The PeopleAlchemist Edit: #theWomanAlchemist #Feature #womanofthemonth – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

Hello and welcome to another #TheWomanAlchemist monthly feature, talking about one of my lifetime inspirations and role models. This month Diana Ross.

That’s right: Diana Ross. The Boss, The Legend Miss Ross (if you haven’t noticed yet, I am biased, she is my girl crush par excellence). Since I can remember, I have been a fan and will continue to be, no matter what (did I say I have a massive girl crush on Diana Ross?). This month is also her birthday (26 March), so this is a perfect time to celebrate.

If you haven’t heard of or know who Diana Ross is, where have you been?? People on Mars probably know who she is.

SOME ACHIEVEMENTS

For the uninitiated a few points:

• 1970 – Ross, after a highly successful time with the Supremes, started a very successful career in music, film, television and on stage as a solo artist. Her debut solo album Diana produced two anthems, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (also U.S. #1) and “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand).”
• 1972 – Ross’s interpretation of Billie Holiday in Lady Sings The Blues (her first role) earned her a Golden Globe and a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actress; the soundtrack also became a #1 hit on the U.S. album chart.
• 1973 – “Touch Me in the Morning.” her second solo single became #1
• 1974 – She became the first African American woman to host the 46th Academy Awards.
• 1976 – Diana Ross was named Female Entertainer of the Century by Billboard. 
• 1980 – She released the self-titled album Diana including the pride anthem, “I’m Coming Out”, and her fifth #1 single in the U.S. – “Upside Down.”
• 1981 – Ross made history by signing a twenty million dollar (the most expensive at the time) recording contract with RCA. 
• 1982 – She was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 
• 1988 – Miss Ross was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 
• 2007 – She was the recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors. 
• 2012 – She Received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award; 
• 2016 – Ross was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Diana Ross is a legend: between topping the charts, acting, and championing gay rights, Diana Ross has reigned supreme. In 2019 she celebrated her 75th Diamond Jubilee (that’s right) in a star-studded concert.

AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH

Diana Ross’ influence is apparent in nearly all areas of the entertainment industry and beyond. However, her talent, style, and beauty are just a fraction of the many sides of the self-described lover and creator.

As a woman, her passion, enthusiasm, and ambition have spurred me on endlessly. I love her persistence. And I adore how she didn’t limit herself and think about all the barriers against her but kept on and broke barriers (rather than limiting her dreams).

I watched endless interviews and these are the key lessons I have learned and use – daily:

1. Be on time.
2. Work hard, do for yourself, and think for yourself
3. Make time for what matters, and family always matters.
4. You can have it all, but it won’t be perfect.
5. Show up for your own life, with joy

Here is an extract from an interview with Diana Ross about positivity and the power of the mind. Enjoy!

She is an inspiration to women and female entertainers everywhere and living proof that – as she put it – “…dreams do come true…”.

Happy Birthday, Miss Ross, and thank you from the bottom of my heart x.

Previous #TheWomanAlchemist feature blogs:

• Pam Grout
• Simone de Beauvoir
• Joanna Penn
• Ruth Sienkiewicz-Mercer
• Lorna Luxe
• Sunny Lenarduzzi
• Jamie K. Lima
• Brene Brown
• Rachel Hollis
• Melody Godfrey
• Marie Forleo
• Elaine Welteroth