MOTOWN
A look at how the music of Detroit turned into one of the most lucrative businesses in the world and why it left its home.
DIANA ROSS
EARLY LIFE
Diana Ross was born in Detroit, MI on March 26, 1944. Growing up, Ross wanted to be a fashion designer, studying design, millinery, pattern-making and seamstress skills while attending Cass Tech. She also worked at Hudson’s Department Store and provided hairdressing services for her neighbors. She graduated from Cass in 1962, one full semester early than her classmates.
At 15, Ross joined a singing group called the Primettes and after winning a talent contest in Windsor, Ontario, they auditioned for Motown Records. Gordy states in his autobiography that he was Ross’ voice “stopped [him] in [his] tracks,” but after learning their ages, asked them to audition again after they had graduated from high school.
ARRIVAL AT MOTOWN & RISE TO FAME
Until Ross graduated from high school and was eligible to sign with Motown by Gordy's standards, she brought the group back to Hitsville every day, providing whatever help she could in the recording process from hand-claps to background vocals.
Ross began recording with the Primettes at Hitsville in the late 1960s and they were signed by Gordy in 1961 under the stipulation that they changed their name. Though not fans of the name at first, after two years as The Supremes, they had their first hit with “When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes.” At the end of the year, Gordy made Ross the groups lead vocalist and from 1964 to 1967, the group began to gain a huge following , releasing ten number one singles in that time.
TRANSITION TO SUPERSTARDOM AND BEYOND
Following Florence Ballard’s firing from the group, the group was renamed Diana Ross & the Supremes, which also allowed them to charge a larger performance fee as the group was now a solo star and a backing group (This was something that Gordy did with a few different Motown groups). Ross’ star continued to rise and in March of 1970, she signed a solo contract with Motown and released her self titled debut.
In 1972, she began her acting career which garnered her an Academy Award Nomination and a Golden Globe as well as multiple Golden Globe nominations. She also had a romantic relationship with Gordy, from which her first daughter was born.