End of a Dream

Diana Ross plunged into her solo career without looking back. The first solo single she released was “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand).” She often performed the song as an audience participation number in her concerts. In July 1970, her second single, “Ain't No Mountain High Enough,” shot to number one.

In January 1971, Ross married Robert Silberstein. In August, she gave birth to her first child, Rhonda Suzanne. The focus of Ross's life changed as she concentrated on being a mother and a wife. She began to investigate acting projects, including the life stories of Billie Holiday and Josephine Baker.

Her research paid off. In late 1971, Diana began filming her starring role in Lady Sings the Blues, the life story of Billie Holiday. It was a demanding role. Billie Holiday was a talented blues singer, but she was also a drug addict, and the movie portrayed the harsh realities of her life. Diana was rewarded with an Oscar nomination for Best Actress the following year. Though she didn't win the award, it was clear that she was a very talented actress.

In the years to come, Diana would continue to challenge herself with new musical challenges and movie roles. She had great success with starring roles in Mahogany and The Wiz, a remake of The Wizard of Oz, costarring a young Michael Jackson.