Over the years, many prominent artists have made the most of their time in the spotlight by forming iconic groups as well as trying their hand at a solo career. One of the most well known women who has proven to be both influential and timeless in both areas is Diana Ross. Her refined style and prolonged impact on the music industry have inspired many people over the years, especially underrepresented groups including black women and the LGBTQ+ community.

The Supremes originally formed in 1959, but they had only minimal success during their first few years. Even after signing a record deal with Motown Records, the group faced backlash for being black, feminine women in the music industry. Despite being known as The “No-Hit” Supremes, Ross and the other girls continued to show unparalleled dedication and optimism. By the time they started to see significant success, with their hit song “Where Did Our Love Go” reaching #1 on the Pop and R&B Charts, Ross was singing all the lead vocals and gaining huge recognition as one of the defining voices in music at the time.

The group’s massive success continued well into the 60’s, reaching the top of the charts numerous times with memorable hits like “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “I Hear a Symphony.” Additionally, The Supremes made history in 1966 with their album “A’ Go-Go” being the first record produced by an all-female group to chart number one on Billboard’s 200 list. Despite rampant racism during this time, the classy and chic persona maintained by Ross and The Supremes increased enthusiasm and acceptance for black women in the music industry.

Diana Ross left The Supremes in 1970 to pursue a groundbreaking solo career. Her legendary cover of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” on her self-titled debut album catapulted this endeavor to immediate success. In 1979, songwriter Nile Rodgers, who worked extensively with Ross, was visiting a nightclub when he noticed a plethora of drag queens impersonating Diana Ross. Realizing the large LGBTQ+ fanbase that Ross had accumulated over the years, her team worked to write and record the queer anthem “I’m Coming Out,” that was later released in 1980. Despite apprehension about the song receiving negative feedback during a time of pronounced homophobia, the single peaked at number five on the pop charts and has been a gay pride staple ever since.

As a Soul Train Hall of Fame inductee, Billboard’s “Female Entertainer of the Century” and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, there is no doubt that Diana Ross has had an inordinate impact on the music industry for an incredible length of time. She has used her platform to raise other voices to stardom as well. One of the most notable instances was her role in helping Michael Jackson get his start with the Jackson 5. Their debut album, “Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5,” helped them rise to fame relatively quickly as people were immediately intrigued by Ross’ interest in this new group.

Diana Ross’ monumental impact on the music industry as well as her influence on the cultural and social fabric of America resonates with musicians and artists who continue to draw from her feminine mystique and the immeasurable strength she embodied throughout her career.