Average customer rating:
- BEST BOOK ON ROSS YET
- Call Her A Survivor
- Supreme Book About the Career of Diana Ross
- Simpler and to the point
- EXCELLENT
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A Lifetime To Get Here: Diana Ross: The American Dreamgirl
Thomas Adrahtas
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1425971407 |
Book Description
This unauthorized biography of entertainment legend Diana Ross strives to give a balanced account of her life and career while giving her the historical due that seems to have escaped her previously. Captured in vivid detail are her groundbreaking performances leading the Supremes, the renowned concert in Central Park amidst a raging thunderstorm, and the peaks and valleys of the more than 40 years of her ongoing stage, studio, and screen career. The book steers clear of dry biography, in that it is interspersed with entertaining essays that capture the effect her life and career have had on fans throughout the years. This book is a must-read for anyone with an appreciation for popular culture over the last half century.
Customer Reviews:
BEST BOOK ON ROSS YET.......2007-09-29
COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. MY ONLY COMPLAINT WAS THE AUTHORS'S CONSTANT ATTACKS ON MARY WILSON.
HE BLAMES MOST OF THE BAD PRESS ON HER....AND DOES NOT PUT SOME OF THE BLAME ON MISS ROSS, WHO I AM SURE WAS NO ANGEL.
HE DEFENDS DIANA SO MANY TIMES THAT IT BECAME OVERKILL.
OTHERWISE VERY WELL WRITTEN.
Call Her A Survivor.......2007-08-23
This book is an antidote to Mary Wilson's "tell-not-a-whole-lot" book from the mid-1980s and much of the subsequent negative press Diana received in part because of it. With 2006's "Dreamgirls" and Diana's high profile TV appearances and successful concert tour this year, it's seems time to recognize her for her accomlishments. While some of the facts presented here are without attribution, the book's a fun read. And love Diana or hate her, Adrahtas makes a few very compelling points (with supporting evidence) about her assention to Motown's throne and her ability to stay there for so many years. While lesser divas fell by the wayside as trends in the music industry shifted, Ross survived, and in doing so paved the way for two generations of singers, actors, and performers.
Supreme Book About the Career of Diana Ross.......2007-07-22
As a longtime fan of Diana Ross, I just finished reading this very satisfying account of her career and its impact on fans and admirers around the world. I have read all of the prior (as of this writing) customer reviews of this book; and, like many of the earlier reviewers, I must say this account is certainly years over due!
I do think, to a large degree, that the sad fact that her music has not been as commercially successful in America, from the 1990s on, has much to do with the sad shape of the American music industry in general. Diana is one of only many well-established American acts who have continued to be very successful in other countries, including England, while being ignored here at home (think Donny Osmond, Tina Turner, the group Toto--almost anyone who is over 30 years old and, actually, sings as opposed to raps). I know there are many, many Americans who feel like they can no longer hear good music on the radio any more, unless they are listening to an oldies station.
As far as this book goes, I did find it interesting that the author J. Randy Tarabelli used to work with Martha Reeves. I think his books are about as factual as the National Enquirer or Globe Magazine. And, Mary Wilson--the former Supreme (that nobody ever paid much attention to)--comes across as less than honest and having a huge chip on her shoulder! Look at the chapter on the 2000 Diana Ross & the Supremes "Return to Love" tour.
When I think of the Supremes, I will always think of Diana Ross. After all, she was the voice of all of their most memorable hit songs. I have long admired her. And, after reading (towards the end of this book) about some of the personal difficulties she has had to endure the last few years, it makes my admiration of her grow to see her now touring and promoting the new "I Love You" album in the year 2007.
Author Tom Adrahtas has contributed a much-needed book on the legacy of Diana Ross. She is THE supreme entertainer!
Simpler and to the point.......2007-05-12
Most biographical books whether authorized or not, tend to give you lots of facts all compiled with descriptions too long and confusing at times, that make reading and believing what you read very difficult, but this book not only gives you facts, quotes, moments, dates, situations that you can compare to other books outthere published about the same subject or person and make a fair decision as to who is telling the truth and who it exagarating on the truth or who is lying.
I love Diana Ross and the members of The Supremes, which of course Mary Wilson is one of them, but when I read Mary's two books, I was stunned and could not believe what I was reading, but still need to hear or read the other side of it, and this book does that, and puts thing in prespective. I recommend for those who are fans to buy it, and those who are curious to buy it, and for those who enjoy reading and gossip and conflict to buy it. It is good reading, lots of pictures.
EXCELLENT.......2007-04-16
FINALLY, someone has written a book that defends Diana Ross where she would never defend herself. The truth about her time with the Supremes and what really took place proves that what others have written were fantasy; stories made up over the years to discredit Diana Ross. If you never read another book about her, THIS is the book to read. You will finally understand what happened in the past and present and you will fall in love with her all over again.
The last chapters had me in tears reading the pain and heartache Diana had gone through the last few years. It's a miracle she survived at all, proving she Is the strong woman we all knew she was. Mary should read this book, as well as others who wrote hurtful stories about her; they'd all have to apologize and ask to be forgiven.
Bravo to the author!!!!!
Amazon.com
David Nathan's life changed as an English teenager in the '60s. The agent of that shift? Records by black American singers such as Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, and Nina Simone. Soon he was the head of Simone's British fan club, and in short order, became a journalist with growing access to his heroines. Over the ensuing years, Amazon.com and Billboard contributor Nathan has had Franklin bake him a peach cobbler, stood under the thrown shade of everyone from Esther Phillips to Anita Baker, and even had Miss Ross ask him to call her "Diana." The Soulful Divas captures Nathan's obsession with his favorites, providing two-layered narratives that meld career rundowns with interviews and other personal meetings with his subjects. Most of the 14 single-artist chapters are successful portraits, with the exception of Nathan's profile of Natalie Cole, whose drug problems and career resurrection in the shadow of her late father are little more than the stuff of a legend-in-her-own-mind. A dearth of material weakens a closing chapter on young divas Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, and Toni Braxton. But Nathan also provides many invaluable, eye-opening moments, such as the story of a baseball-bat-wielding Phillips threatening to smash up the offices of a record company slow to pay royalties. Finally, he fills out the received wisdom on "X-rated" Millie Jackson, who says, "When I'm home, it's crossword puzzles, television, and the kids." Kids who no doubt, like Nathan, picked up their share of tips on life and love from Jackson and her sisters. --Rickey Wright
Book Description
The best-selling guide to the lives and work of the R&B divas, now in paperback! In The Soulful Divas, author David Nathan profiles the greatest female rhythm and blues vocalists of the past 30 years as never before with an unforgettable collection of fascinating, personal biographies. He celebrates such legendary performers as Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston, and others in provocative, behind-the-scenes portraits based on his long-standing personal relationships with these legendary women. The result is a hugely entertaining, candid look at the ups and downs of each performer's career-as well as an intriguing view of how these unforgettable women made a powerful mark on an essentially white, male-dominated industry.
Customer Reviews:
Soulful Singing Divas.......2007-04-12
I enjoyed reading some of my favorite soulful singers such as Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, etc. Although I was surprised that the Diva of all Divas, the late great Miss Dinah Washington wasn't included. I hope that Mr. Nathan will write a follow-up edition and include Miss Washington, along with Mariah Carey, Jennifer Holiday, the late Minnie Riperton, and the late Mary Wells.
Mildly Entertaining.......2003-11-19
It is obvious that David Nathan truly idolizes his subjects which probably accounts for the calculated design at the end of each chapter to make sure in no uncertain terms that he has shown that subject in her best light. I can certainly empathize because many of the divas profiled are true favorites of mine. That said, soul diva aficionados will readily recognize this as a collection of all-too-familiar press clippings even the most casual follower has at least heard of. To his credit, it is indeed refreshing to hear about lesser publicized divas like Esther Phillips, Millie Jackson, Nina Simone, Doris Troy or Phylllis Hyman. And ultimately, the final chapter sketching younger divas appeared entirely too hastily thrown together with the end result being little more than an unsatisfying epilogue.
Quite honestly, if you are in to black female vocalists, this, of course, was an easy, flattering read. However, the finished product is little more than an indulgent scrapbook by a journalist who, apparently, could have shed infinitely more light on the personalities he featured, but declined or refused out of either fierce loyalty or abject fear. Not only do the subjects deserve more than this, but so does the author.
The greatest book I read in months.......2003-07-08
Great book Mr. Nathan. I loved all the subjects picked in this book(I'm sorry that I don't know Doris Troy)and thought he did a fantastic job of painting a realistic portrait of the ladies using their own words and his personal experiences with them. I never knew Chaka Khan had such a turbulent past. Oh, and Esther Phillips- that temper! I laughed so hard. Diana Ross seems pretty nice (I love her) and I do love Dionne and Nina- they are such proud women. I hope the divas in the makings can successfully carry forth the diva achievements as their foremothers have done. If there is a sequel to this, Mr. Nathan, you must include Cissy Houston, Melba Moore and Donna Summer.
'Could be subtitled "The Lord of the sing(-ers)".......2003-01-02
David Nathan KNOWS his R & B. For close to four decades, the book's author has been a contributor, in some way or another, to the production of over 500 albums of soul music. He has done countless interviews, provided liner notes for recordings, served as producer on several, and even done a little background singing. It is obvious that if anyone knows what a "diva" truly is, David Nathan is that man.
"The Soulful Divas" covers the recording careers of the ladies profiled with little snippets of their non-professional beginnings, as well as individual highs and lows. However, it's these little "peeks" into the artists' characters that make the book such a fascinating read.
Not meaning to reveal much of the text, there are many little known facts reported in each profile. Each of the women has experienced her share of failed romantic relationships, legal battles with recording companies, perceived public opinions, peaks and valleys in album sales, and personal tragedies.
Most tragic of all showcased within the pages of the expose is the late Phyllis Hyman, a diva in every sense of the word. Like Nathan, I am a fan of hers, also, and her untimely demise still brings a lump in my throat.
But, the chapter on Millie Jackson is a welcome find. Jackson is the only diva profiled that is not represented in my musical library, save for a duet album with Isaac Hayes. However, after reading about the singer's body of work, as well as her down-to-earth and honest demeanor, I think that this is about to change.
I am curious about a certain "expletive deleted" symphony that she composed.
Note for the author: The next time around, include Patti Austin in volume two.
Interesting trip to the land of soul.......2002-07-11
Great concept, terrifc subjects. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of such greats as Esther Phillips (whom is so seldom mentioned these days), Nina Simone, and Chaka Khan, in which gave me some insight to her early years with Rufus. The section on Millie, a truly under-rated singer, and the late Phyllis Hyman were also informative and worth the read. I really appreciated Nathan's straight forward and honest, yet dignified, portrayal of the all the divas, until I got to the chapter's on Aretha, Diana, and Doris Troy whom Nathan, in my opinion, showed favoritism towards. While he did an excellent job of exposing the other divas, these three he seems to take pity- Aretha the most. Adoration is understandable, but you hinted in other chapters about Aretha's less than royal behaviors, while in her chapter she was almost hailed as a saint! Same goes for Miss Ross. Friend or not, Doris Troy could and should have been replaced with the likes of Candi Staton or Mavis Staples.
Overall, the book is a delightful read and I would look forward to a part two, highlighting the likes of soulful artists like, Stephanie Mills, Minnie Riperton, Melba Moore, Candi and Mavis to name a few....
Book Description
She was Motown's brightest star, the one with guts enough and ambition enough to make her dreams come true, no matter where they took her. Rules that apply to others have never applied to Diana Ross. She won't let them.
CALL HER MISS ROSS goes behind the footlights and stage facade, behind the broad smile and beautiful voice, for an exclusive look at the real Diana. J. Randy Taraborrelli has interviewed over 400 people and uncovered stories that have never been told before. The ultimate control maven, she became the star of The Supremes without giving Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard a second throught, but also gave them both money when they ended up broke; self-centered, she dated newlywed Smokey Robinson on the sly in order to get more work at Motown; fiercely devoted mother of five, she gives her children anything they desire; impossible employer, she insists that everyone call her "Miss Ross"; insecure star, she demands complete control over every record, every movie, and every performance, no matter what the result.
Her triumphs and tragedies, her virtues and vices, her lovers and enemies -- here's Miss Diana Ross as she's never been seen before.
"Enjoyable . . . [A] marathon bitchfest." -- The Village Voice
Customer Reviews:
A GREAT HONEST BOOK.......2007-01-05
I trully enjoyed this book, and i still enjoy it years after its release years ago. NO ONE makes it to the top being a saint. Diana Ross IS an american icon, who deserves more recognition than what she's getting. So what if she wasn't kind to some of her peers! You do what you have to do to get to the top. I believe her to be extremely difficult, and selfish with a primadonna attitude, but she wasn't the only one. Mary, Flo and Berry Gordy are not left far behind. NO ONE is a saint in this world. She is an incredible actress, who can make you believe anything she does. Taraborrelli wrote it how it was, this is a great book, with great pictures unlike the new biography "A Lifetime To Get here", which almost makes Diana Ross look like a Mother Teresa! CALL HER MISS ROSS makes Diana Ross look like what she is, a human being! with great qualities and many flaws, like everyone else.
Gossip is not truth, if it were, we'd all be hiding..........2006-10-27
No one loves a good read about a celebrity more than me, but this book just bites the big one. It's such a rehash of old gossip and is quite tedious. There are testimonies to Miss Ross's kindness and philanthropy that I've read quite by accident (elsewhere), that don't get much play. I guess dirt, no matter how unreliable sells. Don't buy this.
A Supreme Character Attack.......2005-10-17
What can one say about this book, other than it is short on actual facts & long on opinions, speculation & sensationalism.
If you disect the book, it's more about making a quilt than anything else, sewing together all the pieces of every other Diana Ross, Supremes & Motown book or article ever printed.
Very clever (if one is trying to avoid a law suit), but when assembling all these pieces, the book becomes speculative & the author weaves the story in the most sensationalistic way he can, which results in a total character assassination of Ross.
I look at individul events depicted in the book & try to see them through MY EYES & not the authors. My take on the whole thing is that we are talking about an amazing, Talented & VERY PRIVATE woman, who is a ambitious driven perfectionist, not bad qualities at all (@ least if you are a man), but the author uses these qualities to depict Ross in a bad light.
I read Ross's own book "Secrets of The Sparrow" & was disappointed because she continuously takes the high road in dealing with others who seek to do her harm (for thier own benefit), I hope one day Ross will really let us get to know her instead of people like this author or Mary Wilson, who have thier own hidden agendas
A BEHIND-THE-SCENE DISHFEST.......2005-04-30
There's an ugly side to Diana Ross. We all know that by now. She's made enough front-page news to cover the bottom of many birdcages. Yet, J. Randy Taraborrelli was the first to expose her bad behavior. His 1989 CALL HER MISS ROSS is a no holds barred account of the Diva in action, from her humble beginnings in Detroit, Michigan to her sold out performances all over the world. This hit girl sure made a lot of people tremble in their boots, including her Supreme sister Mary Wilson who at the time kept quiet to keep peace. Taraborrelli spares no details in making sure his unauthorized biography is worth every penny: jealousy, backstabbing, manipulation of every sort. Ross' desperate need to control everything and everyone fits her over-the-top ego to a T while filling this bio with enough juicy details to keep every enquiring minds fully satisfied. A must.-----Martin Boucher
True side of Ross.......2005-01-19
This is a great and thorough read of the life and career of Motown's appointed DIVA, Diana Ross. I've never been very impressed by her, but she did have star power (not to say the others at Motown didn't because they most certainly did!) and the best supporter in the business: Berry Gordy. What is unfortunate is how she got to the star magnitude. Throughout the book I wondered why did it have to be this way. 20/20 hindsight, but I'm positive others at Motown were thinking the same thing. Quite an ugly mess behind the glamour and very unfortunate.
Book Description
In this extraordinary "scrapbook"-a photo album as glamorous and compelling as its subject-Diana Ross has insightfully collected a treasury of filmic memories, iconic images, and personal moments from her long career.
An icon and powerful role model for four decades, she has been one of the most noticed people of our time, pictured by all the leading fashion photographers-Richard Avedon, Victor Skrebneski, and Herb Ritts, among them. From lead singer of The Supremes to one of the most successful female artist of all time, from her academy award nominated performance as Billie Holiday to her role as a muse to artists, she has been a powerful and vibrant force in American life.
Hers is an inspirational story, first told carefully in words in her 1993 memoir Secrets of a Sparrow. Here her life is daringly and lovingly assembled in pictures, many never before published, and all rich with recent history, insightful comments, and plentiful anecdotes. From fashion icon to mother at home, this is a rare self-portrait by a very special person of our time.
Customer Reviews:
Diana Ross: Going Back.......2007-09-17
Ultimate Diana. Her die-hard fans and anyone appreciative of style, fashion and beauty will love this book.
DISSAPOINTING BOOK.......2006-12-28
I was very dissapointed with this book, because I thought it was going to be a "picture book" of her life and 40plus year career. NOT! Just pictures of HERSELF in the 70's, 80's and 90's. WHERE ARE HER CHILDHOOD PICTURES? FAMILY PHOTOS? THE SUPREMES? Noooothing! I am interested in her incredible life, her sibblings, the early years of the Primettes before they became the incomparable Supremes. Nooooothing! NEVER BEFORE SEEN PICTURES. Again....Nooooothing! Thank God I didn't pay for this book. I got it for Christmas years ago, and it's somewhere in my house collecting dust.
Coffee Table Book ...The Ultimate!!!!!!!.......2006-03-16
Just because it is not a holiday,
doesn't mean that we can't send a special friend a copy of:
Going Back by Diana Ross.
Friends that are "artsy", "shutter-bugs", or simply
into
beautiful images...will love getting >>> SURPRISED !!!
"reach out and touch"
with a beautiful book...i wonder if Oprah has a copy?
It Is What It Is.......2005-11-04
How befitting that a music and fashion icon such as the Supreme One have her own coffee table book. That is exactly what it is.
This photo journal though somewhat limited in its scope of her career is interesting to view and lucious in its photography. If you are a fan then its a must have. If you like fine quality coffee table books you should consider it. If you are looking for a photo journal of La Ross' career then you will be disappointed.
I made a very grateful and ardent fan of Diana Ross very pleased with a gift of my copy. It was worth the money. I replaced it soon after. It is worth the investment to see the Lady in so many poses and genres that differ from the typical way in which we often see her.
Worth the money (If your'e a fan).
Diana Ross on how wonderful it is to be Diana Ross........2004-04-28
Diana Ross is such a visual performer that a book of photographs spanning her career is a very natural collection for her to put together. With the exception of Cher, I've never seen a performer who can look so beautiful and so different seemingly at will. Each photo gives the photographer credit and it reads like a who's who with most of the great photo journalist's taking their turn at capturing a unique quality of Diana's timeless beauty. I never get tired of looking through this beautifully done coffee table pictorical memoir. As the title suggests, this book is all about Diana Ross and is scattered with antidote's and notes from Diana herself. If you're not a Diana Ross devotee then this book probably isn't going to do a thing for you and in that case you'd be better off sticking with her music.
Book Description
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.
Customer Reviews:
WOW!!!!! What a read!!!!.......2007-10-16
Okay, so I am a HUGE fan of Miss Ross! In 1989 when Mr Taraborelli published Call Her Miss Ross I ran right out and bought it. His book was skewed by the way he saw things at that stage in his life. Fast forward to 2007 and Mr Taraborelli has revisited the scene of the crime so to speak and completely rewritten and added to the orginal book, now skewed by almost 20 more years of life experience. I must say that I find this book MUCH more fair than Call Her Miss Ross. Finally, we see a complete portrait of Diana Ross the lady, not just the legend! She is human, oh my God!!! Who would have guessed??? She has her frailties and faults just like the rest of us. She has bad days and good days. Through it all she has ALWAYS given the best of herself onstage. I have seen her 13 times in concert, including one of her first shows in Providence after the disastrous Central Park concert. She was absolutely radiant. I had NO idea what she was going through. I saw her again at the time that her mother was dying and again, I had NO idea what she was going through. She put on one HELL of a show!! I could not put down this book! I love that it shows what a good mother she has been, an achievement that she is most proud of, rightly so. I also had the good fortune of seeing her concert tour in Boston after she got out of rehab. She sounded better than she ever had. This was after the rehab and failed Supremes concert tour. She sang songs I had NEVER heard her perform live. Her version of Reach Out I'll Be There, she sounded FABULOUS!! She sang disco versions of Love Child and You Keep Me Hanging On, both of which I hadn't heard her sing live ever. I congratulate Mr Taraborelli on his research and his obvious love and devotion to his subject. I came away from this book with a deeper understanding of Miss Ross and sadness for the reputation she has that she does not deserve. She has done wonderful things for other people, but she's too much of a lady to ever speak of them. She's been on Oprah twice and The View and Martha Stewart, plus Late Night With David Letterman and has NEVER talked about her private life, nor take the low road and bashed back at Mary Wilson. I for one would spend my last penny on a ticket to see the Supremes reunite who stood on that stage in 1970 at the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas, Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong. Ladie's, swallow your pride. We ALL know Diana Ross is the draw, but if she TRULY wants to give the fans what they want then she will divide the money equally three ways and keep Mary and Cindy happy and FINALLY give the fans what they truly want and deserve. Mr Taraborelli, I salute you for an extremely well written unbiased look at the life of a true living legend! I will be watching in December when la Ross gets her just desserts with her Kennedy Center Honors, as I am sure Mr Taraborelli will be as well!
Diva Reigns Supreme.......2007-10-16
This is a very informative book. I am only 1/4 of the way into it. I thought that I knew everything about Diana. But I am surprised to learn more trivia about her and The Supremes.
Great book. So far it seems to be very balanced and not super negative on Diana as some critics have stated. However, I have only read part of the book so far. Im looking forward to finishing the whole story from this author's perspective.
Who Is Diana Ross?.......2007-09-18
In J. Randy Taraborrelli's new biography on Diana Ross, he gives us the widescreen version of his earlier offering on this subject, Call Her Miss Ross. By that I mean that CHMR definitely dealt more with Diana Ross' reactions, behaviors and idiosyncrasies while Diana Ross, A Biography details the stories, situations and circumstances which resulted in those reactions. The whole picture in other words and finally answers the question, "who is Diana Ross"? I especially appreciated the three dimensional study of The Supremes and Diana's relationships with her former singing partners. Her relationship with her mother and father are quit different from each other and as a result have laid the foundation for a very complex, and at times, insecure personality. Further family relationships are examined and have painted a picture of a very family oriented Diana Ross that I didn't know existed (at least before her children were born). Robert Ellis, Berry Gordy, RCA, the ill-fated Supremes reunion tour, Arne Naess, the return to Motown, movies, television...all of it is examined fairly and carefully. Whether you are a Diana Ross fan or not, if you like reading biographies you will get your fill with this one as Diana's story is truly an American Dream come true.
A More Compassioante, (Repentant?) Tarraborelli.......2007-09-14
Firstly, I have written a review of this book when I initially purchsed the European release many months ago. You can find it on Amazon.com UK.
After many years of reflection J. Randy resurfaces to make merchandise of Diana Ross once again. I guess this is his third strike at the bitc... I mean bat. Personally, I don't find Miss Ross a bitch (after all that I have read and heard and seen her say about herself). Do I think she is difficult at times?, has she been selfish and thoughtless?, yes, undoubtedly. She has admitted as much and it is available for everyone to see on youtube in her interview with Babs Walters.
J. Randy's book is a more objective look at the legend that he so willingly chopped to shreds in his previous book, "Call Her Miss Ross." This time he injects his thought and observations in the text. It tends to place some of the more critical and potentially damaging anedcotes and stories in a more reasonable light.
One positive thing about all of this author's books is the amount of research that he cites for quotes, proof and conclusions. He cannot be faulted there. He does not deal in mere legend and myth.
What frustrates me most about this book is that J. Randy does not seem to be objective in his assessment of how the Return to Love Tour went awry. He puts the blame squarely on the shoulders of his subject. He alleges that if Diana wanted a reunion there would have been one. He gives the unrealistic and ill-informed Mary Wilson a pass on her antics and resort to name calling IN THE MEDIA once again; calling "Diane" selfish and unfair and that "Since she was a child she always wanted everything for herself." After all these years Mary still beleives she is Diana's entertainment value equal. She was offered $3 million to be a part of the tour. Why didn't she just say that she didn't want to sing "behind Diane" anymore and refuse the offer? SHE is the reason the tour could not go on. She is lucky "Diane" even wanted to look at her let alone harmonize with her. I would ask J. Randy this: If you had a so-called sister-friend who repeatedly resorted to media tricks to settle disagreements, wrote a scathing book about your behavior behind the scenes, 20 years before; would you be willing to remain close friends with them? Would you still feel kindly if you had helped your friend financially and only the bad was included in the original book? I would like to have seen JRT do a balanced assessment of Diana and Mary's relationship. This is really what people want to hear about anyway. Only the diehard Supremes fans care what Mary Wilson has to say about anything. Just like the author she seems to have attached her publicity wagon to her sister-friend's fame or infamy depending upon your view.
This book is more a definitive work about Diana Ross than his previous two. Well written and many years too late. Perhaps this more gentle view of a woman loved and vilified equally is his money motivated way of apologizing.
I understand that Cindy Birdsong is shopping her memoirs with a literary agent. I hope it happens.
A Hit, Not A Miss.......2007-09-11
Diana Ross has been a favorite of mine since I first heard her sing on the radio in 1964. I saw the Supremes perform dozens of times, and Diana Ross Solo another dozen, most recently in April 2007 in Atlantic City. I had the pleasure of having dinner with the Supremes at the home of their road manager in Cherry Hill, NJ during their first Latin Casino run.
I've read every book written about Diana Ross and the Supremes, and there have been a lot of them. I always felt that they ranged from the banal to the biased-against to the blindly-loyal (for example, the recent A Lifetime To Get Here: Diana Ross: The American Dreamgirl was written by an author with intensely Ross-colored glasses, and Diana's own "autobiographical" Secrets of a Sparrow was simply insipid). The only book of the crop that I thought painted an interesting, complex, full portrait of the diva I love was Call Her Miss Ross, written by J. Randy Taraborrelli in 1989.
Now, 18 years later, I can add a second book to the positive list: Diana Ross: A Biography, also by Taraborrelli. Rather than simply tacking on additional chapters covering the last 18 years, Taraborrelli has rethought and restructured the overall work. When Call Her Miss Ross was published, it had been 25 years since the first Supremes hit; the new Diana Ross: A Biography arrives 43 years after that hit, so the history (like me) has become a bit more ancient and can be viewed a bit differently.
What is good about the new book? No Diana book has been better researched (see the nine pages of acknowledgements). Taraborrelli had access to every key player in the Motown, Supremes, and Diana Ross saga. He writes quite well, so it is a pleasure to work through the 526 pages (I bought the version published in the UK at the beginning of the year; there it is called Diana Ross: An Unauthorized Biography). The photos are of top quality (not like some books where the photos look like Xerox copies). But most importantly, the book paints a rich, deep, thorough portrait of an amazing woman. She comes off as someone it would be interesting to know.
The story is fascinating--the impact of Diana Ross and the Supremes is huge, on music, Broadway, film. This book takes us closer to "reality" than anything else.
As Taraborrelli says in his introduction, the name "Diana Ross" prompts a strong reaction from almost anyone who sees it. I'm surprised that his books prompt such anger. Diana Ross: A Biography is a captivating and enthralling story of an amazing woman.
Book Description
A lavish tribute to the life and work of a music legend, featuring 140 photos and a full discography.
Customer Reviews:
This Book Does No Justice To The Diva :o(.......2002-04-29
The diva, Miss Ross has got to be my all-time favorite female artist. I have many of her concerts on tape: TCB, GIT with the Tempts, Central Park, An Evening with (1977) and many of her world-wide tours from Japan and Denmark. I've also read 4 bio's about her and even invested in her 4 CD box-set. Having read the outstanding work Davis did on Marin Gaye, 'I heard it through the Grapevine', I was anxious to pick this one up. I'm sorry I wasted my money-although new insight on Ross is always a good thing, this FOCUS gave little, if none at all. Any decent Diana Ross fan website can fill you in on the reviews of her CD's, chart placement of her singles or awards she's won.
Davis also GLAZES over many known details, such as the 'success' of Motown 25. We all know that Ross pushed Mary twice during the telecast and tried to grab the microphone away from her when she tried to speak to Gordy. It may not be nice but we all love Ross for her jaunty behavior :o). Davis also called Ross's Working Overtime CD a 'healthy seller'. Any Ross fan-even Ross herself-knows her return to Motown was a dismal failure due to lack of promotion. I have the CD in my Walkman right now and there's no reason why 'Overtime' did not score at least two top ten hits. Even the cancellation of her much hyped Return to Love Tour is glazed over. No talk about the controversy, no talk about Mary or Cindy and no talk about the tour not even selling out Detroit!
Oh well, the book does have decent never before seen pics of the diva and the 70's Supremes but any other work on Diana has the same stuff times 4. For Die-hard Ross fans just borrow this one for the pics. Long live Diana! I'm waiting for her Real Bio, not 'Secrets', to set the world straight. We love Ross!
Soft Focus Is More Like It.......2002-03-30
I got this book because of the author Sharon Davis' past work, in particular Motown: The History, a thorough look at Motown from its humble beginnings through the mid-80s that featured vivid portraits of even the lesser known, talented, artists like Blinky, the Monitors, and the Elgins.
Unfortunately, this book is not so objective as that effort. Ross cooperated with the creation of this book and it is easy to see why. Davis portrays her in only flattering tones - and, as anyone who has followed Miss Ross and her career knows, she is a complex, often difficult, diva.
Also frustrating are Davis' evaulations of Ross' musical, tv, and film ventures. Every project Ross did is considered to be a major success. Even duds like Ross' '80s tv special Red Hot Rhythm & Blues which failed to crack the Nielsen ratings' top 50 in the US, and her box-office disaster The Wiz.
Curiously, this book, which is supposed to be solely focused on Miss Ross, devotes a large section to the post-Ross Supremes. While among the more interesting reading in the book, it is clearly out of place in this Ross lovefest.
Where this book does succeed is as eye candy. It is over-sized, with beautiful, full-page pictures (some previously unpublished) and would make a nice addition to any coffee table.
A Cool Overview.......2002-01-12
this is a cool Book&Overview on Diana Ross.Diana Ross always had Style&you couldn't take your eye off Her.also She is a very Attractive Lady.I've enjoyed Her Music mainly the Older stuff of course but She is something else.this is a cool Book.
Diana is still a Legend.......2001-12-23
This book is one of the greatest out there of the Diva herself. Includes ALOT of rare pictures and descriptions on the Singles albums and movies that made Diana a "Supreme" Superstar. It's definitly worth buying.
A MUST FOR ANY SERIOUS DIANA ROSS FAN!.......2001-06-08
At last we have a book that truly celevrates the music of this legendary soul diva. No bitching, no backstabbing (unlike, DREAMGIRL: MY LIFE AS A SUPREME - MARY WILSON and CALL HER MISS ROSS - J.RANDY TAROBERELLI), just a very warm, intelligent and entertaining over-view of Diana Ross's triumphantly succesful career. It's obvious the passion Sharon Davis has for Diana and it really shines through making very enjoyable reading. This book chronicles her humble rise as a sassy, streetwise girl growing up in the ghetto area's of Detroit into the first class, world-wide superstar she now is. There are career highlights sections mentioning notable events such as the disastorous Central Park concert where a torrential rain storm occured mid way through her performance, as well as when she was voted Best Female Artist and also mentioning the various awards she scooped over the years for record sales. Her reviews on selected albums, contain a livley, energetic style of writing that has been renowned for years and she also welcomingly writes about the many business corporations Diana owns. Overly a thoroughly excellent book that is lavishly illustrated with some never-seen-before photo's of the singer. Sharon Davis, a highly accomplished writer, does the Diana Ross legend proud and this follows in the footsteps of her other two excellent books, MOTOWN: THE HISTORY and MARVIN GAYE: I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE. Highly recommended as fans will be delighted!
Product Description
Dozens of creative ideas and techniques are packed into this one popular book. Make and decorate projects with bottle caps, stickers, photos and images. Every page in this valuable book is packed with great ideas and innovative projects. Choose from dozens of terrific card and gift projects in this valuable book to create simple cards and quick gifts. Use surprisingly clever embellishments... bottle caps! Enhance the shape, texture, and dimension to cards, journal books and gifts. Fill caps with images, glitter, buttons, beads, or embossing powder to create unique accents. This resourceful book includes a collection of projects that is simply too good to miss.
Book Description
Level 2 Ready-To-Read
Reading Independently
- More complex stories
- Varied sentence structure
- Paragraphs and short chapters
Betsy Ross wants to prove to her brother that she can do whatever he can -- but she ends up proving something to herself instead.
Book Description
This long awaited memoir reveals the heart and soul of the most private of the megatalents -- upon the occasion of her thirtieth year as a show business great.
If any one performer defines the word "Superstar," it's Diana Ross -- a pop music legend and cultural icon who has been at the top of her profession for three fabulous decades. Secrets of a Sparrow, her inspirational and intimate memoir which takes its title from a favorite spiritual her mother sang to her, focuses on just that: the pain and pleasure of getting to number one and staying there, along with the lessons learned and the lessons taught. Here are Diana Ross' onstage electricity and allure transposed to the spoken word. Whether recounting triumphs or setbacks, togetherness or solitude, Diana is never less than open. These are the thoughtful and lyrically composed reminiscences of one of the most accomplished women of our time, a woman who is a role model in so many ways. Always true to herself, Ross is the ultimate entertainer who aims to please but never compromise -- and she's not about to start now.
Customer Reviews:
Diana Tells It Best.......2007-03-22
This is a wonderful book of show business legend Diana Ross. She tells her story in her own words being both eloquent and articulate. It is easy to see from reading her memoirs why Diana Ross has reached and sustained the summit of her dreams. Her passion, her personal reasons why, and an unguarded spiritual approach to life are undoubtedly a clue. Diana Ross writes in a way that makes anyone with a dream feel good about themselves as long as they are striving to make that dream a reality. Her lessons are for all people because they are of the human kind. They are the lessons of living a life with grace and dignity. Needless to say, Diana's five children are an admirable testimony, example and reflection to the secrets of this sparrow's soul.
Cotton Candy.......2006-10-15
This book was somewhat disappointing. It's best described as light and airy. I enjoyed Ross' recollections of her childhood, but she's not very forthcoming about her years as a Supreme. I can understand "taking the high road", but there comes a time when you need to come clean and tell your side of the story. While she mentions her siblings, she never gives insight as to what her relationships are with them. However Ross does give insight as to why her first marriage failed. She is also pretty candid about her relationship with Berry Gordy. I understand Ross is writing another book. Hopefully she will dig deeper and help us understand who she really is.
Upbeat and positive.......2006-07-11
I recommend this book for young people because of its "can do" message. Ross talks about working hard and taking responsibility for your own life and your decisions. She also alludes to how hard this can be.
She is a true diva. She's totally gifted and beautiful. Gordy was right to put her name in front billing on the Supremes, her towering voice and style were the reasons people bought their records.
Diana grew with the times from singing where she had to pee in the bushes when there were no rest rooms for Blacks to some of the most prestigeous gigs in the world. She was a key talent in the creation of Motown and her work was influential in mainstreaming Black artists. She has performed with a tremedous range of artists in a variety of media. She not only pioneered a new musical style, but a style for a woman in business.
Compared to her experience the book is too light. It lays out her story and it can be very motivational. I believe she wrote these memoirs too soon. I've seen her more recent coffee table book which features her style and beauty. I hope she writes a third book that is more reflective.
Supreme Secrets Remain.......2005-10-17
This is one of those books that should of & could have been so much more, One barely gets a glimpse into the life of this facinating woman.
When writting Ross seems to back away from sharing her feelings about the painful years she spent with the Supremes, she lets it be known that she treated quite badly during the last 3 years with the group. She takes the high road throughout the book, not really responding to Mary Wilson's various slanderous claims or informing the reader of all the financial help offered & given to the other Supremes over the years.
I guess she feels it's the classy way to handle things, but I would have liked to see the human side of this woman for the sake of balance.
The one area that she seems to shine is as a mother, one can tell immediately, her children mean the world to her, (yet again the human side of Ross that is so attractive)
I would hope that one day, Ross will be far more candid in sharing her life story, I am sure she would find very warm, understanding & receptive readers
I wish the supremes could get along.......2005-05-27
I was very excited to purchase Ms. Ross' book. I read it in one day. I was very saddened though to read how she bashed Ms. Ballard's drinking problem. I guess now, she is able to understand what Ms. Ballard was going through, since she has been able to walk a little in her shoes. I just wish that Mary, Diana, and Cindy could get along like grown intelligent women. They definitely don't have the love and character like the girl group, Destiny's Child does. Bury the hatchet, Mary, Diana, and Cindy. We all love you.
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