"Diana Ross on Legacy and Life [[New interview)"

[David J]

Diana has given a print interview in the San Francisco Chronicle for the concerts coming up. I think what she had to say speaks to what many are discussing here in this forum. This is only a part of the interview. Here she is in her own words:

How would you like to be remembered?

DR: I have always felt that it is more important to stay present, to stay in the moment, to stay now. I never try to think about legacy and being remembered. For me, If I could live a good life now, If I could do the things that bring me joy, If I could enjoy my children and enjoy the weather or whatever it might be, that is love and that is my life.

The article is 4 pages and they are all scanned here:

https://www.facebook.com/rbpconcerts


The link to the interview is:-
http://www.sfchronicle.com/music/article/Diana-Ross-returns-to-Golden-Gate-Theatre-4686695.php

[des123]

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[jillfoster]

I never understood someone who doesn't get some satisfaction from looking at past accomplishments, I thought most everyone felt that way. I look at a tree I planted 20 years ago, and it feels wonderful.

[helga]

She said a whole lot without saying much.

[luke]

Did I miss something?

[marv2]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

[REDHOT]

Diana has never really open herself up,not even the book she did,from what I remember,that's just who she is lol,and there's nothing wrong with that,her fans still love her.please stay positive

[thisoldheart]

i never fall for anybody who has accomplished a lot in their life, to say that their past is unimportant. anyone as driven, as hard working, and as perfection oriented as ross is, is watching out for their legacy. ross clearly knows that her reputation is always on the line. she chooses to say almost nothing. it is a form of protection.

i just watched an hour interview with joni mitchell. they are about the same age. mitchell said she was proud of her work, that most of her work was among the best done in her genre. when asked who her equals were, she could only name one contemporary artist, marvin gaye! mitchell also said she didn't believe in false modesty. she felt it was a trait forced upon people by the christian church. mitchell is an anomaly ... a strong woman, secure in her beliefs.

[detmotownguy]

I bel I saw the same Joni interview. Quite smart on how she reflects on life. She really puts herself out there; hardly shallow.... What she says in one sentence is equal to a book for the rest of us.

[marv2]

I bel I saw the same Joni interview. Quite smart on how she reflects on life. She really puts herself out there; hardly shallow.... What she says in one sentence is equal to a book for the rest of us.


I saw a recent interview she [[Joni Mitchell) did on the CBC with George Stroumboulopoulos. A very intelligent and insightful woman.

[smark21]

Yet another interview [[no doubt set up beforehand with parameters as to the type of questions the interviewer could ask) in which Diana Ross comes off as shallow and/or guarded.

[stephanie]

Smark her being guarded is not what really bothers me. What I find strange [[and even in Supreme Faith Mary Wilson gave us some insight into the recordings) is that she never talks about her work with HDH and the intricacies of the recordings!!! We fans would love to know the details of what happened on the recordings I am not expecting her to remember everything but even Susaye Greene I asked her what did she remember about We Should Be Closer together the awesome duet she did with Mary on the Mary, Scherrie and Susaye album. She did not remember a lot but she told me they were in two separate booths and I found that to be interesting. Mary gave a rundown on concerts and everything even the ones when they were booed. I could care less anymore how Ross felt about Flo there is not much more to tell about that and there are things she will never say but I find it awfully strange that her huge musical history that we don't hear more about her relationship she had with RCA, Motown and even if its not all good I would think her persective would be fascinating. Half of her book took up talking about her family which I don't think is wrong but it was so self serving. Ross has a big story to tell and I would love her perspective on some of the things Randy T said and more.

[ejluther]

I, too, would love to hear Diana talk about the music in detail more. But, as others have so rightly pointed out, she's always been guarded about everything and not open to, well, being open about much of anything!

[milven]

Smark her being guarded is not what really bothers me. What I find strange [[and even in Supreme Faith Mary Wilson gave us some insight into the recordings) is that she never talks about her work with HDH and the intricacies of the recordings!!! We fans would love to know the details of what happened on the recordings I am not expecting her to remember everything but even Susaye Greene I asked her what did she remember about We Should Be Closer together the awesome duet she did with Mary on the Mary, Scherrie and Susaye album. She did not remember a lot but she told me they were in two separate booths and I found that to be interesting. Mary gave a rundown on concerts and everything even the ones when they were booed. I could care less anymore how Ross felt about Flo there is not much more to tell about that and there are things she will never say but I find it awfully strange that her huge musical history that we don't hear more about her relationship she had with RCA, Motown and even if its not all good I would think her perspective would be fascinating. Half of her book took up talking about her family which I don't think is wrong but it was so self serving. Ross has a big story to tell and I would love her perspective on some of the things Randy T said and more.

There was a book about to come out about ten years ago called UPSIDE DOWN [[i think). I had it preordered on Amazon, but it never came out. If it was a tell all book, she probably had second thoughts and decided not to participate in the other tell all books about her and the Supremes. I also would like to read her perspective about the music and the music industry, then and now.

I read her EYE OF THE SPARROW and it was a waste of time

[thommg]

Smark her being guarded is not what really bothers me. What I find strange [[and even in Supreme Faith Mary Wilson gave us some insight into the recordings) is that she never talks about her work with HDH and the intricacies of the recordings!!!

I do not really need to know all the ins and outs of a performers personal life. With someone like Diana, I would like to know what her thoughts are on the material she's recorded, her perceptions of songs, the way she worked with various personalities [[NOT Flo, but the producers, directors, stagers, etc). To say that you don't look backwards is just self-serving. If you don't look at where you came from then you don't really know where you're going. It's funny because I had the same problem with Gladys Knight's autobiography. She spent far too much time giving me intricate details of people in her life but left out working with Ashford & Simpson and even the fact that she made a movie. I think there was one mention of Pipe Dreams, which was produced by her husband! I think I knew less about Gladys after reading her book than I did before. I feel that way about interviews with Diana. She seems to spend so much time not answering questions and not giving details that I find them a waste of time. I would love a book from her that is all about her professional life, the personal she can keep to herself.

[jillfoster]

I totally agree with the sentiments here. People would LOVE to hear about her creative process... but alas, I don't think she HAS ONE. I think she just goes into the studio [[most times ill prepared) and has a producer tell her what to do, and that's about it. She always gives the impression that she doesn't really give a flip about the music and what's involved in creating it... she just wants to be a "Star". Interviews with no musical substance, not writing any of her own songs, not playing any musical instruments, and forgetting the words to her songs frequently is the reasons she doesn't get any respect from serious music fans. And by association, the legacy of the Supremes is also diminshed by this as well. If you watch Martha rehearse and talk to her about her work, it's like night and day... she's serious about her shit.

[Kamasu_Jr]

Martha Reeves doesn't remember details either. It has been so long ago that both Martha and Diana recorded things, they probably don't remember. And if they said some thing wrong, there would be smart asses to correct them, so they say very little. Martha says on one video that sister Lois joined her in 1968, but it was 1967, the summer of the riots.

[jillfoster]

Martha Reeves doesn't remember details either. It has been so long ago that both Martha and Diana recorded things, they probably don't remember. And if they said some thing wrong, there would be smart asses to correct them, so they say very little. Martha says on one video that sister Lois joined her in 1968, but it was 1967, the summer of the riots.

Oh yes she does... being 6 months off on Lois joining is no big deal, Martha can pretty much sing any song she ever recorded off the cuff. She can tell you what was happenning the day they shot the covers of the album jackets, just all kinds of fascinating stuff.

[ejluther]

While I personally wish Diana was more like Martha [[as described here), I don't think that necessarily means Diana doesn't care about her music - she just has a different approach and outlook, that's all. I think she means it when she says she's a "What's next?" kind of person [[as I've seen her say repeatedly in interviews over the years) and doesn't like to dwell on the past, at least in any kind of public way. Plus, there are lots of stories of her being a perfectionist and professional both in the studio and in concert so that alone shows she cares about her music and how it is presented.

[marv2]

I totally agree with the sentiments here. People would LOVE to hear about her creative process... but alas, I don't think she HAS ONE. I think she just goes into the studio [[most times ill prepared) and has a producer tell her what to do, and that's about it. She always gives the impression that she doesn't really give a flip about the music and what's involved in creating it... she just wants to be a "Star". Interviews with no musical substance, not writing any of her own songs, not playing any musical instruments, and forgetting the words to her songs frequently is the reasons she doesn't get any respect from serious music fans. And by association, the legacy of the Supremes is also diminshed by this as well. If you watch Martha rehearse and talk to her about her work, it's like night and day... she's serious about her shit.

All anyone has to do is ask Berry Gordy and Robin Seymour and you'd know this already! LOL!!!!

[marv2]

Oh yes she does... being 6 months off on Lois joining is no big deal, Martha can pretty much sing any song she ever recorded off the cuff. She can tell you what was happenning the day they shot the covers of the album jackets, just all kinds of fascinating stuff.



Now that is very true. I was shocked. She even remembers details about some of the old nightclubs in Detroit we both went to back in the day.

[marv2]

I never understood someone who doesn't get some satisfaction from looking at past accomplishments, I thought most everyone felt that way. I look at a tree I planted 20 years ago, and it feels wonderful.

She'll show up at a Motown Musical and get all jammed up and jelly tight with Berry because he's soooo groovy. But then turn around and pretend like she doesn't hardly remember anything about her Motown days. LOL!!!!!!

[REDHOT]

I have to agree with you Jillfoster,when ever Diana do interviews,it's the same thing,nothing new,for more then 20 something years,it like everything she says,it's been rehearsed, nothing new,again for 20 something years lol,and like some have said here,it don't have to be personal,i remember the last time Diana was on OPRAH,the whole interview was about NOTHING,i also love it when singers like Mary Wilson and Martha Reeves open up,some time you have to stand for something,right or wrong.please stay positive

[marv2]

I have to agree with you Jillfoster,when ever Diana do interviews,it's the same thing,nothing new,for more then 20 something years,it like everything she says,it's been rehearsed, nothing new,again for 20 something years lol,and like some have said here,it don't have to be personal,i remember the last time Diana was on OPRAH,the whole interview was about NOTHING,i also love it when singers like Mary Wilson and Martha Reeves open up,some time you have to stand for something,right or wrong.please stay positive

Doesn't she also do the same old shows/concert that she was doing back in 1980?

[vgalindo]

Doesn't she also do the same old shows/concert that she was doing back in 1980?
No she is not doing the same shows. Back in 1980 she would sing her songs from a current album and also do many show tunes. Now days she usually only does her hits. Back in the 80s she only did a Supreme medley she now does complete Supreme songs. So her show is not the same!!

[smark21]

The best Ross interview I’ve seen in the last 10 years was the one she did on the show Inside the Actor’s Studio. At the least the segment where the host asked Diana about her acting roles and the work she did to prepare for the parts. He did his research and asked questions that allowed Ross to talk about her preparation. Maybe one day she will sit down with a music historian who will ask smart questions about her work as a singer. This San Francisco Chronicle interviewer seemed focused on asking questions to help promote Ross’ live appearance in SF next week. And to be fair to Ross, she did reveal some insight into her mindset when she goes out to perform her show, especially on how to approach songs she’s been singing for nearly 50 years.

[detmotownguy]

Doesn't she also do the same old shows/concert that she was doing back in 1980?
Well Marv you have a point. Back in 90's we used to own a suite at the Fox and got see many great acts such as Stevie, Aretha, and many Jazz. The last time I saw Ross there it was basically the same show we had all seen over the 10 years. It was very boring. However, I remember one decent show at the Ford Auditorium in the mid 70's with the Jones Girls backing her up. The stage was set up like Hollywood Squ
ares and was quite creative.

[REDHOT]

I agree Detmotownguy,that was when MOTOWN[[Berry Gordy) was in charge,now that Diana is in charge,maybe she feels,what she's doing is good enough,why should she pay money for new productions?when her fans loves what she's doing,and I mean LOVES IT LOL,don't get me wrong, it's nothing wrong with what she's doing,it works for her.Please stay positive

[stephanie]

Martha Reeves had a good book she mentioned the chart postions of her songs what was going on at the time in her life and I felt it was a fan friendly book I wish it had been longer.
Smark you are right the best interview Diana has done was on the Actors Studio and it would have been MUCH better had it been an interview and not her singing every couple of songs. Secrets of a Sparrow could have been a great book. I really enjoyed her talking about her childhood etc, but I had heard enough about Central Park and her family. I would like to hear her side of the story on Mahogany, Lady Sings the Blues, the Wiz, and Out of Darkness, How she prepared for an Evening with Diana Ross [[which she never talks about and it was a tour de force for her). What happened with RCA there is soooo much and I think it would be good for her. The Upside Down book could have been that book.

[detmotownguy]

I do remember a couple interviews where she explained the preparation for the Billie Holliday role. She questioned about how someone [[HOLiday) could get addicted to drugs. It seemed that for this project she really got into the role and thought about Holliday's plight. I also thought she did a good job on Out of Darkness [[I hope that it is the name of the movie). I dont know why she never made more movies. In the end, to me she just doesn't come across well whether in print or an actual interview. Just too guarded.

[smark21]

As I recall, when the Upside Down book was announced, it was going to be marketed as an inspirational self help book on how to overcome problems such as addiction. It was not a tell all. The project was announced shortly after Ross completed rehab. I thought it was a bad idea [[she should be working on her recovery and not advising others as it was too soon) and was glad the project was cancelled.

[luke]

I just dont think she has anything to say. She seems to be a very concrete person. I have a relative like her--and the past is anathema!

[REDHOT]

I think you're right Smark,about the Upside Down book,i also would like to know about her show's,back when she first left The Supremes,her show's were phenomenal back then,and again,that was because Berry Gordy was in charge,he always wanted Diana to be on top,or look like she was on top,so if she didn't have a hit record,she had a hit show,or maybe a hit movie,after Diana left MOTOWN,it was never the same for me,the spark was gone,it was the team at MOTOWN that made it all work,for Diana,i remember Diana saying they,at RCA didn't respect her,they had just givin' her the biggest recordin' contract in history[[at that time),i think RCA respected her,20 million worth of respect,the Actors Studio is about actin' not singing,i like Diana's singing,but this was the wrong place for singing,[[for me)and I think that Diana Ross,and The Supremes are LEGENDS,thanks to Berry Gordy and MOTOWN.Please stay positive,p.s TEAM BERRY GORDY'S MOTOWN

[scatman44]

1. I do not believe that anyone who has gained as much fame and stature as Miss Ross would [[or would have) constantly went into any studio ill-prepared!

2. Being well-guarded can also mean that you are trying to protect others as well as yourself!

3. There are two sides to "not looking back". There's one side that does say that "someone forgets where they came from." Another side says "someone is constantly moving forward!"

[luke]

Johnny Bristol and others have talked about having to coach performances out of her. Much depended on her mood. I wish my bosses were so undersranding if we got in moods!!

[scatman44]

Johnny Bristol and others have talked about having to coach performances out of her. Much depended on her mood. I wish my bosses were so undersranding if we got in moods!!Many artists have [[have had) moods all the time! Mood swings don't constitute lack of preparation!

To get to the level Diana Ross has gotten requires a ton of prep! Lazy folk ain't getting to the top!

[Kamasu_Jr]

OOOOOWEEEEE!, LORRAINE DONE SENT ME THIS FINE DINNER...All young and tender... WHAT'S WRONG WITCHOO WOMAN!...I had to do it Scatman44. Welcome! That's the best screen name I've seen on here in a while.

[marv2]

I agree Detmotownguy,that was when MOTOWN[[Berry Gordy) was in charge,now that Diana is in charge,maybe she feels,what she's doing is good enough,why should she pay money for new productions?when her fans loves what she's doing,and I mean LOVES IT LOL,don't get me wrong, it's nothing wrong with what she's doing,it works for her.Please stay positive

That just makes me question if she is really that creative or have any creative imagination at all. I know that very early in her career with the Supremes she used to study the other acts on the Motortown Revue and steal little bits and pieces of their acts.

[jobeterob]

These types of interviews are just hype for the paper and for the show ~ a real scoop for the paper.

Big artists don't deal in trash talk; the likes of Gordy Ross Streisand Beyonce has no need to say much. It is those riding the coattails and catching the backwind that need the attention.

[marv2]

Johnny Bristol and others have talked about having to coach performances out of her. Much depended on her mood. I wish my bosses were so undersranding if we got in moods!!

Robin Seymour of "Swingin' Time" and KEENER radio in Detroit recalled a time Berry Gordy invited him over to the Hitsville Studios as they were recording a Supremes number. He was amazed to learn that Berry had to almost scream at Diane to let her know when to start singing once the music began. She just didn't know. He witnessed the painstaking process Berry and the others went through recording Diane. They literally had to spoon feed her the lyrics word for word, line by line She had NO naturally ability according to Seymour [[and other witnesses). Her voice basically was just a sound, coming out of a head! LOL!!!!

Johnny Bristol was not the only producer to experience this with Miss Ross. Ask Lionel Richie or Barry Gibb what their experiences were like in the studio with Diana. It will not be pretty........hehehehehehehehe.

[marv2]

Yet another interview [[no doubt set up beforehand with parameters as to the type of questions the interviewer could ask) in which Diana Ross comes off as shallow and/or guarded.

Are you serious? Would she stoop so low as to do something like that? Hand the reporter a list of questions that are allow? Wow!

[Kamasu_Jr]

ALL of those old accusations and stories about Diana Ross not being prepared or revealing in her interviews does not diminish her stature as a pop icon. Every single creative person has or had shortcomings from Van Gogh to Phil Spector. They are/were human and not perfect, but they are still revered.

[jillfoster]

Many artists have [[have had) moods all the time! Mood swings don't constitute lack of preparation!

To get to the level Diana Ross has gotten requires a ton of prep! Lazy folk ain't getting to the top!

Sorry... But Robin Gibb disagreed with that sentiment.

[Roberta75]

Sorry... But Robin Gibb disagreed with that sentiment.

Link please?

Thanks.

Roberta

[marv2]

Link please?

Thanks.

Roberta

Jill is not making it up. I've heard the same thing. The Gibb Brothers were shocked at how unprofessional and how unprepared diana ross was when they worked with her in the 80's. It seems all that Motown PR about Diane being such a hard worker or working the hardest was just plain urban myth.

[Roberta75]

Jill is not making it up. I've heard the same thing. The Gibb Brothers were shocked at how unprofessional and how unprepared diana ross was when they worked with her in the 80's. It seems all that Motown PR about Diane being such a hard worker or working the hardest was just plain urban myth.

Link please.

Roberta

[jobeterob]

Link please.

Roberta

www.allinmarvsmind.com

[Roberta75]

www.allinmarvsmind.com [[http://www.allinmarvsmind.com)

hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe.

[Kamasu_Jr]

That was too funny Rob. The Library is open and reading is going on, as my wife says.

[marv2]

I agree Detmotownguy,that was when MOTOWN[[Berry Gordy) was in charge,now that Diana is in charge,maybe she feels,what she's doing is good enough,why should she pay money for new productions?when her fans loves what she's doing,and I mean LOVES IT LOL,don't get me wrong, it's nothing wrong with what she's doing,it works for her.Please stay positive

I've always said that Diana Ross was largely a creation of Berry Gordy. Her career fell apart and went down hill when she left him.

Detmotownguy, I also knew I pretty much had it right about Diana's concerts.That most complaints are about them being stale and the same old show from decades ago. Only her most ardent fan attend these shows sorta like being a "Deadhead" following the Grateful Dead around from town to town. How could her shows not be boring for anyone under say 55 years old?

[milven]

... I also knew I pretty much had it right about Diana's concerts.That most complaints are about them being stale and the same old show from decades ago.

Can't you say that of any artist of a certain age? I saw Gladys and Diana and Mary decades ago and recently [[and many times in between) . Gladys is still singing her hits, Diana is still singing her hits and the hits that she sang as a Supreme and Mary is still singing the Supremes hits. Having sat in the audience for their concerts and not just watching them on YouTube, I know that each of them have subtly changed and evolved their acts. Yeah they sing many of the same songs, but they also add a new one here and there and take out one here or there.

This is also the case with concerts by Johnny Mathis, Neil Sedaka, Barbra Steisand and many others.

The only difference that I can see about what Johnny and Neil and Barbra and Gladys and Mary do and what Diana does, is nothing - except you dislike Diana and MUST knock her at every opportunity.

Keep doing it. It probably puts much needed excitement in your life.

[skooldem1]

I have Diana's show on DVD from 2010 and that show/tour was not her usual show. What are the other ladies from her generation doing so different in their shows? Gladys, Patti, Tina, Dionne, they all have a standard show. Diana is no different, she is doing her greatest hits now. If and when she releases new material, her show will be a little different. Regarding Mary, her standard oldies show has been pretty much the same for 30 years.

[detmotownguy]

Hey Marv:
You still get alot of press here in light of the fact that so many have claimed to put you on ignore. They must still care lol!

[marv2]

I have Diana's show on DVD from 2010 and that show/tour was not her usual show. What are the other ladies from her generation doing so different in their shows? Gladys, Patti, Tina, Dionne, they all have a standard show. Diana is no different, she is doing her greatest hits now. If and when she releases new material, her show will be a little different. Regarding Mary, her standard oldies show has been pretty much the same for 30 years.

In 1981, [[32 years ago....) Diana Ross opened her shows with "I'm Coming Out". Does she still open her shows the same way, with that same song?

[marv2]

Hey Marv:
You still get alot of press here in light of the fact that so many have claimed to put you on ignore. They must still care lol!

Detmotownguy, They can't ignore me........I am the reason they are here and stay here! hehehehehehe.......LOL!!!!

[skooldem1]

This is all about the fact that Diana is about to tour the USA. That article from San Francisco set the usual people off. Like clock work they came in one after the other. It was most likely a 5 minute interview over the telephone to promote her show and the usual suspects ran in here to diss it. It's gonna be a fun month to watch them all foam at the mouth.

[Roberta75]

Detmotownguy, They can't ignore me........I am the reason they are here and stay here! hehehehehehe.......LOL!!!!

And this is all you got honey. The only attention you get in life is right here when you trashing Diane Ross all day every day. Pitiful really. lol

[marv2]

This is all about the fact that Diana is about to tour the USA. That article from San Francisco set the usual people off. Like clock work they came in one after the other. It was most likely a 5 minute interview over the telephone to promote her show and the usual suspects ran in here to diss it. It's gonna be a fun month to watch them all foam at the mouth.

No you can't use that as an excuse for her giving such a lame interview. Maybe she just doesn't know how to conduct an interview. Could that be the problem. No one I know cares if Diana Ross is doing another tour of the USA. No one I know outside of here even realizes that she is not retired. So stop it. I don't care about her touring. People diss it because someone posted the interview like it was going to be something of substance when all it does is make Miss Ross sound like a complete airhead.

[Roberta75]

No you can't use that as an excuse for her giving such a lame interview. Maybe she just doesn't know how to conduct an interview. Could that be the problem. No one I know cares if Diana Ross is doing another tour of the USA. No one I know outside of here even realizes that she is not retired. So stop it. I don't care about her touring. People diss it because someone posted the interview like it was going to be something of substance when all it does is make Miss Ross sound like a complete airhead.

She got 512,000 facebook followers and 17000 showing up at the Hollywood bowl to see her this weekend so some folks are interested

[marv2]

And this is all you got honey. The only attention you get in life is right here when you trashing Diane Ross all day every day. Pitiful really. lol

Well at least I use my name and unlike you, go around using the name of Cuban jazz musicians to cover up your real personality and your dirt. Oh yeah "Roberta Fonseca", we know who you are and how you came up with your latest "screen name" and why you are using religion as a part of your lastest "persona". Pitiful ain't the word for you. How about psychotic? LOL!!!!!

[Roberta75]

Well at least I use my name and unlike you, go around using the name of Cuban jazz musicians to cover up your real personality and your dirt. Oh yeah "Roberta Fonseca", we know who you are and how you came up with your latest "screen name" and why you are using religion as a part of your lastest "persona". Pitiful ain't the word for you. How about psychotic? LOL!!!!!

Bless you lonely old heart DetroitLive313.

[Kamasu_Jr]

At least Diana Ross ain't playing tacky street fairs, retirement camps and bowling alley openings in East Hell - all dressed up with no damn where to go but farther down or is that up the creek?

[marv2]

Bless you lonely old heart DetroitLive313.

Oh go on Jonc, it ain't no big deal. You just better hope that you know who doesn't catch onto you.........

[Roberta75]

Oh go on Jonc, it ain't no big deal. You just better hope that you know who doesn't catch onto you.........

Nobodys gonna catch onto me marv2 because my name is Roberta Fonseca and Im no cuban Jazz singer. Thats just plain crazy talk. My hertitage is Italian. Now you got a real thing for this jonc character. Did he jilt you or turn you down? You are almost as obesses with jonca as you are Diane Ross. Poor baby I will pray for you and Detroitlive313.

Roberta

[Roberta75]

Can't you say that of any artist of a certain age? I saw Gladys and Diana and Mary decades ago and recently [[and many times in between) . Gladys is still singing her hits, Diana is still singing her hits and the hits that she sang as a Supreme and Mary is still singing the Supremes hits. Having sat in the audience for their concerts and not just watching them on YouTube, I know that each of them have subtly changed and evolved their acts. Yeah they sing many of the same songs, but they also add a new one here and there and take out one here or there.

This is also the case with concerts by Johnny Mathis, Neil Sedaka, Barbra Steisand and many others.

The only difference that I can see about what Johnny and Neil and Barbra and Gladys and Mary do and what Diana does, is nothing - except you dislike Diana and MUST knock her at every opportunity.

Keep doing it. It probably puts much needed excitement in your life.

Its all he got baby.

[jillfoster]

Link please?

Thanks.

Roberta

There is no link, dear. It's a little thing that existed before the internet... called the PRINT INTERVIEW.

[Ollie9]

Shame these posts start of with intelligent comments and observations, and then follows the decent into name calling. Diana is indeed a wonderful charismatic performer, but it really cannot be overlooked that her show as regards loyal fans has now become more than a little tired. It would not take a lot for her to change up songs from Lady Sings The Blues or drop the now mind blowing tedium of I will Survive. It does smack just a little of not much effort for a lot of bucks. She really is better than this. In my experience other performers of her era do not stick quite so rigidly to the exact same format.

[scatman44]

I would love for all of you guys to do a show in the park with half a million folk in the house; then let it pour down rain and have to do it again, the next day, in front of another half million. Let's see you guys do that unprepared!

[Roberta75]

There is no link, dear. It's a little thing that existed before the internet... called the PRINT INTERVIEW.

Right. lolololololol and you and marv2 are the only 2 that read it. Sure. lol

[REDHOT]

At the hollywood bowl,at lot of those tickets are season tickets,they were already paid for, around the first of the year,i have to give it to Diana,she has die hard fans,who are flying in to see her,at The Hollywood Bowl,this is a big deal for them,i saw her there,maybe two or three years ago,and yes she open with I'm Coming Out lol,i'm sorry Diana makes too much money for that,i didn't go see Return To Love,but i was told when it came to her solo spot in the show,she open with I'm Coming Out,Diana has a big body of work behind her,like the Take Me Higher cd,which i love,she could sang My Baby from the Touch Me In The Morning album,do a whole different show,Diana has a lot to pick from,sure it will cost money,and Diana has lot of it lol,smart lady,it would also take work,maybe she's just not into it,and maybe she never was,and just maybe it was MOTOWNS BERRY GORDY doing,i'm not saying Diana didn't bring it,because she did,oh well i'll be waiting for The Hollywood Bowl reviews,next week,Plese Stay Positive

[skooldem1]

What better song to open a show up or make an entrance with other than "I'm coming out"? She does switch it up from time to time. In 2010 she opening with "The Boss". In the mid 90's she opened the show with "Take me Higher". She has opened with "It's my turn" and also opened with "Aint no mountain". But for a Diana show many expect her to "come out". No big deal.

[jobeterob]

I would love a Diana Ross show doing all new songs. But it won't ever happen. She'll throw in the odd new song like Have Fun Again and the song she sang in Chile.

But hardcore fans are not who are going to those concerts; the concert goers are general fans who want the hits and there is no way that songs like Touch Me in the Morning, Baby Love, Stop in the Name of Love, Do You Know Where Your Going To, Ain't No Mountain, Why Do Fools Fall in Love, I'm Coming Out etc. are going out of the show. Those are hugely popular in concert.

A SD concert with rarities would be a treat.

[Roberta75]

http://www.mercurynews.com/music/ci_23765457/diana-ross-5-reasons-see-her-concert

[jobeterob]

Diana Ross: 5 reasons to see her in concert
By Jim Harrington
jharrington@bayareanewsgroup.com

Posted: 07/30/2013 11:51:20 PM PDT | Updated: 31 min. ago

Click photo to enlargeDiana Ross performs at 8 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Marin Veterans... [[ Provided by Rick Bartalini )
«123»Diana Ross, one of the most popular and enduring artists in popular music history, is returning to the Bay Area.

The multiplatinum star, who first came to fame with the Supremes, performs Aug. 6 and 7 at Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco. Tickets are $70-$265 at www.shnsf.com.

Here are five reasons why you might want to see Ross in concert:

1. The Supremes songbook: Simply put, it's one of the best in pop music history. The band delivered so many memorable hits, including "Where Did Our Love Go," "Baby Love," "Come See About Me" and "Stop! In the Name of Love."

2. Her solo songbook: It doesn't compare to the Supremes catalog -- but, then again, very little does.

Still, her solo career has produced such winning singles as "Upside Down," "I'm Coming Out" and "Touch Me in the Morning."

3. Rare occasion: Ross comes around about as frequently as Halley's comet -- at least to San Francisco. Sure, she performed in SF in 2011. Before that, however, one has to go all the way back to 1969 for the last time Ross played the City by the Bay.

4. Great performer: I've had the privilege of seeing Ross in concert and can attest that she knows how to put on a thoroughly entertaining show.

5. Intimate setting: The Golden Gate Theatre should be a fantastic place to see Ross onstage.

Follow Jim Harrington at http://twitter.com/jimthecritic, www.facebook.com/jim.bayareanews and http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/category/concerts.

[vgalindo]

What better song to open a show up or make an entrance with other than "I'm coming out"? She does switch it up from time to time. In 2010 she opening with "The Boss". In the mid 90's she opened the show with "Take me Higher". She has opened with "It's my turn" and also opened with "Aint no mountain". But for a Diana show many expect her to "come out". No big deal.

So very true. "I'm coming out" is the perfect song to start the show. Most entertainers would love to have this hit song as their opening. I have seen Diana live in concert over a dozen times since the early eighties and she has opened with many different songs. I also have seen her open with "Aint no mountain" and "It's my turn" as well as "Take me higher". Her last tour she opened with "The Boss". But the perfect opener is "I'm coming out".

[marv2]

At the hollywood bowl,at lot of those tickets are season tickets,they were already paid for, around the first of the year,i have to give it to Diana,she has die hard fans,who are flying in to see her,at The Hollywood Bowl,this is a big deal for them,i saw her there,maybe two or three years ago,and yes she open with I'm Coming Out lol,i'm sorry Diana makes too much money for that,i didn't go see Return To Love,but i was told when it came to her solo spot in the show,she open with I'm Coming Out,Diana has a big body of work behind her,like the Take Me Higher cd,which i love,she could sang My Baby from the Touch Me In The Morning album,do a whole different show,Diana has a lot to pick from,sure it will cost money,and Diana has lot of it lol,smart lady,it would also take work,maybe she's just not into it,and maybe she never was,and just maybe it was MOTOWNS BERRY GORDY doing,i'm not saying Diana didn't bring it,because she did,oh well i'll be waiting for The Hollywood Bowl reviews,next week,Plese Stay Positive

Redhot, I had heard for years that she still opens her shows the same for over 30 years now with "I'm Coming Out". Still thanks for confirming what I had suspected. LOL!!!! She really does need Berry Gordy and Motown running her act because it sounds quite stale.

[REDHOT]

Don't get me wrong,i know she has to do the hits,she can still do them,with new arrangements,it's like when she changed Love Is Like A Itching In My Hart into Rock,which i still don't like,her die hard fans don't seems to not care,as long as it's Diana Ross,it's nothing wrong with that,they love her,no matter what,oh by the way the person that wrote 5 reasons to see Diana sounds like a die hard fan,i use to love going to see Diana,back in the day,i'm not a Diana Ross hater,i think your right Joebetrob,as far as a new show,it's not gonna happen.Please stay positive

[marv2]

Don't get me wrong,i know she has to do the hits,she can still do them,with new arrangements,it's like when she changed Love Is Like A Itching In My Hart into Rock,which i still don't like,her die hard fans don't seems to not care,as long as it's Diana Ross,it's nothing wrong with that,they love her,no matter what,oh by the way the person that wrote 5 reasons to see Diana sounds like a die hard fan,i use to love going to see Diana,back in the day,i'm not a Diana Ross hater,i think your right Joebetrob,as far as a new show,it's not gonna happen.Please stay positive

Maybe she could sing "Someday We'll Be Together" and call it a new show?

[jobeterob]

If I had choices for songs to add to her show that are realistic, fairly well known, not obscure, I would choose:

Come See About Me
Love Is Like An Itching in My Heart
Someday We'll Be Together
Remember Me.

I think she should also put Endless Love back because it is so popular.

I would switch Don't Explain for Strange Fruit or God Bless the Child.

I would shorten the Ease on Down the Road segment and leave the rest of it as it is.

[smark21]

She did perform Come See About Me at Radio City back in 2010 as well as a few other shows for that tour, but then she went back to pretty much her 2007 I Love You show. I’m seeing her Saturday at the Bowl. I hope she mixes things up a bit. But a downside of seeing a vintage artist who was primarily a singles act in their chart heyday is that they generally have to perform a good chunk of hits. On the other, more album oriented veteran acts can get away with doing album cuts. Right now on his current tour, Paul McCartney and his band are playing side 2 of Abbey Road as it was on the album. Somehow I can’t imagine Diana Ross performing Side 2 of Cream of the Crop, or Side 1 of The Force Behind the Power for any of her shows.

[milven]

I see her in concert constantly and she does change the songs around ever so slightly. I'd also love Remember Me and Someday included in her act. And at this point in her career, it would be nice for her to put Best Years of My Life back in and use it as an encore to thank her fans who gave her a fifty year career.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_o1iPnFdyM

[smark21]

I think “I Love You” has replaced “Best Years” as her thank you song to the fans.

[REDHOT]

I think Someday We'll Be Together,One Love In My Lifetime,I Thought A Little Time,Missing You and Didn't We would be great,added to her show,she really could open her show with No one Get's The Prize,and maybe The Happening or Muscles,again Diana has a big body of work,Please stay positive

[Ollie9]

I feel Diana is now at an age where she does not want to work to hard, but enjoy herself with what she does do. Pleasing the casual concert goers aside, I would have thought that most performing artists would like to be a little creative. I do feel this touches on Diana's lack of any real interest in the vast body of work that has been hers, and perhaps does bring into question her musicality which was mentioned before. I think if tackled about songs, other than hits from any past album and she would not have a clue. Just one or two song changes would keep both the casual and loyal fans happy. Being connected with the arts myself I find it very strange that she appears happy with for the most part with the same routine. True she has had fans foaming at the mouth with a surprise song such as It's Hard For Me To Say or You Are Not Alone, but for the most has played safe for many a year.

[thisoldheart]

ross has been groomed to be an entertainer. she knows her craft well. she does not have an artistic temperament. she would much rather have everybody applaud and spill out her many "i love you's" to the audience. she's at the tail end of her career. don't expect her to change up now! it ain't gonna happen ....

[supremester]

She does come across that way because she doesn't care to share her personal feelings on a lot of subjects. I don't think she cares how it looks, either. She cares about Michael & his milieu - why would she discuss it publicly? Only to get attention and she doesn't care that much. Rhonda was on TV recently and was brilliant. In it, she mentioned that there is a lot of stuff "the family keeps to the family." Personally, I never expect much in an interview. There was one interview where the author listed the things that were off limits and it was a lot. It was OK to discuss touring, her age and broiled chicken. LOL. I don't care. These are two of my fave TV interviews:http://www.youtube.com/watch? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAbRwgsh4zg v=qdEnxUbk0mA
Yet another interview [[no doubt set up beforehand with parameters as to the type of questions the interviewer could ask) in which Diana Ross comes off as shallow and/or guarded.

[supremester]

Miss Ross said she recorded im Gonna Make you love Me with Marvin Gaye. Martha said "Diane stole our producers [[HDH) when where did our Love Go hit and they never worked with us again." They get stuff wrong. A lot. Diana has spent a lot more time in the studio than her Motown peers or any peers perhaps and it might all just be a blur by now.
Oh yes she does... being 6 months off on Lois joining is no big deal, Martha can pretty much sing any song she ever recorded off the cuff. She can tell you what was happenning the day they shot the covers of the album jackets, just all kinds of fascinating stuff.

[supremester]

She's very close to Berry & his family. When did she pretend she doesn't hardly rem,ember her Motown days? Oh, that's right - NEVER. LOL!!!!!! Gracious - what a fervent imagination!
She'll show up at a Motown Musical and get all jammed up and jelly tight with Berry because he's soooo groovy. But then turn around and pretend like she doesn't hardly remember anything about her Motown days. LOL!!!!!!

[supremester]

I was there and you're right, the 2010 show at The Fox was the same as 2000 except in 2010 she took out: He Lives In You, You Keep Me Hanging On, Chain Reaction, Mirror, Mirror, reach out i'll be There, My Man, Good Morning Heartache, God Bless The Child and I Cried For you. Then added: More Today Than Yesterday, The Boss, Love Child, Come See About Me, Fine and Mellow, Don't Explain, The Look Of Love, Take Me Higher, Ease On Down The Road, It's Hard For Me To Say, It's My House, I Love You, Reach Out & Touch and You Are Not Alone along with a 3 level, light up stage with elevator, giant rear screen video screen, wing and fly screen catchers with 3 separate programs for the video, plus stage and catchers lighting. Also new were the live string and horn section plus the electric violin. Also there were separate tributes to Motown Legends and MJ....Other than that, it was exactly the same. LOL!!!
Well Marv you have a point. Back in 90's we used to own a suite at the Fox and got see many great acts such as Stevie, Aretha, and many Jazz. The last time I saw Ross there it was basically the same show we had all seen over the 10 years. It was very boring. However, I remember one decent show at the Ford Auditorium in the mid 70's with the Jones Girls backing her up. The stage was set up like Hollywood Squ
ares and was quite creative.

[supremester]

You making up some of it - which, for, you, is about par. The Gibbs NEVER said "unprofessional", they said, "unprepared." So that's one lie. [[So far LOL!!!) They were not only referring to being on top of the material, but the fact that the dates came on the heels of extended World Tour arena dates for Swept Away and she had not taken care of her vice. They were shocked to learn she did not have a vocal coach or trainer - and, since they were and remain big admirers, sad. It seems the Motown PR was right on the money as Mrs. Powell, Cholly, Gil, Harvey, Marvin, Smokey, Martha, Oscar winning Director Tony Richardson, Betty Kelly and Katherine all have stated how hard Diana Ross worked. Just to name a few. Nor was she accused of being habitually late to rehearsals and meetings pissing everyone else off and then complaining she wasn't being given enough to do. Just sayin.........
Jill is not making it up. I've heard the same thing. The Gibb Brothers were shocked at how unprofessional and how unprepared diana ross was when they worked with her in the 80's. It seems all that Motown PR about Diane being such a hard worker or working the hardest was just plain urban myth.

[Ollie9]

I have never read that the Gibb brothers are still fans of M's Ross Hmmmm. I do remember reading that recording sessions clashed with I think Diana appearing at the Music Awards and the brothers were not happy that she jetted off for those in the middle of EA sessions. They have definitely been quoted as saying that Diana was indeed very ill prepared for the sessions in that she had not done her homework and learnt the lyrics to certain songs and they would not be working with her again. I'm sure they are all friends now but that seems to be what was going down at the time. I think Diana's voice sounds sexy on EA which I consider her best for RCA.

[marv2]

You making up some of it - which, for, you, is about par. The Gibbs NEVER said "unprofessional", they said, "unprepared." So that's one lie. [[So far LOL!!!) They were not only referring to being on top of the material, but the fact that the dates came on the heels of extended World Tour arena dates for Swept Away and she had not taken care of her vice. They were shocked to learn she did not have a vocal coach or trainer - and, since they were and remain big admirers, sad. It seems the Motown PR was right on the money as Mrs. Powell, Cholly, Gil, Harvey, Marvin, Smokey, Martha, Oscar winning Director Tony Richardson, Betty Kelly and Katherine all have stated how hard Diana Ross worked. Just to name a few. Nor was she accused of being habitually late to rehearsals and meetings pissing everyone else off and then complaining she wasn't being given enough to do. Just sayin.........

Can you actually read? Where do I put "words" in the Gibbs Brothers mouths? Read my post word for word and show me where I quote the Gibbs Bros.? After that experience they could not stand her! That just put them in the category of most normal people that have come into contact with Miss Ross.

If she worked as hard as you seem to believe, then maybe she needed to! Those with true, natural talent would not have to work THAT hard!

Oh and in case you just can't grasp the concept......turning up to a recording session not knowing the lyrics to the songs you were given weeks, months earlier is considered unprofessional in the real World!

[ejluther]

I can't help but think of the famous story about when Diana made 1980's diana with the Chic team; she apparently did so well with her very first try at the vocals [[while seeing/reading them for the first time even!) that they wanted to release them as is. We all know she disagreed and rerecorded the vocals and remixed the project - if you've not heard the original Chic mixes I recommend you do - it's an interesting listen to compare the two. So even if it's true that early in her career she needed an overabundance of coaching* she obviously evolved as we all do.

*I've always been suspect of those stories myself - I've only heard that a handful of places and it's missing from a lot of obvious places, Mary's books for instance...

[milven]

...Oh and in case you just can't grasp the concept......turning up to a recording session not knowing the lyrics to the songs you were given weeks, months earlier is considered unprofessional in the real World!

Perhaps it is. I remember at a pivitol part of the Supremes career when they lost HDH and needed a hit. Berry put together a team of writers and scheduled a recording session for the Supremes right after an extensive tiring tour. They were all tired, especially Diana, who did most of the lead singing in the act. But she went to the sessions, probably "not knowing the lyics to the new song, and ill prepared". She probably had to have quite a few do overs because she may not have been fully prepared and because she was tired after touring. She gave the Supremes a much needed number one hit. She could have just said no to Berry, take a trip to California to buy a house and then travel to Mexico for a much needed vacation. But thanks to that work ethnic, we have Love Chid

[REDHOT]

Milven i know where you're going with this,i heard all about this, back in the day,but come on,really? everyone here knows i LOVE Mary,but i don't believe Mary all the time,the story she told about Love Child,i don't believe,i think they cut Love Child,and never even thought about Mary and Cindy, at one time MOTOWN[[Berry Gordy)wanted everyone to believe that Diana was the hardest worker,and those two Mary and Florence were lazy lol,really?all that is just PR bull, as far as the chic team goes,they were fans of Diana's,and i never believed that story,Diana didn't like the mix,so she took it back to the studio,and clean some things up,i just don't believe it,SORRY lol,i heard Russ Terrana is the one who did the remixed on the Diana album, i love it ,what i'm trying to say a lot of what we hear from Diana,Mary or any other artist,the record company will say anything to make a artist look good,and the artist will too,Please stay positive

[ejluther]

The problems and subsequent remixing of diana is quite well documented by all involved [[and it was Russ Terrana who did the mix that was released in 1980) so I don't know what part of the story you don't believe - that is was Diana herself who didn't like the Chic mixes? You think it was someone else and not Diana but they gave her the "credit"? Is that what you're saying?

[skooldem1]

In 50 years Diana Ross has worked with countless writers, producers, movie directors, etc. Almost all of them have said how dedicated and focused she is, and how it was great working with her. Of course the usual haters here are focusing on one statement made by someone to try to paint her in a negative light. Anyone have any quotes from these various producers, writers and directors on working with Diana that you'd like to share?

[marv2]

I can't help but think of the famous story about when Diana made 1980's diana with the Chic team; she apparently did so well with her very first try at the vocals [[while seeing/reading them for the first time even!) that they wanted to release them as is. We all know she disagreed and rerecorded the vocals and remixed the project - if you've not heard the original Chic mixes I recommend you do - it's an interesting listen to compare the two. So even if it's true that early in her career she needed an overabundance of coaching* she obviously evolved as we all do.

*I've always been suspect of those stories myself - I've only heard that a handful of places and it's missing from a lot of obvious places, Mary's books for instance...

You left out a part of that story! She recorded most of the tracks at Power Station recording studios in NYC. That studio was owned by Jon Bon Jovi's cousin [[or other relative). He happened to be hanging around the studio during Ross' sessions. I don't remember yet how it happened but Miss Ross cursed the Hell out of the young Bon Jovi. He has told the story several times about his experience with her when he was just 18-19 years old.........

[Roberta75]

In 50 years Diana Ross has worked with countless writers, producers, movie directors, etc. Almost all of them have said how dedicated and focused she is, and how it was great working with her. Of course the usual haters here are focusing on one statement made by someone to try to paint her in a negative light. Anyone have any quotes from these various producers, writers and directors on working with Diana that you'd like to share?

You have to keep in mind that Dianes #1 hater has been constantly repeating fabrications and lies about Diane . There was the one that Diane is broke because of her asspocciation with Bernie Madoff which is not only a lie but slander. His fanatical obsession with Diane Ross is real sick and real pathetic but also sad and pitiful. Its just not healthy.

Roberta

[marv2]

Milven i know where you're going with this,i heard all about this, back in the day,but come on,really? everyone here knows i LOVE Mary,but i don't believe Mary all the time,the story she told about Love Child,i don't believe,i think they cut Love Child,and never even thought about Mary and Cindy, at one time MOTOWN[[Berry Gordy)wanted everyone to believe that Diana was the hardest worker,and those two Mary and Florence were lazy lol,really?all that is just PR bull,

You do understand! That is great.

[captainjames]

Whenever Diana is near I will go see her perform whether she is singing "I'm Coming Out" or "Bo Bo The Fool". She is history on stage and I want to be there. Its like good wine and cheese and mellow supremacy. I use to do the same thing with performers like Nancy Wilson and Johnny Mathis. Motown revisited with the original voice in velvet and cream and I always feel good. I remember "Evening With Diana Ross" and "Lady Sings" and she brings to the stage an elegance that can not be duplicated. Love her and go see her or watch TV.

[Ollie9]

I'm sure there are quite a few producers who have enjoyed working with Diana. The fact remains in 1985 the Gibb brothers did not. I myself enjoy a lot of Diana's work, but do not necessarily view her as Miss Reach Out And Touch.

[skooldem1]

The problem is not with people who you think wear rose colored glasses, the problem is people that like to wallow in mud.

[jobeterob]

One of the best lines ever Skooldem1. Excellent.

The miserable old goats that wallow in the mud die younger ~ so they get their comeupance in the end.

[Ollie9]

Yes, there are some that like to wallow. DIANA ROSS is a name that conjures up such strong emotions in folk. Some view her as a sinner, others as a veritable saint. With such contrasting extremes it's no wonder things can get a little.... shall we be polite and say silly.

[REDHOT]

Like i said,Diana fans love's her,right or wrong,and they will deffend her,to the end,and there's nothing wrong with that,i like Diana,but i'm not a fan,like some,if it's not right[[to me),that's how i feel,no one can change me,hey you guys bring back a review,from Diana's show,at The Hollywood Bowl tomorrw.Please stay positive

[jobeterob]

Amazing how some people seem so jealous of her ~ the thin Billie Holiday style voice that conveys so much empathy and feelings and who outsells her big voiced colleagues and goes to the movies and get nominated for an Academy Award and brings a million people to Central Park and mentors Michael Jackson. Did we have at least wallower suggest she didn't work hard enough? LOL.

[marv2]

Amazing how some people seem so jealous of her ~ the thin Billie Holiday style voice that conveys so much empathy and feelings and who outsells her big voiced colleagues and goes to the movies and get nominated for an Academy Award and brings a million people to Central Park and mentors Michael Jackson. Did we have at least wallower suggest she didn't work hard enough? LOL.

Everything you've mentioned happened well over 30 years ago. Some of it over 40 years ago. What has she done lately? The interview that started this thread was lame, boring and devoid of anything about her career in the last 20-25 years. She talks about nothing, she wasted the reporters and the readers time. I don't believe most people even know that she is still performing that is how stale her reputation is in 2013.

[supremester]

Yes, Girlfriend - I CAN read - and You CAN erase, but you CAN'T erase everything LOL!!! HERE is where you put words in their mouths: http://soulfuldetroit.com/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by marv2 http://soulfuldetroit.com/images/buttons/viewpost-right.png [[http://soulfuldetroit.com/showthread.php?p=180646#post180646) Jill is not making it up. I've heard the same thing. The Gibb Brothers were shocked at how unprofessional and how unprepared diana ross was when they worked with her in the 80's. It seems all that Motown PR about Diane being such a hard worker or working the hardest was just plain urban myth. That's where, Miss Thing. This thread. I read it yesterday. Happy now? Or are you still telling peeps she's broke, can't get work and you know the director of Hollywood palace that Mary said was a falsehood and you banned the member for telling on you LOL!!! A lie don't care who tell it! Now go back to your trailer park and enjoy the show LOL!!!
Can you actually read? Where do I put "words" in the Gibbs Brothers mouths? Read my post word for word and show me where I quote the Gibbs Bros.? After that experience they could not stand her! That just put them in the category of most normal people that have come into contact with Miss Ross.

If she worked as hard as you seem to believe, then maybe she needed to! Those with true, natural talent would not have to work THAT hard!

Oh and in case you just can't grasp the concept......turning up to a recording session not knowing the lyrics to the songs you were given weeks, months earlier is considered unprofessional in the real World!

[supremester]

I don't think of Miss Ross as a sinner nor a Saint - I consider her "spicy" and I love reading weasel's missives about things as trite as Ross' opening song not changing for 30 years. People write in and say they saw different songs, but weasel's keep right on tellin' it like it ain't! LOL!!!
Yes, there are some that like to wallow. DIANA ROSS is a name that conjures up such strong emotions in folk. Some view her as a sinner, others as a veritable saint. With such contrasting extremes it's no wonder things can get a little.... shall we be polite and say silly.

[thisoldheart]

for me, diana ross is a product of h/d/h expert writing and producing skills mixed with her very charismatic look and sound in the mid to late 1960's. how she became an lightning rod for her personality post her h/d/h heyday is beyond me. she was a great pop singer for her brief time with the supremes. she is not a goddess or a devil, fer gawd's sake!

[Ollie9]

There might possibly be those who have viewed Diana as being a bit of a devil over the years. The eight employees she black listed way back in in 83 were probably not that happy at the time what with mortgages to pay and kids to provide for. On the plus side she appears to have been generous to a lot of people and was always there to tuck her kids up in bed which perhaps more than compensates for any misdemeanours she may have committed over the years. I also think she is a nicer person now.

[supremester]

Her life is much easier now, she's not under the thumb of Berry Gordy, nor having to prove herself without him. She's enjoying life on it's own terms and seems to be loving it. My personal experiences have been with an intense, but very loving woman. You raise your kids right - the rest is way way way down on the list.
There might possibly be those who have viewed Diana as being a bit of a devil over the years. The eight employees she black listed way back in in 83 were probably not that happy at the time what with mortgages to pay and kids to provide for. On the plus side she appears to have been generous to a lot of people and was always there to tuck her kids up in bed which perhaps more than compensates for any misdemeanours she may have committed over the years. I also think she is a nicer person now.

[no_place_like_motown]

She certainly has proven that she excels as a mother and that is one of the most important and enduring achievements one can accomplish in life. She did a fine job raising five children and that is evident by watching and listening to them on interviews, etc. They seem to be crazy about their mom and have nothing but praise for her.

Everyone has a past and we've all made mistakes in life, and will continue to do so because no one is perfect. They say we mellow out as we get older, and that may be true for some and not for others, but I agree with the poster above that said Ross seems to be in a place in her life where she seems happier and more at ease and good for her! She deserves that just like anybody else.