On March 26, 2024, the legendary Ms. Diana Ross will turn 80 years old. Her story is one of survival, rule-breaking, overcoming adversity, glamour, hair, Motown, disco, and more comebacks than any other living pop star.
In this hour-long celebration of her life, we hear from a range of well-known artists who have been influenced by her legacy: the style, her ability to reinvent herself, the movies, the live performances, the voice, her position as a black female artist through an ever-changing world, the untouchable star quality… there is much to admire about Diana Ross’ story.
The all-star line-up of contributors sharing their memories is aptly A-list and includes Nicole Scherzinger, Sir Cliff Richard, Jane McDonald, Leona Lewis, Pete Waterman, Beverley Knight, Simon Le Bon, Lulu, Gabrielle, Billy Porter, Dame Kelly Holmes, Bananarama’s Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward, Marisha Wallace, Shaznay Lewis, Claire Richards of Steps, songwriter Amy Wadge, superfan Diane Carson from The Traitors series 2, plus Radio 2’s very own Tony Blackburn, Trevor Nelson, Michelle Visage and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, all sharing fascinating insights into how their lives have been touched by Diana Ross - and of course, it is soundtracked by some of her biggest hits spanning the last 60 years.
Also on BBC Sounds is another chance to hear Diana Ross at the BBC, with Diana in her own words telling the story of her youth, her years with The Supremes, the brave move away from Motown to launch her solo career, as well as working with Stevie Wonder and her famous performance playing Billie Holliday. The programme includes interviews from the BBC archives with Trevor McDonald,
Simon Bates, Terry Wogan and Chris Evans.
- Producer: Ste Softly for Listen
Publicity contact: KA