for diana

channeling Miss Ross & revisiting disco classics

in honor of Diana Ross’ 77th birthday (which was March 26), i spent some time this weekend paying homage to one of her album covers and playing back the records in my collection: Ross (1978) and diana (1980). the former is not to be confused with Miss Ross’ album of the same name from 1983.

the 1978 version is more of a compilation with a mix of old and new songs, including a stirring cover of The Four Tops classic “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” overall, it’s an expected blend of disco jams and slow ballads. i really love the album art, which was illustrated by Rickey Ricardo Gaskins (his other album art credits include work for Latin music legends Celia Cruz and Eddie Palmieri).

i read this Vogue article that highlighted Miss Ross’ best beauty looks and apparently she has always done her own hair and makeup (according to her daughter Tracee Ellis Ross). from here, i was super inspired to recreate the look that was illustrated on the Ross cover — it’s giving sophisticated downtown chic and effortless glam.

now i can’t recall how the album diana found its way to me, but somewhere out there is a sleeve featuring that iconic black-and-white photography that’s waiting to be reclaimed. my copy was definitely well-loved by the time i collected it, which makes sense considering the standout tracks on this record. all of the songs were written by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers of Chic fame. apparently, the album was remixed prior to release to tone down the disco (as if), but the 2017 deluxe edition features the original Chic mixes for everyone’s pleasure.

the album opens with the smash hit “Upside Down” and it’s pretty much a party from start to finish — with the exception of the sentimental ballad “Friend to Friend.” diana is probably best known for the LGBTQ+ anthem “I’m Coming Out,” which appears halfway through the 34 minute run. i really enjoyed the high-energy track “Have Fun (Again)” on my most recent listen. now that i’ve started listening to these albums again, i’m not sure if they’ll be out of my rotation anytime soon.

other Diana-related items in my collection? a dvd for The Wiz (1978) and 1966’s The Supremes A’ Go-Go (which i previously reviewed here).