Great thread, sup_fan! So many thoughts and ideas from everyone.
As for the 80s British Invasion and Madonna, I'm guessing the label would've handled it like they actually handled it. Remember Lionel and Stevie both were still killing it at Motown during this period of time. I'm sure Ross would've done the same.
Definitely a project/album with Lionel Richie would have been considered. Diana would have loved a project with Stevie.
There's been discussion that chic was contracted to do another set with her. Do you think that by 81 or so that would have still been relevant?
Chic was innovative/progressive but the hateful Disco backlash was going on.
I think that the first thing to acknowledge is that Motown wouldn't have put up with Diana's total artistic control, like RCA did
True.
And yes, I'm going here...Had Motown 25 gone perfect, I would have liked Ross, Wilson and Birdsong reuniting for a project.
Ah yes, .. if only! The possibilities and benefits for all [[including ourselves)are mind-boggling.
No reason to think that she wouldn't have continued to work with Masser. They always did great stuff together.
I think Clive Davis was intent on creating his own Global Diva ala Berry Gordy and Michael Masser was an all-important key to his dream. [[Diana Ross was clearly a model). If he hadn't discovered Whitney Houston, would he have found someone else?
U.S. is not very receptive to older female pop stars.
Diana Ross had an unequaled reign for 20 years. That really is remarkable. Even contemporaries like Aretha, Dionne, Barbra, Tina & Gladys had occasional comebacks and reappearances that ultimately did not sustain. [[And none were as consistent as Diana on the pop charts for so long). They all eventually competed with Madonna, Janet, Whitney, Mariah.
I agree career wise she probably would have had many more hit records but financially she made the best and right decision by leaving Motown when she did. She is quite wealthy today and if she stayed with Motown she might not be as financially secure.
A melancholy and sobering thought, vgalindo.
Maybe bring in Richard Perry after his great work with the Pointer Sisters.
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Would have loved a follow up to Baby, It's Me. His work with the Pointers was almost immediate post-BBIM. What would a subsequent Ross/Perry project be like?
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