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1. This is the first book that considers Ross' career from a true
historical perspective. Previous works were focused on details that were
much more salacious in nature, most of those details based on sources
who were severely biased. This book shows exactly how much Diana Ross'
career influenced pop culture today, how much it served as a pathmaker
both for other black artists and how The Supremes were one of the first
real positive representations of black culture introduced to white
homes. It credits her outstanding Oscar nominated work in Lady Sings
The Blues as proof to Hollywood that feature films with black
actors in the lead could be profitable, and as such opened the door for
so many that followed.
2. This is the first book to refute, in detail, the charges that have
been leveled at Diana Ross by former Supreme back-up singer Mary Wilson.
Those charges have stuck to Ross's image over the years, tarnishing her
reputation amongst a large segment of the public.
-Wilson wrote a best-selling 'tell all' in 1986, and I refute many of
her most damaging contentions contained in that work, by detailing the
real story behind the ousting of Florence Ballard from the group, how
and why Ross was really anointed as the group's lead singer, how Ross
tried to help Ballard when the latter sunk into poverty and depression,
and how much support Ross gave the group and the individuals within the
group after she undertook her solo career.
-Wilson sabotaged a Supremes Reunion tour in 2000 by deliberately
using the press to paint Ross as a selfish 'diva' who didn't want Mary
to be paid appropriately for her proposed part in the tour, among other
things. My book reveals Mary's motives and real actions, and is the only
work to reveal the true behind-the-scenes story of this highly
publicized event.
3. This is the first book to collect all of the eyewitness accounts
of the Motown shaker and movers, and piece together the truth of how the
company really succeeded, and how much of that responsibility founder
Berry Gordy placed on Ross's shoulders.
4. This is the first book to capture the 40+ year relationship
between Ross and Gordy in very human, personal terms. That relationship
is truly one of the most fascinating in pop history.
5. This is the first book to defend Ross's demanding ways with regard
to those around her, by pointing out that she is a black woman who has
scaled the heights in an entertainment world dominated by men, and began
that ascent at a time when voting rights weren't guaranteed to people of
color.
6. The book sets itself off from dry biography, by including numerous
essays that are fact-based stories detailing the effects Ross's career
has had on fans both very casual and diehard.
7. This is the first serious look at her career and it's effects in
book form since the last major bio of her was published in 1989.