At 80 years old, Diana Ross remains one of the most celebrated and influential artists in the history of American music. With a career that spans more than six decades, she’s not only a musical legend but also a trailblazer in film, fashion, and pop culture. Her current net worth is estimated at $250 million, built through record-breaking success as both a member of The Supremes and as a solo artist.
From Detroit Dreams to Motown Stardom
Born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, Diana Ernestine Earle Ross was the second eldest of six children. She grew up in a working-class family, raised by parents Ernestine and Fred Ross, Sr. Her early years were marked by creative ambition. While attending Cass Technical High School, she studied design and tailoring, originally aiming to become a fashion designer.
That changed at 15, when Ross joined The Primettes, a girl group that evolved into The Supremes. After years of persistence, including unpaid vocal work and studio support at Motown, the group finally signed with the label in 1961. When they officially became The Supremes, Ross stood out for her stage presence and vocal strength.
The Supremes: A Reign Like No Other
As the lead singer of The Supremes, Ross helped the group become Motown’s most successful act of the 1960s, with 12 No. 1 Billboard hits including “Where Did Our Love Go” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” The trio dominated radio waves, broke racial barriers, and brought black female performers into mainstream American households.
In 1967, Motown rebranded the act as Diana Ross & The Supremes, cementing her position as the face of the group. By 1970, she exited to pursue a solo career, leaving behind a catalog that continues to inspire generations.
Solo Career and Unstoppable Success
Ross’s transition to solo stardom was seamless. Her debut solo album, Diana Ross (1970), produced the chart-topping “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Over the next few decades, she released over 25 studio albums and more than 90 singles, with multiple songs reaching the top of the Billboard charts. Hits like “Love Hangover,” “Upside Down,” and “Endless Love” cemented her reputation as a solo powerhouse.
In 1981, she signed a $20 million deal with RCA Records, which was the biggest recording contract in music history at the time. This came after two decades with Motown, from which she received a $250,000 severance.
Even into her later years, Ross has remained active. Her 2021 album Thank You earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. In 2023, she launched The Music Legacy Tour, celebrating her decades of number-one hits. Her influence clearly spans generations, with new fans discovering her timeless sound at each live performance.
Hollywood Highlights and Critical Acclaim
Ross’s talents didn’t stop at music. She took on acting in the early 1970s and made a stunning debut in Lady Sings the Blues (1972), portraying jazz legend Billie Holiday. The performance earned her an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe win.
She went on to star in Mahogany (1975) and The Wiz (1978), both of which became cultural touchstones. Her television work includes “Out of Darkness” (1994), where she portrayed a woman battling schizophrenia, and “Double Platinum” (1999), co-starring with Brandy.
Family, Relationships, and Personal Life
Ross has had a dynamic personal life, marked by both triumphs and tragedies. She was first romantically involved with Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, and they share a daughter, Rhonda Ross Kendrick. In 1971, she married music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein, who raised Rhonda as his own. With Silberstein, she had two more daughters: Tracee Ellis Ross (now a celebrated actress) and Chudney Ross.
After their divorce in 1977, Ross married Norwegian businessman Arne Næss Jr. in 1986. Together, they had two sons: Ross Arne and Evan Ross, the latter now an actor and musician married to Ashlee Simpson. Diana has five children and seven grandchildren and remains closely involved with her family, who often accompany her on tours or attend major events by her side.
Her second marriage ended in divorce in 2000 after reports of infidelity. Tragically, Arne Næss Jr. died in a mountain climbing accident in 2004.
Wealth, Property, and Enduring Legacy
With an estimated net worth of $250 million, Ross has earned her fortune through music sales, touring, film work, brand partnerships, and licensing. At one point in 2007, she listed her sprawling Greenwich, Connecticut mansion for $39.5 million. While it didn’t sell, the estate—spread over 5 waterfront acres—remains a significant asset in her portfolio.
Aside from real estate, Ross continues to generate revenue from catalog licensing, streaming, and live performances. Her musical legacy has proven timeless, with her influence clearly visible in artists from Beyoncé to Alicia Keys.
Awards and Honors
Over the years, Diana Ross has earned a long list of accolades. Among them are a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Kennedy Center Honor, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Barack Obama in 2016.
Her story is not just one of talent, but of resilience and reinvention. She helped redefine what it meant to be a black woman in entertainment, pushing past racial and industry barriers to shape music, fashion, and film.
Final Word
Diana Ross’s career isn’t just a highlight in music history—it’s a cornerstone. Her voice, vision, and relentless drive helped build the foundations of modern pop and soul music. With a legacy that spans over 60 years, and a family that carries her influence into the next generation, she continues to be a defining figure in American culture.
