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Diana: Life of Diana Ross
There is only one Diana Ross. And this is her story.
Drawn from hundreds of interviews conducted over four decades and featuring rare, never-before-published photos, Diana Ross paints an unforgettable picture of an extraordinary and often controversial legend, a woman who has distinguished herself as a Civil Rights trailblazer, a temperamental celebrity (yes, you should call her "Miss Ross"), a loving and very present mother, and a consummate entertainer. Beautiful and fascinating, she is her own invention--the definition of a superstar.
Illuminated by unparalleled access, J. Randy Taraborrelli's insightful portrait surpasses previous biographies of Miss Ross. First-time revelations abound, from the tough decisions Diana made while having Barry Gordy's baby to her run-in with the police at Heathrow Airport to her triumphant recovery after a surprising drunk driving arrest. Taraborrelli also explains in vivid detail the real reasons behind the break up of the Supremes and relates the exclusive facts behind her complex romance with the founder of Motown. Delving deep into her personal history, Taraborrelli boldly explores Diana's troubled relationship with her family and the heartbreak she feels compelled to hide, bringing into focus a celebrated personality too often obscured by the bright lights of fame.
Despite years in the limelight, Diana Ross remains an enigmatic figure--a compelling paradox of vulnerability and iron will, fragility and strength. J. Randy Taraborrelli examines her private world to reveal a complex, inspiring, triumphant survivor in unprecedented clarity. Ladies and gentlemen, the incomparable, the one and only Diana Ross.
- GenresMusicBiographyNonfiction
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 1985
About the author
J. Randy Taraborrelli
29 books519 followersJ. Randy Taraborrelli is an author known for biographies of contemporary entertainers and political figures. He is a featured writer in several entertainment magazines in Canada, England, and Australia. He also appears on television as an entertainment news reporter on shows such as Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America, Today and CBS This Morning. Taraborrelli resides in Los Angeles, California.
Taraborrelli, who has written eighteen books (including updated and expanded editions), has had fourteen of them appear on the New York Times best seller list, the most recent of which was 2014's The Hiltons - The True Story of an American Dynasty. His first best seller was Call Her Miss Ross in 1989. His 2009 biography of Marilyn Monroe - The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe - made a re-appearance on the e-books best-seller list at number two in the summer of 2012.
In November of 2012, it was announced that Reelz cable channel had optioned Taraborrelli's New York Times best-selling book, After Camelot, as a miniseries. It will be his second television miniseries, the first airing on NBC in 2000 and based on his book, Jackie, Ethel, Joan.
Through his newly formed J. Randy Taraborrelli Productions, Taraborrelli is currently developing and producing a number of television projects.
Taraborrelli, who has written eighteen books (including updated and expanded editions), has had fourteen of them appear on the New York Times best seller list, the most recent of which was 2014's The Hiltons - The True Story of an American Dynasty. His first best seller was Call Her Miss Ross in 1989. His 2009 biography of Marilyn Monroe - The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe - made a re-appearance on the e-books best-seller list at number two in the summer of 2012.
In November of 2012, it was announced that Reelz cable channel had optioned Taraborrelli's New York Times best-selling book, After Camelot, as a miniseries. It will be his second television miniseries, the first airing on NBC in 2000 and based on his book, Jackie, Ethel, Joan.
Through his newly formed J. Randy Taraborrelli Productions, Taraborrelli is currently developing and producing a number of television projects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 25, 2017
Diana Ross with all her flaws -- the Motown goddess of soul music exposed!
J. Randy Taraborrelli is a unique celebrity journalist. Read any one of his Motown books and you can see he genuinely worships the artists and the music that sprang from urban black America in the mid 20th century. His enthusiasm and committment are undeniable.
Unfortunately, as a writer J. Randy lacks any kind of charisma or style, much less a coherent philosophy or agenda. He's like the six o'clock news -- he has the sort of bland, neutral voice that makes it impossible to hold the reader's interest, even when he's detailing the most sensational scandals imaginable. (I never thought I'd say this, but he really makes me nostalgic for the passionate polemics of Dave Marsh, who certainly was no genius!)
From the evidence compiled here, Diana Ross is absolutely monstrous as a human being. From the very early days, she was cruel, selfish, and narcisstic, willing to ruin anyone's life in order to get ahead, and incapable of focusing on anything other than her own career. Even as America ignited in the Sixties, her own outlook remained unbelievably shallow and self-centered. J. Randy shows us all of this in excruciating detail -- but without ever moralizing, or even expressing shock.
Great facts, great research -- lousy writing.
J. Randy Taraborrelli is a unique celebrity journalist. Read any one of his Motown books and you can see he genuinely worships the artists and the music that sprang from urban black America in the mid 20th century. His enthusiasm and committment are undeniable.
Unfortunately, as a writer J. Randy lacks any kind of charisma or style, much less a coherent philosophy or agenda. He's like the six o'clock news -- he has the sort of bland, neutral voice that makes it impossible to hold the reader's interest, even when he's detailing the most sensational scandals imaginable. (I never thought I'd say this, but he really makes me nostalgic for the passionate polemics of Dave Marsh, who certainly was no genius!)
From the evidence compiled here, Diana Ross is absolutely monstrous as a human being. From the very early days, she was cruel, selfish, and narcisstic, willing to ruin anyone's life in order to get ahead, and incapable of focusing on anything other than her own career. Even as America ignited in the Sixties, her own outlook remained unbelievably shallow and self-centered. J. Randy shows us all of this in excruciating detail -- but without ever moralizing, or even expressing shock.
Great facts, great research -- lousy writing.
January 23, 2015
Diana Ross autobiography was a good long book.
I was never a fan of Diana’s but curious to all the rumors I heard about her. After reading her story her insecurity started with her
always wanting her father’s approval which is something she felt she never received.
Diana was a mess but it was her way of getting what she wanted and always being the center of attention. As long as she got what she wanted, no matter how she had to get it
even if it meant hurting her closes friends. No one was too big for Diana to step on. I didn’t care for her personality but after reading the book I can see how she was molded into
a person like that – insecure
I just wish she could have achieved her goal without mistreating people.( You don’t have to like everyone but you do have to deal with them. What comes around goes around.)
This book is over 700 pages. The story got a little slow in some chapters ( I was like ok I’m getting tired of her attitude can we move on )
The author did a good job in writing the story from the beginning of her career until the time of the book.
The story was detailed and insightful this really gave me the whole picture.
I applaud everything that Diana Ross has and what she went through before and during her career.
I was never a fan of Diana’s but curious to all the rumors I heard about her. After reading her story her insecurity started with her
always wanting her father’s approval which is something she felt she never received.
Diana was a mess but it was her way of getting what she wanted and always being the center of attention. As long as she got what she wanted, no matter how she had to get it
even if it meant hurting her closes friends. No one was too big for Diana to step on. I didn’t care for her personality but after reading the book I can see how she was molded into
a person like that – insecure
I just wish she could have achieved her goal without mistreating people.( You don’t have to like everyone but you do have to deal with them. What comes around goes around.)
This book is over 700 pages. The story got a little slow in some chapters ( I was like ok I’m getting tired of her attitude can we move on )
The author did a good job in writing the story from the beginning of her career until the time of the book.
The story was detailed and insightful this really gave me the whole picture.
I applaud everything that Diana Ross has and what she went through before and during her career.
August 29, 2015
J. Randy Taraborrelli has totally rewritten, expanded and updated his 1989 bio CAL HER MISS ROSS to create what is now truly a definitive biography. The new book boasts epic research, including extensive interviews with Ross and virtually all the major people in her life (his enviable first-hand access began in the 1970s when he started an international fan club for the Supremes and later worked for Mary Wilson).
This time out, there is more background about the early Supremes years that yields a complex and fascinating tale of ambition, ego, insecurities and harsh showbiz realities. Taraborrelli delves more deeply into Ross's psyche, allowing readers to fully appreciate her drive to escape Detroit and conquer the music world.
The book also benefits greatly from Taraborrelli's thoughtful analysis of conflicting viewpoints represented in published memoirs by Ross, Wilson, Berry Gordy, and a slew of Motown performers. It's to Taraborrelli's credit that he refuses to cast people as one-dimensional heroes, victims or villains.
This riveting page-turner is actually a tribute to a woman who has survived and thrived for more than four decades in a profession littered with one-hit wonders.
This time out, there is more background about the early Supremes years that yields a complex and fascinating tale of ambition, ego, insecurities and harsh showbiz realities. Taraborrelli delves more deeply into Ross's psyche, allowing readers to fully appreciate her drive to escape Detroit and conquer the music world.
The book also benefits greatly from Taraborrelli's thoughtful analysis of conflicting viewpoints represented in published memoirs by Ross, Wilson, Berry Gordy, and a slew of Motown performers. It's to Taraborrelli's credit that he refuses to cast people as one-dimensional heroes, victims or villains.
This riveting page-turner is actually a tribute to a woman who has survived and thrived for more than four decades in a profession littered with one-hit wonders.
September 7, 2023
I never wanted to know THAT much about Diana Ross. It could have been a great biography, but it is just too long and not objectively written. It is not a good biography at all.
Read
January 3, 2015A very thorough biography of the Queen of Motown
Diana Ross: A Biography by J. Randy Taraborelli is an exceptional biography of one of the greatest singer's of all time.
For many, Diana Ross's reputation precedes her. She's often been characterized as a difficult and demanding diva. Certainly, one of the infamous legends attached to her is her request to only be addressed as Miss Ross. Others would cite her putting herself ahead of the other members of The Supremes in order to advance her career as the height of her diva behavior.
And to an extent, her reputation for diva-ish behavior was accurate. But in this book we learn why she acted the way she did and that she was much more complex then her reputation would suggest. She was just being herself and dealing with the fame her singing career brought her as best she knew how. The relationship between her and Berry Gordy and his aspirations for her only added to the mix.
Most people don't appreciate her struggle from being a kid from Detroit to becoming famous during the Civil Rights era. She was one of the few breakthrough artists of that era, appealing to white people as well as black. And she also dealt with the issues that the South struggled with during this time, while on tour, facing racism head on. She was also one of the few leading ladies on the silver screen that wasn't white.
I learned so much about Miss Ross from this book. Some of the stories are familiar, but many I've never heard. Taraborelli does an excellent job of showing how Diana went from a typical teen to the Queen of Motown. It is very much worth a read. Taraborelli has a love for Miss Ross, but is not afraid to put out the truth. He also gives us context to her behavior, giving us a better understanding of what made Diana tick and why she acted the way she did.
No matter the odds or what some people said, Diana persevered and made her dreams come true. And while her life has had its ups and downs (just like the rest of us), she never stopped trying. Her journey is something we all could learn from. And this book will show you the way. By the end, you'll not only appreciate Diana's music, but how she got where she is. And you'll believe that you can make your dreams come true.
Diana Ross: A Biography by J. Randy Taraborelli is an exceptional biography of one of the greatest singer's of all time.
For many, Diana Ross's reputation precedes her. She's often been characterized as a difficult and demanding diva. Certainly, one of the infamous legends attached to her is her request to only be addressed as Miss Ross. Others would cite her putting herself ahead of the other members of The Supremes in order to advance her career as the height of her diva behavior.
And to an extent, her reputation for diva-ish behavior was accurate. But in this book we learn why she acted the way she did and that she was much more complex then her reputation would suggest. She was just being herself and dealing with the fame her singing career brought her as best she knew how. The relationship between her and Berry Gordy and his aspirations for her only added to the mix.
Most people don't appreciate her struggle from being a kid from Detroit to becoming famous during the Civil Rights era. She was one of the few breakthrough artists of that era, appealing to white people as well as black. And she also dealt with the issues that the South struggled with during this time, while on tour, facing racism head on. She was also one of the few leading ladies on the silver screen that wasn't white.
I learned so much about Miss Ross from this book. Some of the stories are familiar, but many I've never heard. Taraborelli does an excellent job of showing how Diana went from a typical teen to the Queen of Motown. It is very much worth a read. Taraborelli has a love for Miss Ross, but is not afraid to put out the truth. He also gives us context to her behavior, giving us a better understanding of what made Diana tick and why she acted the way she did.
No matter the odds or what some people said, Diana persevered and made her dreams come true. And while her life has had its ups and downs (just like the rest of us), she never stopped trying. Her journey is something we all could learn from. And this book will show you the way. By the end, you'll not only appreciate Diana's music, but how she got where she is. And you'll believe that you can make your dreams come true.
July 16, 2018
In 1982 a friend and I had the chance to catch Diana Ross in action as she...
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October 1, 2008
The author/biographer got his start as a writer for fanzines and it certainly shows in this book. The writing quality is sometimes pedestrian and he easily weaves back and forth from biography to hagiography. From critiqueing to cheerleading. With those caveats I will say that I loved this book. Its a book that probably only those of a certain generation will. Those like me who grew up to a Motown soundtrack. And its queen D. Ross. Anytime a book can describe a song and the events that surrounded it and then have me singing those long forgotten lyrics in the shower the next day is a powerful book. Dredging up reels of Ed Sullivan, Flip Wilson, and Hootanny TV shows from the back of my mind. Love or hate D. Ross her place in history is undeniable. And what a life it is. If you like me start reading the book with generally negative feelings about her you are likely to be a tad more sympathetic by the end.
October 1, 2020
What an expose into the life and career of Diana Ross. Nice read.
August 25, 2014
OK I'm biased. In my opinion Diana Ross has sung some of the greatest songs of all time and had a truly unique and wonderful voice. Demonised for pursuing a solo career - why, because she was a woman? Men who leave groups to do so don't get that kind of backlash. The Supremes would never have been the phenomenon they were without her. She also played a huge part in racial integration with her cross over success but that is rarely mentioned.
The book gives a lot of interesting information, particularly about the early years, and is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in her. I would have enjoyed to hear more about her music and the author never really answers the question of who she really is, though perhaps none, other than her family, will ever know that.
The book gives a lot of interesting information, particularly about the early years, and is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in her. I would have enjoyed to hear more about her music and the author never really answers the question of who she really is, though perhaps none, other than her family, will ever know that.
May 29, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
I never saw the fascination about Diana Ross. Could never really get into her. And trust me, I have tried to no avail. The times that I have tried to get into her career and her as a person, I just found that I disliked her really. Sleeping your way to the top and stepping on your “friends” necks to get ahead is far from humble and admirable to me.
The first time I watched “Dreamgirls” was in 2025. The movie came out Christmas 2006. I was in the 6th grade, but didn’t see it and my parents didn’t talk about it so there was nothing for me to care about.
I didn’t watch it until 2025 because I realized it is considered a “black classic” and it’s important that I watch it. I heard about the similarities between the characters and The Supremes and had to do my own research. As far as I’m concerned, “Dreamgirls” is a biopic. And it added to one of the new reasons I didn’t like Diana.
The first reason was her “mother, lover, sister” relationship with my fave, Michael Jackson. I always thought that was weird.
I have to admit that what made me read this book was the “Michael” biopic.
Because of Diana Ross, many scenes were cut which led to the final version we have now. Because of those scenes being cut, the movie seems to jump all over the place with Michael’s life. And in my opinion, it’s not fair to Michael’s story.
I looked forward to potentially seeing Michael film “The Wiz” with his costar. I looked forward to seeing his gained independence in NYC in his apartment shared with LaToya. I looked forward to seeing his friendship with Diana Ross which got him to meet with Quincy to eventually get to “Off The Wall.” But because Diana wanted scenes with her in it cut, we got what’s in theaters now.
As a Michael Jackson fan, I have to admit that I feel cheated. I feel like Michael’s biopic was cheated. And yet again, i have another reason I dislike Diana Ross.
Because of that, I picked up this book in hopes of filling in those gaps.
To learn why maybe I shouldn’t dislike her.
Maybe she’s a good person after all.
What was her life like?
What made her the person that she is today?
And maybe I’m just a weirdo who doesn’t like someone I’ve never met before 🤷🏽♀️
It’s not completely fair for me to pick up a Diana Ross biography to find parts that talk about Michael Jackson. But whatever relationship they had is why Michael Jackson was the person he was.
She was influential in his life and I wanted to learn more about that outside of through his story. I wanted to learn about it from her side of things.
Michael was mentioned little in this biography, which i was actually surprised about. He has one section in the book which discusses him declining attending Diana and Arne’s wedding. Diana talks about his recent surgery and how he needs to stop messing with his face. When she’s told he’s trying to look like her, she rebuts by saying “I look like THAT?”
It’s noted how crushed Michael is about Diana marrying Arne. Prior to this section, we don’t know ANYTHING about their relationship. There’s a small bit that discusses Michael telling J. Randy that he would like to marry Diana, but they never had a romantic relationship.
Diana helped raise Michael in the Jackson 5 days. He did live with her for a while, after all (J. Randy has a whole section dedicated to Michael moving into Diana’s house in his book “Michael Jackson: The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story,” but completely omits it in this Diana Ross biography). Ain’t no tellin’ how long he lived with her, but between that and the time they spent together (amongst other times) during The Wiz, ain’t no way you’re telling me something didn’t allegedly happen for Michael to years later say in his 1988 autobiography, “she was my mother, my lover, and my sister all combined in one amazing person.” We ain’t dumb.
All of their relationship in this book was omitted.
And in connection to the cut scenes in Michael’s biopic, it almost seems like everything related to Michael Jackson Diana wants omitted in one way shape or form.
This woman has a tightly controlled narrative on her life, even though we see through the bs.
It’s also important to note that Diana Ross’s skin lightening is omitted from this biography as well.
Around 1995, she appears much lighter than the beautiful dark skin woman she was when she debuted. Comparing photos of 1969 Diana Ross to 2025 Diana Ross is quite interesting. Seems she wanted to be as light as her children.
I was hoping to get to that part in the book, but again the author omitted it. Granted Michael had vitiligo, but his skin lightening was talked about openly in his biography. Diana’s random skin lightening (for no medical reason it seems) is just skipped right on over.
And how ironic is it that she lightened her skin (“like” Michael Jackson), but years earlier wanted Michael to stop messing with his face and said, “I look like THAT?!” Girl. 😒
Outside of everything Michael Jackson, this book just confirms that she slept her way to the top.
Betrayed her friends.
And stepped on others to get to where she is today.
I have learned that being nice in this world gets you nowhere. But clearly being a “bitch” has made Diana legendary.
Justice for Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard.
While I am a fan of Motown, Berry was a predator (allegedly).
Once again, J. Randy Taraborrelli wrote a fantastic book. His writing inspires me daily.
I feel bad for rating this lower than a 4, but I only did it because of certain things I looked forward to reading about that just weren’t there.
After reading this lengthy book, I still don’t see the hype.
Diana can’t really sing either, so I REALLY don’t get what it is about her.
Guess it just pays to sleep with the boss to become THEE Diana Ross.
I never saw the fascination about Diana Ross. Could never really get into her. And trust me, I have tried to no avail. The times that I have tried to get into her career and her as a person, I just found that I disliked her really. Sleeping your way to the top and stepping on your “friends” necks to get ahead is far from humble and admirable to me.
The first time I watched “Dreamgirls” was in 2025. The movie came out Christmas 2006. I was in the 6th grade, but didn’t see it and my parents didn’t talk about it so there was nothing for me to care about.
I didn’t watch it until 2025 because I realized it is considered a “black classic” and it’s important that I watch it. I heard about the similarities between the characters and The Supremes and had to do my own research. As far as I’m concerned, “Dreamgirls” is a biopic. And it added to one of the new reasons I didn’t like Diana.
The first reason was her “mother, lover, sister” relationship with my fave, Michael Jackson. I always thought that was weird.
I have to admit that what made me read this book was the “Michael” biopic.
Because of Diana Ross, many scenes were cut which led to the final version we have now. Because of those scenes being cut, the movie seems to jump all over the place with Michael’s life. And in my opinion, it’s not fair to Michael’s story.
I looked forward to potentially seeing Michael film “The Wiz” with his costar. I looked forward to seeing his gained independence in NYC in his apartment shared with LaToya. I looked forward to seeing his friendship with Diana Ross which got him to meet with Quincy to eventually get to “Off The Wall.” But because Diana wanted scenes with her in it cut, we got what’s in theaters now.
As a Michael Jackson fan, I have to admit that I feel cheated. I feel like Michael’s biopic was cheated. And yet again, i have another reason I dislike Diana Ross.
Because of that, I picked up this book in hopes of filling in those gaps.
To learn why maybe I shouldn’t dislike her.
Maybe she’s a good person after all.
What was her life like?
What made her the person that she is today?
And maybe I’m just a weirdo who doesn’t like someone I’ve never met before 🤷🏽♀️
It’s not completely fair for me to pick up a Diana Ross biography to find parts that talk about Michael Jackson. But whatever relationship they had is why Michael Jackson was the person he was.
She was influential in his life and I wanted to learn more about that outside of through his story. I wanted to learn about it from her side of things.
Michael was mentioned little in this biography, which i was actually surprised about. He has one section in the book which discusses him declining attending Diana and Arne’s wedding. Diana talks about his recent surgery and how he needs to stop messing with his face. When she’s told he’s trying to look like her, she rebuts by saying “I look like THAT?”
It’s noted how crushed Michael is about Diana marrying Arne. Prior to this section, we don’t know ANYTHING about their relationship. There’s a small bit that discusses Michael telling J. Randy that he would like to marry Diana, but they never had a romantic relationship.
Diana helped raise Michael in the Jackson 5 days. He did live with her for a while, after all (J. Randy has a whole section dedicated to Michael moving into Diana’s house in his book “Michael Jackson: The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story,” but completely omits it in this Diana Ross biography). Ain’t no tellin’ how long he lived with her, but between that and the time they spent together (amongst other times) during The Wiz, ain’t no way you’re telling me something didn’t allegedly happen for Michael to years later say in his 1988 autobiography, “she was my mother, my lover, and my sister all combined in one amazing person.” We ain’t dumb.
All of their relationship in this book was omitted.
And in connection to the cut scenes in Michael’s biopic, it almost seems like everything related to Michael Jackson Diana wants omitted in one way shape or form.
This woman has a tightly controlled narrative on her life, even though we see through the bs.
It’s also important to note that Diana Ross’s skin lightening is omitted from this biography as well.
Around 1995, she appears much lighter than the beautiful dark skin woman she was when she debuted. Comparing photos of 1969 Diana Ross to 2025 Diana Ross is quite interesting. Seems she wanted to be as light as her children.
I was hoping to get to that part in the book, but again the author omitted it. Granted Michael had vitiligo, but his skin lightening was talked about openly in his biography. Diana’s random skin lightening (for no medical reason it seems) is just skipped right on over.
And how ironic is it that she lightened her skin (“like” Michael Jackson), but years earlier wanted Michael to stop messing with his face and said, “I look like THAT?!” Girl. 😒
Outside of everything Michael Jackson, this book just confirms that she slept her way to the top.
Betrayed her friends.
And stepped on others to get to where she is today.
I have learned that being nice in this world gets you nowhere. But clearly being a “bitch” has made Diana legendary.
Justice for Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard.
While I am a fan of Motown, Berry was a predator (allegedly).
Once again, J. Randy Taraborrelli wrote a fantastic book. His writing inspires me daily.
I feel bad for rating this lower than a 4, but I only did it because of certain things I looked forward to reading about that just weren’t there.
After reading this lengthy book, I still don’t see the hype.
Diana can’t really sing either, so I REALLY don’t get what it is about her.
Guess it just pays to sleep with the boss to become THEE Diana Ross.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2012
What was I thinking when seeing the book in the library, some profound disection of Ms. Ross, an in depth look into her life, well after many chapters of trashing Ms Ross, it seems, she was destined to be a "Diva" and no one in this world was going to stop her not even "in the name of love" Did not realize she had several children, not that it mattered, I believe, according to Taraborelli she chose her life,determined that any focus would be on her, and I believe it has its own rewards, by no one wanting to be around you. but hey she had a pretty good life, never did like her singing voice...
March 12, 2018
This updated bio from Randy Taraborrelli isn't bad. In fact I would venture to say it's good. I've had my negative feelings for Taraborrelli over the years, especially after reading Call Her Miss Ross when it was first published. At that time part of me felt like a protective fan ready to be Ross's bodyguard against people trying to cash in on her life; the other part was happy to have something to balance out Mary Wilson's scathing and one-sided view points in her memoirs: Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme. Even after I realized that Mary basically published her diaries that she kept since she was 17, it still felt like cherry picked indictments against my favorite singer Ross.
Randy did help to balance Mary by filling in parts that Mary conveniently left out, like how the ousting of Flo wasn't a Diana-Berry soapy drama, it was a Diana/Mary/Berry trio, and to be completely objective, Flo herself. Even a man on Pluto could see how that chapter would end. I also liked that he included Diana's lending money to Mary when she needed it, and the fact they were friends up until Mary's memoirs, even after the Motown 25 mess. Quite honestly, in the Mary/Diana story, they both have equal parts to blame (which Randy also covers). Despite Mary's shenanigans about Ross, it's clear to any observer that she admired her childhood best friend, and even borrowed some of her best qualities when she (Mary) fought to keep the Supremes going in the 70's, fought Motown for the rights to own the Supremes name, and fought for her own survival in a very tough business. In hindsight, if Diana and Mary had spoken and maybe spent some time together (not much lol), but some, the Supremes segment of Motown 25, Mary's memoirs, and Diana's Return to Love tour would have all turned out differently. In the former, Mary would have dressed in black/white like Diana and Cindy Birdsong; she wouldn't have purposely had her mic turned up so she could over sing Diana, and all 3 would have stood on stage together after all agreeing and practicing before hand. In the latter, Mary's scathing memoirs would have included some friendship talk with Ross and a more balanced view of the past and present, and the Return to Love Tour wouldn't have been a Ross and replacements show, or even a Ross and all 6 other living members of the Supremes (which was actually a concept at one point). It would have been Diana, Mary, and Cindy in a tour de force concert, celebrating both the Supremes 40th anniversary, and Diana's 30th anniversary as a solo act. An entire generation of fans (both Gen X and Gen Y) as well as baby boomers would have paid the top dollar ($250) to see this once in a lifetime event. Till this day, some fans still talk about what could have been. Many of whom would have seen Diana, Mary, and Cindy perform live for the first time. I personally saw the RTL tour in Philly and bought 2 top dollar tickets for myself and my mother and we loved every minute of it, but before that show started practically all the fans in my row of pristine seats were lamenting about not seeing Mary and Cindy.
Randy's probably the best biographer I've read of Ross. That's a hard task for anyone, because I've always seen Diana as an extremely private, pragmatic, and perhaps a little too inflexible person when it comes to telling her story. I knew her memoirs Secrets of a Sparrow would be a good read, most likely positive and inspirational, but I also knew it wouldn't be very candid. It's not in her DNA. I thought that before the book came out, and kept that opinion after I read it. Supremes' childhood fan Tony Turner had an interesting bio of the Supremes called All That Glittered, that was soapy and borrowed from Mary's memoirs, but it was clear he loooved Flo. To the point that it's not clear what was truth and what was hyperbole in his book. That leaves Randy's bio. In Call Her Miss Ross, there was way too much editorializing for my comfort. When you're reading a bio, most of the time you want to read it like a fly on the wall observing these past events. You're not always looking for the author to insert his opinion on just about everything. It's distracting at best. I think Randy did a much better job with that in this updated bio of Diana. He covers 4 full chapters of her life (childhood, Supremes, Solo, and Post 80's).
This book covers everything up to 2014. To know that since 2014, at the age of 70, Ross has also received the American Musican Awards Lifetime Achievement award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and set a new record of attendance at Brooklyn's renovated King's Theater, and residency in Las Vegas, went to number 1 again on the itunes dance charts, and created a hugely successful perfume fragrance, are all testaments to her enduring talent and legendary status.
Randy did help to balance Mary by filling in parts that Mary conveniently left out, like how the ousting of Flo wasn't a Diana-Berry soapy drama, it was a Diana/Mary/Berry trio, and to be completely objective, Flo herself. Even a man on Pluto could see how that chapter would end. I also liked that he included Diana's lending money to Mary when she needed it, and the fact they were friends up until Mary's memoirs, even after the Motown 25 mess. Quite honestly, in the Mary/Diana story, they both have equal parts to blame (which Randy also covers). Despite Mary's shenanigans about Ross, it's clear to any observer that she admired her childhood best friend, and even borrowed some of her best qualities when she (Mary) fought to keep the Supremes going in the 70's, fought Motown for the rights to own the Supremes name, and fought for her own survival in a very tough business. In hindsight, if Diana and Mary had spoken and maybe spent some time together (not much lol), but some, the Supremes segment of Motown 25, Mary's memoirs, and Diana's Return to Love tour would have all turned out differently. In the former, Mary would have dressed in black/white like Diana and Cindy Birdsong; she wouldn't have purposely had her mic turned up so she could over sing Diana, and all 3 would have stood on stage together after all agreeing and practicing before hand. In the latter, Mary's scathing memoirs would have included some friendship talk with Ross and a more balanced view of the past and present, and the Return to Love Tour wouldn't have been a Ross and replacements show, or even a Ross and all 6 other living members of the Supremes (which was actually a concept at one point). It would have been Diana, Mary, and Cindy in a tour de force concert, celebrating both the Supremes 40th anniversary, and Diana's 30th anniversary as a solo act. An entire generation of fans (both Gen X and Gen Y) as well as baby boomers would have paid the top dollar ($250) to see this once in a lifetime event. Till this day, some fans still talk about what could have been. Many of whom would have seen Diana, Mary, and Cindy perform live for the first time. I personally saw the RTL tour in Philly and bought 2 top dollar tickets for myself and my mother and we loved every minute of it, but before that show started practically all the fans in my row of pristine seats were lamenting about not seeing Mary and Cindy.
Randy's probably the best biographer I've read of Ross. That's a hard task for anyone, because I've always seen Diana as an extremely private, pragmatic, and perhaps a little too inflexible person when it comes to telling her story. I knew her memoirs Secrets of a Sparrow would be a good read, most likely positive and inspirational, but I also knew it wouldn't be very candid. It's not in her DNA. I thought that before the book came out, and kept that opinion after I read it. Supremes' childhood fan Tony Turner had an interesting bio of the Supremes called All That Glittered, that was soapy and borrowed from Mary's memoirs, but it was clear he loooved Flo. To the point that it's not clear what was truth and what was hyperbole in his book. That leaves Randy's bio. In Call Her Miss Ross, there was way too much editorializing for my comfort. When you're reading a bio, most of the time you want to read it like a fly on the wall observing these past events. You're not always looking for the author to insert his opinion on just about everything. It's distracting at best. I think Randy did a much better job with that in this updated bio of Diana. He covers 4 full chapters of her life (childhood, Supremes, Solo, and Post 80's).
This book covers everything up to 2014. To know that since 2014, at the age of 70, Ross has also received the American Musican Awards Lifetime Achievement award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and set a new record of attendance at Brooklyn's renovated King's Theater, and residency in Las Vegas, went to number 1 again on the itunes dance charts, and created a hugely successful perfume fragrance, are all testaments to her enduring talent and legendary status.
February 3, 2019
This book stops short at three stars because the book itself stops short. I read the 1989 version, only finding out afterwards there's an updated follow-up bio of some sort by the same author. That version may be more recent, but it wasn't exactly written a year or two ago either. Today, Diana Ross still entertains but has quietly and respectfully stepped away from the spotlight, and she's greatly respected as one of the best celebrity moms in the business (read Lucky Me by Shirley MacLaine's daughter for the opposite end in that department). Call Her Miss Ross fills you in on a lot of details, but most everyone is portrayed without that much dimension, making the book a bit monotonous. Berry Gordy the mercurial, manipulative genius behind Motown, Mary Wilson the embittered Supreme who felt slighted when Diana's talent and leadership eclipsed hers, Florence the substance abuser who couldn't handle fame, Cindy the cooperative back-up singer who knew from the start that Diana was the star, and so on. Miss Ross, thankfully, comes off with more than one note: charitable, driven, at times insecure, and a bit humorless. A singer without that much range or formal training who had charisma, style and star quality.
SOMES SPOILERS: What I learned from Call Her . . . was that she never married Berry Gordy and that, in spite of her being the ultimate queen bee of Motown and so identified with the African-American experience, both of her marriages were bi-racial. By book's end she's still married to her second husband, the wealthy Swiss shipping magnate Arne Naess, but they later divorced and shortly after that he met his untimely demise in a mountain climbing accident. Also of note was that she named her daughter after the Indian spice chutney but spelled in wrong on her birth certificate (spelling it Chudney) and left it that way. And I never knew how much she envied, admired and emulated Barbra Streisand's career: Lady Sings the Blues was her version of Funny Girl, and Barbra's legendary concert in Central Park paved the way for Diana to do the same some fifteen years later. And let's not even get started with the gowns!
SOMES SPOILERS: What I learned from Call Her . . . was that she never married Berry Gordy and that, in spite of her being the ultimate queen bee of Motown and so identified with the African-American experience, both of her marriages were bi-racial. By book's end she's still married to her second husband, the wealthy Swiss shipping magnate Arne Naess, but they later divorced and shortly after that he met his untimely demise in a mountain climbing accident. Also of note was that she named her daughter after the Indian spice chutney but spelled in wrong on her birth certificate (spelling it Chudney) and left it that way. And I never knew how much she envied, admired and emulated Barbra Streisand's career: Lady Sings the Blues was her version of Funny Girl, and Barbra's legendary concert in Central Park paved the way for Diana to do the same some fifteen years later. And let's not even get started with the gowns!
February 22, 2024
I previously read Diana's autobiography, "Secrets of a Sparrow" and was disappointed by how few secrets were actually revealed. Little did I know at the time, the real secrets are revealed in this 500 page exposé of Diana's life – including the good and the bad. I learned so much about her time with The Supremes, the inner-workings of Motown, and the state of Black music in the 60's and 70's. What an incredibly detailed and well-researched story of her incredible life.
A newspaper reporter from the Las Vegas News Bureau interviewed The Supremes in Diana's room. The reporter first asked Mary and Florence questions. Both gave charming answers. He then turned to the lead singer and asked, "What do you think, Diana?" She was about to answer when (Berry) Gordy suddenly blurted out, "Miss Ross." Diana, thinking she was being addressed, gave Berry a quizzical glance. Berry jabbed his finger at the reporter. "Miss Ross. Call her Miss Ross." After an uncomfortable silence, the reporter carefully rephrased his query: "And what do you think – Miss Ross?"
A newspaper reporter from the Las Vegas News Bureau interviewed The Supremes in Diana's room. The reporter first asked Mary and Florence questions. Both gave charming answers. He then turned to the lead singer and asked, "What do you think, Diana?" She was about to answer when (Berry) Gordy suddenly blurted out, "Miss Ross." Diana, thinking she was being addressed, gave Berry a quizzical glance. Berry jabbed his finger at the reporter. "Miss Ross. Call her Miss Ross." After an uncomfortable silence, the reporter carefully rephrased his query: "And what do you think – Miss Ross?"
May 23, 2024
Randy is a little too catty about music legends and Ross contemporaries, such as Mary Wilson and Michael Jackson, but I appreciate how thorough and comprehensive this survey of Diana Ross - ahem, Miss Ross's - life is. It has sales statistics, something I've always been interested in for singers, as well as testimonies from a wide variety of Ross affiliates and peers. Reading this made me apprciate Diana Ross on an even deeper level, and realize how important she is to me as a singer, and also how deeply I love her take on Ain't No Mountain High Enough. I think the bigger drawback to this reading experience was how gossipy Randy's journalism happened to be. I think the book would've been stronger if Randy hadn't talked so disrespectfully about Michael Jackson.
January 5, 2024
My Mom was a huge fan of the Supremes, especially Diana Ross. I grew up with her poster in the room that I slept in. I did not know much about her except that I remember her Superbowl HalfTime performance, and my Dad was absolutely pleased with her fantastic show.
This non-fiction account explains Miss Ross's background, rise to fame, and the mystery around her. While some questioned her practices, nobody can deny her brilliance to remain at the top of her profession in an industry that can be extremely tough to thrive in.
It is an informative read for people curious about an icon that still captures the hearts of the Motown era.
This non-fiction account explains Miss Ross's background, rise to fame, and the mystery around her. While some questioned her practices, nobody can deny her brilliance to remain at the top of her profession in an industry that can be extremely tough to thrive in.
It is an informative read for people curious about an icon that still captures the hearts of the Motown era.
September 8, 2025
I found this an engrossing read. I was never much of a fan, but the book delves into her home life, her relationships (with Smoky Robinson and Berry Gordy, as well as both of her husbands, as well as with the original Supremes, especially Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson), and, most interesting, an intimate look at the Motown machine -- created from the ground up by the one and only Berry Gordy. This has to be a particular time and place; otherwise, it would have been a different story.
This is the third of the author's books on the superstar, but the earliest of his that I've read. As always, it is thoroughly researched and documented.
This is the third of the author's books on the superstar, but the earliest of his that I've read. As always, it is thoroughly researched and documented.
March 24, 2021
The Enduring Perfection Of Miss Ross Rides Again
Four Stars for it carrying on the same topics as the two previous books, enlarged thankfully with additions of her grown family and last ex husband.
Enthusiastically written, lots of details about the main subject as well as her music, performances and the personnel tasked to sing with her, dress and style her, everything and everyone involved in her career and life for decades. The chapter additions at the end of the book plus the extensive bibliography make this a great finale of books about Miss Ross.
Four Stars for it carrying on the same topics as the two previous books, enlarged thankfully with additions of her grown family and last ex husband.
Enthusiastically written, lots of details about the main subject as well as her music, performances and the personnel tasked to sing with her, dress and style her, everything and everyone involved in her career and life for decades. The chapter additions at the end of the book plus the extensive bibliography make this a great finale of books about Miss Ross.
August 1, 2019
Biased
The author really seemed biased in his writing. He was almost as far up Diana’s behind as Berry Gordy. He offered weak excuses for the horrible way she treated everyone. Yes Diane was talented that you cannot deny but whose to say Flo would not have been as great if given the opportunity. What BG and DR did to Florence is horrific. I would been mad too if i were Flo. Her not being happy and complaining about Bery Gordy being so obsessive is the karma she invited
The author really seemed biased in his writing. He was almost as far up Diana’s behind as Berry Gordy. He offered weak excuses for the horrible way she treated everyone. Yes Diane was talented that you cannot deny but whose to say Flo would not have been as great if given the opportunity. What BG and DR did to Florence is horrific. I would been mad too if i were Flo. Her not being happy and complaining about Bery Gordy being so obsessive is the karma she invited
June 19, 2021
A fun book to read, if not exactly a major literary exercise in music criticism. J. Randy is a Miss Ross fan and that is apparent. Funnest parts are the bits about Gene Simmons and Ryan O’Neal, also the recurring quote “Don’t you (INSERT CHARACTER’S NAME) me!” which just about every character says in anger at one point or another. It is short Michael Jackson material, but the author’s later bio of Jacko makes up for that.
December 1, 2025
Diana Ross. THE LEGEND!!! I loved this book, very insightful and well researched! Miss Ross may have been difficult, but she is a trailblazer and a complete BAD ASS. As a human, we are never all right or all wrong! I am a firm believer that EVERYTHING happens for a reason AND when it is supposed to! Diana - Motown Royalty!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 26, 2019
A fascinating and enthralling portrayal of a complex personality written with love and respect. For the truth.
I grew
up with Motown and it's enduring musical legacy. the Supremes remain my favorite group and the biography of Diana enlightened their.story.
I grew
up with Motown and it's enduring musical legacy. the Supremes remain my favorite group and the biography of Diana enlightened their.story.
July 24, 2018
i really enjoyed learning about the hometown girl Diana Ross, but the writing was just not great, felt like a newspaper story.
February 10, 2019
Another I couldn’t get into......reading about how Diana Ross was so up herself got to be boring but could also explain why I never liked her.....only cared about herself.....
July 14, 2019
Enjoyable read
Interesting book I enjoyed it though it read like a very long tabloid article. I guess there wasn’t any other way to write such a book though
Interesting book I enjoyed it though it read like a very long tabloid article. I guess there wasn’t any other way to write such a book though
October 11, 2019
Not a very good book
December 1, 2019
Gossipy and interesting.
Read
February 19, 2020I want to read this book and not letting me.
June 3, 2020
This book increased my respect for Diana Ross and reminded me of how much the Supremes' success changed attitudes.
September 6, 2020
Disappointing to be truthful. Very disappointing indeed. Lacked insight.
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