Source: Personal Instagram account of Diana Ross
The incomparable music icon Diana Ross has made an explosive comeback with the release of her latest single, “Thank You,” last June 17 from the album of the same title as a celebration of love and life. This is her first album containing all original materials in 22 years.
Ross wrote “Thank You” amid the lockdown and collaborated with several exceptional music talents, including contemporary pop producer Jack Antonoff, who is best known for his remarkable projects with superstars Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Lana del Rey. Among other things, the upcoming album itself is a collection of positivity that promotes togetherness, joy, happiness, and appreciation for others, a timely message at a time in history when people are overwhelmed with fear, anxiety, and uncertainty due to the effects of the pandemic.
“This collection of songs is my gift to you with appreciation and love. I am eternally grateful that I had the opportunity to record this glorious music at this time,” Ross revealed in a statement. “I dedicate this songbook of love to all of you, the listeners. As you hear my voice, you hear my heart.”
As can be expected of the iconic singer, she was very hands-on throughout the process of producing her whole album. She co-wrote 13 songs in the album with Jimmy Napes, who worked closely with Mary J Blige, Alicia Keys, and Sam Smith. She also collaborated with Tayla Parx, who worked with Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato, and Spike Stent, who is known to have worked with Madonna and Bjork. Ross recorded the whole album passionately in her home studio.
Ross will be releasing the album in autumn under Decca Records. Overall, her latest album is her 25th, following I Love You, which was released in 2006. I Love You was a collection of covers of some of the most popular classic love songs. The last time she released an all-original album was back in 1999 with Every Day Is a New Day.
Some of Ross’ most popular hits include the songs “I’m Coming Out,” “Endless Love” with Lionel Ritchie, “Do You Know Where You’re Going To,” “When You Tell Me That You Love Me,” “It’s My Turn,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and “If We Hold on Together,” to mention a few.
Ross was born on March 26, 1944, and hails from Detroit. Her rise to fame started when she was the lead singer of the group The Supremes, where she performed alongside Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard. The group was Motown’s most successful act in the 1960s and became one of the music industry’s best-selling groups. Together, they achieved 12 number one hit songs, including “Baby Love,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” and “Someday We’ll Be Together,” among others.
In 1970, Ross made her album debut as a solo artist and called it Diana Ross. In the next few years, she enjoyed chart-topping success in several categories. It was also in the 1970s when she started her acting career and starred in films like Lady Sings the Blues in 1972, for which she recorded the awe-inspiring theme song “Do You Know Where You’re Going To.” She also starred in the movie The Wiz in 1978.
Thank You, the album, can be expected to come this coming September 2021.
References:
- https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/diana-ross-thank-you-video-1184993/
- https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jun/17/diana-ross-thank-you-new-album
- https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/diana-ross-debuts-comeback-single-120322975.html
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