Close
Current temperature in Boston - 62 °
BECOME A MEMBER
Get access to a personalized news feed, our newsletter and exclusive discounts on everything from shows to local restaurants, All for free.
Already a member? Sign in.
The Bay State Banner
BACK TO TOP
The Bay State Banner
POST AN AD SIGN IN

Trending Articles

Sarah-Ann Shaw, Boston's reporting legend, 90

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey honors first African American Master Distiller’s legacy

NAACP urges Black student-athletes to consider alternatives to Florida public schools

READ PRINT EDITION

5 questions: Diana Ross

Steve Duffy

International superstar and Queen of Motown Diana Ross is coming to Boston September 19. The music icon is one of the most successful female music artists in history. She has over 70 hit singles which includes her work with the Supremes and as a solo artist. She has also sold more than 100 million records worldwide.

What can your fans expect at the show? Will the show have all the hits throughout the years?

Diana Ross: I named the show “The Essential Diana Ross: Some Memories Never Fade,” so that the audience and my band and I can take a musical journey of memories, and create new memories. Each song reminds me of something, somewhere or someone. Music is magic. I love to sing and perform and every show feels like a celebration. It is all about the music and those private and personal memories: energy, pure love, excitement, joy — fun.

Having been in the music industry for so long, how do you still feel about touring?

DR: Touring to me, each place, even though I might be returning, feels brand new. And it’s like a new adventure. I tour because I enjoy it and I am having fun. I love to sing. I love performing before an audience and entertaining, it makes me feel good, and I do hope that the audience shares in that feel good feeling too. I have a wonderful backing band, rhythm section, horns, and singers, and we just have a good time on stage. My band and I have been together for a very long time. We’re like family. We enjoy each other’s company and really love to play, we have fun! We have a joyful time performing.

What’s the main focus of your offstage life these days?

DR: I love my time both on stage and off stage. But, when I am performing, there is a tremendous amount of energy with the audience, my band, and myself. I interact with the faces and eyes in front of me. It’s a really amazing feeling. It’s like a vibration, a flow.

When I am off stage, I really do enjoy having my private life. I live a very full life. I’m happy being here in this time in history, there’s so many good things happening in our world and I focus on the good things.

My favorite time of day is early mornings. I love to see the day began and I love the feeling of the morning quiet.

What is your favorite Diana Ross song to perform?

I like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “I Will Survive.” I love songs that have very positive energy and thought behind them.

What do you think is the reason/secret to your longevity in this industry?

DR: Love. You must love what you do and also keep your life balanced. I’m always balancing my travels and my family. My family is the most important priority to me. I have always felt it’s important to stay present, to stay in the moment. I never try to think about longevity or legacy. For me, if I could live a good life now, if I can do the things that bring me joy, if I can enjoy my children and grandchildren and enjoy performing…that is LOVE and that is my life.