. I guess it all depends on the day lol.
It’s nice that we can discuss and acknowledge both sides of the woman yet still remain firm fans.

She's a complex human being, like many of us. If you remember that, it's easy to remain a fan, even when some people have horrible experiences with her. Sadly for some, her horrible behavior will always trump anything else. But to be fair, there are also those who can care less about all the good things people have to say about Flo and Mary. Missing shows and writing books apparently cancels the good stuff out.*shrugs*

[nomis]

hes two pages of Diana's RCA contract pertaining to "Missing You" being included on "Swept Away" album1905719058

[PeaceNHarmony]

Diana being diva-esque? No way! I had never heard that before ... before you know it someone will expect me to believe that Temps were all on crack during the reunion tour, Mary Wells and Florence Ballard drank and Berry Gordy was greedy. No way!

[nomis]

im currently re - reading Tom Adrahtas's "Diva & Her Tribe"..theres lots of stories of her showing kindness & hospitality to loyal fans which is wonderful to read..she certainly has two sides to her..

[marybrewster]

I also wished that everytime I saw her singing EL in concert that LR would walk on stage and join her. But I think scheduling conflicts probably stopped it, not that she would not "allow" him. After all, she let Gloria join her for Survive when she was in Newark. We went wild when Gloria walked out and joined Diana.

And on a personal note, wishing you a very Happy Birthday this weekend

Thank you Milven for the birthday wish. Another twirl around the sun for this old girl! Life is good. ♡

[Ollie9]

X
Diana being diva-esque? No way! I had never heard that before ...

Which just goes to prove we may think we know it all, but seldom do.

[Ollie9]

hes two pages of Diana's RCA contract pertaining to "Missing You" being included on "Swept Away" album1905719058

Thanks for posting this nomis. I have never viewed such a contract before.

[Bluebrock]

hes two pages of Diana's RCA contract pertaining to "Missing You" being included on "Swept Away" album1905719058

Interesting stuff.

[Circa 1824]

sure..i think i told this yrs ago on the forum..it would have been about 2004 and i was renting a room at one of Roland LaPread's properties..a friend of mine knew him and hanged out with once when he was chatting to Barry White on the phone which i thought was fly..anyway been there for a few months and was waiting to see him his wife always took my rent and then one day he was on site we talked about Motown and of corse, I mentioned Diana...he started shaking his head and muttering "Diana Ross ! that woman is so rude shes unbelievable !" then he told me these stories -

Roland arrived at Motown headquarters to sign his contract with the label he was a bit lost in the building and came across Diana in a corridoor or outer office he said "can you please tell me where Berry's office is im to sign a contract.."...Diana turned to him and said "do you know who Iam ? how dare you approach me !" he replied "Lady I just asked you a question.." anyway on signing the contract in Berry's office Diana was also in the room and co signed as witness [[which would surely be a bit unethical) there were no lawyer present for Roland..just Berry and Diana there

Motown on the same day threw an industry bash at a club to introduce the new group somehow, on the way to the venue Roland ended up sharing a limo with Diana to the event..they were driving there and Diana suddenly decided she need something from her home so they took a detour to that destination on arriving at Diana's hollywood home she turned to Roland and said "I dont have my keys can you jump the fence and break into the house for me!" he said "Lady..Your Diana Ross ! you can afford a damn locksmith I aint breaking into your home"..
thats all he told me not scandalous or anything but very Diana..

I think he was pulling your leg....... neither story makes sense to me.

[detmotownguy]

She could be an absolute nightmare when she wanted to be. I have seen grown men cry in her presence due to the immense stress and strain of her often unreasonable demands.
On the other hand she can be such a kind and thoughtful lady.
I have seen both sides of the lady.
I have a very high patience threshold and most of the diva behaviour kind of just passed me by. Water off a duck's back as the old saying goes. I had encountered far worse behaviour.
Anita Baker, Eddie Murphy, Bobby Brown and Grace Jones for starters.
Ms Ross is just a pussycat in comparison. A Bengal tiger maybe but a pussycat nonetheless!
On the other hand she displayed such kindness and compassion towards me when my life threatened to crash around me in the 90's. I am not going into detail here, but she was so practical and downright kind when i literally thought my life could never recover. I will never forget her help and ķindness, both financially and more importantly on a personal level.
This is the side to her no one ever sees. That is partly down to her of course. She loves to act the big Diva in public, but much of it is just her armour to protect a more vulnerable and lesser seen side to her.

From day one she was focused on success and was/is a perfectionist and didn't care who or what was in her way. Ask anyone that went went to school with her at Cass Tech! Blue's comment show both sides of her. Unfortunately, her behavior Diva behavior has been fodder for the media and people eat it up. For example, I was at a large Xmas party and everyone was doing the "averting the eyes thing" based on reports that she issued instructions not to look directly at her. Then we had the Saturday Night Live skit depicting her in jail. Again the public loves this sxxt. Other "stars" act a lot worse.

[TNSUN]

"All of You" is wonderful wedding song. Diana's vocals are great for romantic ballads such as this one.