Diana Ross: The Stories Behind 8 Iconic Songs That Ruled the Disco Scene

Diana Ross made headlines as the front woman of the 1960s Motown group, The Supremes, but in 1970, she left the group to pursue a career as a solo artist, where she thrived. On her own, the singer and actress released dozens of solo hits, many that tied into the release of major films, including Mahogany (1975) and Endless Love (1981).

These Diana Ross songs have us moving to the groove anytime they’re playing.

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8. “It’s My Turn” (1981)

“It’s My Turn” was written for Ross to be released on her 1981 album, To Love Again . The song was also the theme song of the 1980 film, It’s My Turn . It became a hit upon release, rising to number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was written by Carole Bayer Sager with music by Michael Masser, who served as producer as well.

7. “Missing You” (1984)

Written by Lionel Richie in honor of Marvin Gaye , who was murdered that year by his father, “Missing You” a tribute tothe artist, whom Ross was close with. With lyrics like “Since you've been away, I've been down and lonely. Since you've been away, I've been thinking of you,” the song was a hit. It reached number 10 on the Hot 100 chart and became her last top 10 hit. Richie provided backing vocals.

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6. “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” (1981)

This song was originally released in 1955 by Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers, but Ross released her own version in 1981 on the album of the same name, which hit number seven and remained on the charts for a total of 20 weeks. While Ross asks “why do fools fall in love?” in the song, she also describes the fool as herself, which made the hit very relatable for audiences. So relatable, in fact, that the singer went on a world tour to support the album’s release.

5. “It’s My House” (1979)

The 1979 song, “It’s My House,” written for her album, The Boss , explores Ross taking control of her own life, as is very clear from the title of the album. Ross is the boss of her life and her home. “It’s My House” was a declaration of the singer’s independence.

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4. “Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)” (1975)

This 1975 song was written for the 1975 film, Mahogany , which starred Diana Ross, and it serves as the theme of the movie. The song was very popular upon its release and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a week. It was also nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Best Song, which Ross performed at that year’s Academy Awards ceremony from Amsterdam via satellite.

3. “Upside Down” (1980)

Released in 1980, this was a number one hit for the artist that year. The song became the biggest solo release of Ross’ career, remaining in the chart’s top spot for four weeks, and on the chart itself for a total of 29 weeks.

2. “I’m Coming Out” (1980)

If you’ve ever heard of Diana Ross, you most likely know the song, “I’m Coming Out.” Written for the LGBT community that was following Ross, it remains an anthem to this day. The dance hit rose to number five on the Hot 100 chart, while also topping the Billboard Dance Club chart. The song was written by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic.

1. “Endless Love” (1981)

“Endless Love” was written by Lionel Richie for the film of the same name, which starred Brooke Shields. Richie and Ross recorded the song as a duet, topping the chart for nine out of the 27 weeks it was listed there. Billboard called this the greatest song duet ever.

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