Overview
There is only one Diana Ross. And this is her story.Drawn from hundreds of interviews conducted over four decades and featuring rare, never-before-published photos, Diana Ross paints an unforgettable picture of an extraordinary and often controversial legend, a woman who has distinguished herself as a Civil Rights trailblazer, a temperamental celebrity (yes, you should call her "Miss Ross"), a loving and very present mother, and a consummate entertainer. Beautiful and fascinating, she is her own invention-the definition of a superstar.
Illuminated by unparalleled access, J. Randy Taraborrelli's insightful portrait surpasses previous biographies of Miss Ross. First-time revelations abound, from the tough decisions Diana made while having Barry Gordy's baby to her run-in with the police at Heathrow Airport to her triumphant recovery after a surprising drunk driving arrest. Taraborrelli also explains in vivid detail the real reasons behind the break up of the Supremes and relates the exclusive facts behind her complex romance with the founder of Motown. Delving deep into her personal history, Taraborrelli boldly explores Diana's troubled relationship with her family and the heartbreak she feels compelled to hide, bringing into focus a celebrated personality too often obscured by the bright lights of fame.
Despite years in the limelight, Diana Ross remains an enigmatic figure-a compelling paradox of vulnerability and iron will, fragility and strength. J. Randy Taraborrelli examines her private world to reveal a complex, inspiring, triumphant survivor in unprecedented clarity. Ladies and gentlemen, the incomparable, the one and only Diana Ross.
Editorials
Amy Alexander
Taraborrelli's play-by-play accounts of the Supremes' early years—and of Ross's earliest episodes of bad behavior—lare riveting. These are delivered straightforwardly, with Taraborrelli allowing other figures in Ross's life to comment on whether the instances of acting out represent the core of Ross's character.—The Washington Post
Publishers Weekly
Taraborrelli has totally rewritten, expanded and updated his 1989 bio Call Her Miss Rossto create what is now truly a definitive biography. The new book boasts epic research, including extensive interviews with Ross and virtually all the major people in her life (his enviable first-hand access began in the 1970s when he started an international fan club for the Supremes and later worked for Mary Wilson). This time out, there is more background about the early Supremes years that yields a complex and fascinating tale of ambition, ego, insecurities and harsh showbiz realities. Taraborrelli delves more deeply into Ross's psyche, allowing readers to fully appreciate her drive to escape Detroit and conquer the music world. The book also benefits greatly from Taraborrelli's thoughtful analysis of conflicting viewpoints represented in published memoirs by Ross, Wilson, Berry Gordy, and a slew of Motown performers. It's to Taraborrelli's credit that he refuses to cast people as one-dimensional heroes, victims or villains. This riveting page-turner is actually a tribute to a woman who has survived and thrived for more than four decades in a profession littered with one-hit wonders. 16-pages of photos. (Sept.)
Copyright 2007 Reed Business InformationLibrary Journal
One would think that Taraborrelli has an obsession with Diana Ross. His first book, Diana(1985), was a flattering fan's view; his second, Call Her Miss Ross(1989), was hailed by some for its documentation and criticized by others as a "bitchfest" that painted Ross as arrogant and mean-spirited. No matter, it arguably made Taraborrelli king of the unauthorized celebrity biography genre, and he went on to write about Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra. Now, he focuses on Ross again, writing "it took many more years for her to fully reveal herself to me." About 100 pages bring the story up-to-date and include her DUI and the tragic death of her last husband. Taraborrelli has pulled new information from old interviews, expanded the discography to the present, and includes analyses of all of Ross's records. Taraborrelli is one of the best at what he does, and Ross is a fascinating subject. Highly recommended.
—Rosellen Brewer