Diana (album)
Encyclopedia
diana is a 1980
album by American R&B
and soul
singer Diana Ross
, released by Motown. Her 11th studio album
, it was, and still is, the biggest-selling studio collection of Ross' career.
and Nile Rodgers
of Chic
had recently written a whole album's worth of material with Aretha Franklin
in mind. Franklin had however declined the offer and all the songs, including "Upside Down
", were subsequently passed on to Ross.
What proved to be a grueling recording process with the singer was made even longer when Ross abandoned the sessions after producers Edwards and Rodgers in no uncertain terms informed her she was singing flat. Despite repeated conflicts between the producers and the singer during the recording sessions, the album was completed. Reportedly, Ross was not pleased with its results. Following a preview of the record to be released in the aftermath of the anti-disco backlash, Frankie Crocker, an influential New York City disc jockey warned Ross it would even be the end of her career.
When the master tapes were submitted to Motown in March 1980, a nervous Ross consequently remixed the entire album, assisted by Motown engineer Russ Terrana, toning down the funkier elements of Chic's playing, removing extended instrumental passages and speeding up the tracks' tempos to give the singer's voice a brighter, more youthful sound. The new mix also put Ross' vocals front and center. The remixing of the master tapes and the re-recording of all Ross' lead vocals were performed without the knowledge or approval of Rodgers and Edwards. When they were presented with the "official" version of diana, the producers publicly objected and, at one point, even considered removing their names from the album's list of credits. Motown and Ross persisted and the version released was Terrana's smoother, more commercial mix of the album. Rodgers and Edwards were contracted by Motown to produce a follow-up album, but, as Ross left the label, it was never created. Rodgers and Edwards sued Motown, unsuccessfully claiming that they were owed monies for creating & recording the original version of the album. Rodgers and Ross were however to collaborate on album, upon her return to Motown in 1989; Workin' Overtime
. Edwards did produce one single for her in 1984; ("Telephone" #13 US R&B).
chart and number one on the Billboard Soul Albums Chart, as well as yielding two top ten
singles including the number-one single "Upside Down
", the album would sell over six million copies worldwide and be certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America
. In the UK it spun off three successful singles; "Upside Down" (number two, twelve weeks on the chart—marking the highest peak performance from Ross as a solo artist since "I'm Still Waiting
" in 1971), "My Old Piano" (number five, nine weeks) and "I'm Coming Out" (number thirteen, ten weeks). A fourth single, "Tenderness", was also released in certain territories and was later included on several greatest hits compilations. Some thirty years after its release diana remains Ross' best-selling studio album to date having sold a total of ten million copies worldwide.
diana was one of four albums written and produced by Edwards and Rodgers in 1980, the other three being Sister Sledge
's Love Somebody Today
, Sheila and B. Devotion's King of the World
including European hit single "Spacer", and Chic
's fourth studio album Real People
.
Following the release of two more singles, the duet "Endless Love
" with Lionel Richie
and "It's My Turn
", both worldwide hits, Ross left Motown and signed a then-record breaking $20 million recording deal with RCA Records
. The first album for the label was 1981's self-produced Why Do Fools Fall in Love
, which went platinum and spawned two Top 10 hits in the US. diana was remastered and released as a double CD in 2003 containing the original unremixed versions, together with a selection of other Motown dance tracks from the same period.
Side A
Side B
Note: The Canadian release on Quality Records
places the tracks from side B on side A, and the tracks from side A on side B.
Disc 2
1980 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1980.-January–March:*January 1**Cliff Richard is appointed an MBE by Elizabeth II.**The Zorros audition drummer Greg Pedley....
album by American R&B
Rhythm and blues
Rhythm and blues, often abbreviated to R&B, is a genre of popular African American music that originated in the 1940s. The term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings marketed predominantly to urban African Americans, at a time when "urbane, rocking, jazz based music with a...
and soul
Soul music
Soul music is a music genre originating in the United States combining elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, soul is "music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of...
singer Diana Ross
Diana Ross
Diana Ernestine Earle Ross is an American singer, record producer, and actress. Ross was lead singer of the Motown group The Supremes during the 1960s. After leaving the group in 1970, Ross began a solo career that included successful ventures into film and Broadway...
, released by Motown. Her 11th studio album
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
, it was, and still is, the biggest-selling studio collection of Ross' career.
Conception
Following the U.S. success of 1979's The Boss, Ross wanted a fresher, more modern sound. Production team Bernard EdwardsBernard Edwards
Bernard Edwards born in Greenville, North Carolina, was a bass player and record producer, both as a member of the Funk/Disco band Chic and on his own. He died of pneumonia while touring in Japan.-History:...
and Nile Rodgers
Nile Rodgers
Nile Gregory Rodgers is an American musician, producer, composer, arranger, and guitarist.-Biography:...
of Chic
Chic (band)
Chic was an African American disco and R&B band that was organized during 1976 by guitarist Nile Rodgers and bassist Bernard Edwards. It is known best for its commercially successful disco songs, including "Dance, Dance, Dance " , "Everybody Dance" , "Le Freak" , "I Want Your Love" , "Good Times"...
had recently written a whole album's worth of material with Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Louise Franklin is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Although known for her soul recordings and referred to as The Queen of Soul, Franklin is also adept at jazz, blues, R&B, gospel music, and rock. Rolling Stone magazine ranked her atop its list of The Greatest Singers of All...
in mind. Franklin had however declined the offer and all the songs, including "Upside Down
Upside Down
"Upside Down" is a hit song by Diana Ross released on the Motown label. It was the first single taken from her 1980 album diana and hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on September 6, 1980. It also hit number one on the Billboard Disco/Dance and R&B charts...
", were subsequently passed on to Ross.
What proved to be a grueling recording process with the singer was made even longer when Ross abandoned the sessions after producers Edwards and Rodgers in no uncertain terms informed her she was singing flat. Despite repeated conflicts between the producers and the singer during the recording sessions, the album was completed. Reportedly, Ross was not pleased with its results. Following a preview of the record to be released in the aftermath of the anti-disco backlash, Frankie Crocker, an influential New York City disc jockey warned Ross it would even be the end of her career.
When the master tapes were submitted to Motown in March 1980, a nervous Ross consequently remixed the entire album, assisted by Motown engineer Russ Terrana, toning down the funkier elements of Chic's playing, removing extended instrumental passages and speeding up the tracks' tempos to give the singer's voice a brighter, more youthful sound. The new mix also put Ross' vocals front and center. The remixing of the master tapes and the re-recording of all Ross' lead vocals were performed without the knowledge or approval of Rodgers and Edwards. When they were presented with the "official" version of diana, the producers publicly objected and, at one point, even considered removing their names from the album's list of credits. Motown and Ross persisted and the version released was Terrana's smoother, more commercial mix of the album. Rodgers and Edwards were contracted by Motown to produce a follow-up album, but, as Ross left the label, it was never created. Rodgers and Edwards sued Motown, unsuccessfully claiming that they were owed monies for creating & recording the original version of the album. Rodgers and Ross were however to collaborate on album, upon her return to Motown in 1989; Workin' Overtime
Workin' Overtime
Workin' Overtime is a 1989 album released by American singer Diana Ross, released on the Motown label. It was Ross' first Motown album since 1980's diana after Ross left the label for a then record breaking $20 million deal with RCA. Upon Ross' return to the label, Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr...
. Edwards did produce one single for her in 1984; ("Telephone" #13 US R&B).
Reception
Released in May 1980, the diana album introduced Ross to a new generation of fans worldwide. Reaching number two on the Billboard 200Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
chart and number one on the Billboard Soul Albums Chart, as well as yielding two top ten
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
singles including the number-one single "Upside Down
Upside Down
"Upside Down" is a hit song by Diana Ross released on the Motown label. It was the first single taken from her 1980 album diana and hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on September 6, 1980. It also hit number one on the Billboard Disco/Dance and R&B charts...
", the album would sell over six million copies worldwide and be certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America
Recording Industry Association of America
The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States...
. In the UK it spun off three successful singles; "Upside Down" (number two, twelve weeks on the chart—marking the highest peak performance from Ross as a solo artist since "I'm Still Waiting
I'm Still Waiting
"I'm Still Waiting" is a popular song by Diana Ross which first appeared on her 1970 album Everything Is Everything.Written and produced by Deke Richards,"I'm Still Waiting" continued the vein of sophisticated soul as heard on her breakthrough solo hit "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." Despite this,...
" in 1971), "My Old Piano" (number five, nine weeks) and "I'm Coming Out" (number thirteen, ten weeks). A fourth single, "Tenderness", was also released in certain territories and was later included on several greatest hits compilations. Some thirty years after its release diana remains Ross' best-selling studio album to date having sold a total of ten million copies worldwide.
diana was one of four albums written and produced by Edwards and Rodgers in 1980, the other three being Sister Sledge
Sister Sledge
Sister Sledge is an American musical group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed in 1972 and consisting of four sisters: Kim Sledge Debbie Sledge , Joni Sledge , and Kathy Sledge . They are granddaughters of the former opera singer Viola Williams. The sisters used to perform under the name of "Mrs...
's Love Somebody Today
Love Somebody Today
Love Somebody Today is a 1980 album by Sister Sledge. The album which, just like 1979's highly successful We Are Family, was both written and produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of the band Chic and includes three due to the anti-disco backlash largely overlooked single releases; "Got To...
, Sheila and B. Devotion's King of the World
King of the World (album)
King of the World is a 1980 album by French disco act Sheila and B. Devotion. The album which was both written and produced by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers of American R&B band Chic includes the hit single "Spacer" which reached #18 on the UK charts in early 1980 and was a Top 10 hit in most of...
including European hit single "Spacer", and Chic
Chic (band)
Chic was an African American disco and R&B band that was organized during 1976 by guitarist Nile Rodgers and bassist Bernard Edwards. It is known best for its commercially successful disco songs, including "Dance, Dance, Dance " , "Everybody Dance" , "Le Freak" , "I Want Your Love" , "Good Times"...
's fourth studio album Real People
Real People (album)
Real People is the fourth studio album by American R&B band Chic, released on Atlantic Records in 1980, including the singles "Rebels Are We" and "Real People"...
.
Following the release of two more singles, the duet "Endless Love
Endless Love (song)
"Endless Love" is a song written by Lionel Richie and originally recorded as a duet between Richie and fellow soul singer Diana Ross. In this ballad, the singers declare their "endless love" for one another. It was covered by soul singer Luther Vandross with R&B singer Mariah Carey and also by...
" with Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie
Lionel Brockman Richie, Jr. , is an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. Since 1968, he has been a member of the musical group Commodores signed to Motown Records...
and "It's My Turn
It's My Turn
"It's My Turn" is a 1980 song used as the theme to the film of the same name. The song, written by Carole Bayer Sager and Michael Masser for Diana Ross, was released as a single and became a top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number nine.Aretha Franklin recorded the song for her...
", both worldwide hits, Ross left Motown and signed a then-record breaking $20 million recording deal with RCA Records
RCA Records
RCA Records is one of the flagship labels of Sony Music Entertainment. The RCA initials stand for Radio Corporation of America , which was the parent corporation from 1929 to 1985 and a partner from 1985 to 1986.RCA's Canadian unit is Sony's oldest label...
. The first album for the label was 1981's self-produced Why Do Fools Fall in Love
Why Do Fools Fall in Love (album)
Why Do Fools Fall in Love is a 1981 album released by American singer Diana Ross on the RCA label. It stands as one of the biggest-selling albums of Diana's 50 year career...
, which went platinum and spawned two Top 10 hits in the US. diana was remastered and released as a double CD in 2003 containing the original unremixed versions, together with a selection of other Motown dance tracks from the same period.
Original album
All tracks written by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers.Side A
- "Upside DownUpside Down"Upside Down" is a hit song by Diana Ross released on the Motown label. It was the first single taken from her 1980 album diana and hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on September 6, 1980. It also hit number one on the Billboard Disco/Dance and R&B charts...
" – 4:05 - "Tenderness" – 3:52
- "Friend to Friend" – 3:19
- "I'm Coming OutI'm Coming Out"I'm Coming Out" is a hit single released by Motown singer Diana Ross in 1980, written and produced by Chic members Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers for her album diana .-Background:...
" – 5:25
Side B
- "Have Fun (Again)" – 5:57
- "My Old PianoMy Old PianoMy Old Piano is a 1980 song released as a single by Diana Ross.Ross sings the song about the joy of playing a piano.Unlike "Upside Down" and "I'm Coming Out", "My Old Piano" was not that successful in the United States, however it was a commercial success in Europe.In the music video, Ross appears...
" – 3:55 - "Now That You're Gone" – 3:59
- "Give Up" – 3:45
Note: The Canadian release on Quality Records
Quality Records
Quality Records is a Canadian entertainment company which released music albums in Canada on behalf of American record labels, and also released recordings by Canadian artists...
places the tracks from side B on side A, and the tracks from side A on side B.
2003 Deluxe Edition
Disc one- 9. "Upside Down" (Original Chic Mix) - 4:17
- 10. "Tenderness" (Original Chic Mix) - 5:10
- 11. "Friend to Friend" (Original Chic Mix) - 3:20
- 12. "I'm Coming Out" (Original Chic Mix) - 6:01
- 13. "Have Fun (Again)" (Original Chic Mix) - 7:09
- 14. "My Old Piano" (Original Chic Mix) - 4:52
- 15. "Now That You're Gone" (Original Chic Mix) - 3:40
- 16. "Give Up" (Original Chic Mix) - 3:59
- Tracks 9-16 previously unreleased
Disc 2
- "Love HangoverLove Hangover"Love Hangover" was the fourth number one single for Motown singer Diana Ross. It was released in March 1976, and rose to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Soul Singles and Hot Dance Club Play charts simultaneously....
" (Extended Alternate Mix) (McLeod, Sawyer) - 10:25- Previously unreleased mix. Original version appears on 1976 album Diana RossDiana Ross (1976 album)Diana Ross is a 1976 album by Diana Ross for the Motown label, her second self-titled LP .-Reception:...
- Previously unreleased mix. Original version appears on 1976 album Diana Ross
- "Your Love Is So Good for Me" (12-Inch Version) (Peterson) - 6:36
- Previously unreleased. Original version appears on 1977 album Baby It's MeBaby It's MeBaby It's Me is a 1977 album released by American singer Diana Ross on the Motown label. The album was produced by producer Richard Perry. The singles released from the LP include "Gettin' Ready for Love", "You Got It", and "All Night Lover"....
- Previously unreleased. Original version appears on 1977 album Baby It's Me
- "Top of the World" (Snow) - 3:09
- From 1977 album Baby It's MeBaby It's MeBaby It's Me is a 1977 album released by American singer Diana Ross on the Motown label. The album was produced by producer Richard Perry. The singles released from the LP include "Gettin' Ready for Love", "You Got It", and "All Night Lover"....
- From 1977 album Baby It's Me
- "Lovin', Livin' and Givin'" (Ross album remix) (Davis, Stover) - 5:12
- From 1978 album RossRoss (1978 album)Ross is a 1978 studio album/compilation released by American singer Diana Ross on the Motown label. The album was a mixture of older tunes Ross recorded and newer recordings, side A consisting of four tracks recorded in 1978 and Side B of material recorded between the years 1971 and 1975, but...
. Original version appears on 1978 original motion picture soundtrack Thank God It's Friday
- From 1978 album Ross
- "What You Gave Me" (12-Inch Version) (Ashford, Simpson) - 6:08
- Original version appears on 1978 album RossRoss (1978 album)Ross is a 1978 studio album/compilation released by American singer Diana Ross on the Motown label. The album was a mixture of older tunes Ross recorded and newer recordings, side A consisting of four tracks recorded in 1978 and Side B of material recorded between the years 1971 and 1975, but...
- Original version appears on 1978 album Ross
- "You Were the One" (Patterson, Wright) - 4:04
- From 1978 album RossRoss (1978 album)Ross is a 1978 studio album/compilation released by American singer Diana Ross on the Motown label. The album was a mixture of older tunes Ross recorded and newer recordings, side A consisting of four tracks recorded in 1978 and Side B of material recorded between the years 1971 and 1975, but...
- From 1978 album Ross
- "The Diana Ross & the Supremes Medley of Hits" (12-inch Mix) (Dozier, Holland, Holland) - 9:59
- Originally released as 12" single in 1977. Re-released as 12" and edited 7" single in 1980 and 1981.
- "No One Gets the Prize/The Boss" (12-Inch Re-Edit) (Ashford, Simpson) - 9:41
- Original versions appear on 1979 album The Boss
- "I Ain't Been Licked" (12-inch Mix) (Ashford, Simpson) - 5:18
- Original version appears on 1979 album The Boss
- "Fire Don't Burn" (David, Holland, Holland) - 3:26
- Previously unreleased recording, recorded 1975-1977. Proposed for inclusion on cancelled 1981 album Revelations
- "We Can Never Light That Old Flame Again" (Alternate Mix) (David, Holland, Holland) - 4:38
- Original version released as non-album single, 1982. Remixed in 1990.
- "You Build Me Up to Tear Me Down" (Holland, Holland, Miller) - 5:42
- Previously unreleased recording, recorded 1975-1977. Mixed in 1978 for possible inclusion on album RossRoss (1978 album)Ross is a 1978 studio album/compilation released by American singer Diana Ross on the Motown label. The album was a mixture of older tunes Ross recorded and newer recordings, side A consisting of four tracks recorded in 1978 and Side B of material recorded between the years 1971 and 1975, but...
- Previously unreleased recording, recorded 1975-1977. Mixed in 1978 for possible inclusion on album Ross
- "Sweet Summertime Livin'" (Stover) - 4:25
- Previously unreleased recording, recorded 1975-1977. Mixed in 1978 for possible inclusion on album RossRoss (1978 album)Ross is a 1978 studio album/compilation released by American singer Diana Ross on the Motown label. The album was a mixture of older tunes Ross recorded and newer recordings, side A consisting of four tracks recorded in 1978 and Side B of material recorded between the years 1971 and 1975, but...
. Remixed in 1981 and proposed for inclusion on cancelled album Revelations
- Previously unreleased recording, recorded 1975-1977. Mixed in 1978 for possible inclusion on album Ross
Personnel
- Alfa Anderson - vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
- Fonzi ThorntonFonzi ThorntonFonzi Thornton, is an American singer, song writer/producer, stage performer and radio personality.Thornton has provided background vocals on albums by artists which include Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Diana Ross, Ray Charles, Chic, Sheena Easton, Mariah Carey, David Bowie, Michael Jackson,...
- vocals - Luci Martin - vocals
- Michelle Cobbs - vocals
- Bernard EdwardsBernard EdwardsBernard Edwards born in Greenville, North Carolina, was a bass player and record producer, both as a member of the Funk/Disco band Chic and on his own. He died of pneumonia while touring in Japan.-History:...
- bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick.... - Nile RodgersNile RodgersNile Gregory Rodgers is an American musician, producer, composer, arranger, and guitarist.-Biography:...
- guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with... - Tony ThompsonTony ThompsonAnthony T. "Tony" Thompson was a session drummer best known as a member of Chic. He was raised in the middle-class community of Springfield Gardens, in Queens, NY.-Chic:...
- drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person .... - Andy Schwartz - keyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
- Raymond Jones - keyboards
- Eddie Daniels - saxophoneSaxophoneThe saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846...
- Meco MonardoMecoMeco is an American record producer and musician, as well as the name of a band or production team based around him...
- tromboneTromboneThe trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Like all brass instruments, sound is produced when the player’s vibrating lips cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate... - Bob Milliken - trumpetTrumpetThe trumpet is the musical instrument with the highest register in the brass family. Trumpets are among the oldest musical instruments, dating back to at least 1500 BCE. They are played by blowing air through closed lips, producing a "buzzing" sound which starts a standing wave vibration in the air...
- Valerie Haywood (The Chic Strings) - stringsString instrumentA string instrument is a musical instrument that produces sound by means of vibrating strings. In the Hornbostel-Sachs scheme of musical instrument classification, used in organology, they are called chordophones...
- Cheryl Hong (The Chic Strings) - strings
- Karen Milne (The Chic Strings) - strings
- Gene Orloff - conductor
Production
- Bernard EdwardsBernard EdwardsBernard Edwards born in Greenville, North Carolina, was a bass player and record producer, both as a member of the Funk/Disco band Chic and on his own. He died of pneumonia while touring in Japan.-History:...
- producerRecord producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
for Chic Organization Ltd. - Nile RodgersNile RodgersNile Gregory Rodgers is an American musician, producer, composer, arranger, and guitarist.-Biography:...
- producer for Chic Organization Ltd. - Bob ClearmountainBob ClearmountainBob Clearmountain is an award-winning American music engineer, mixer and producer. He has worked with many prominent names in music including Bruce Springsteen , The Rolling Stones , Bryan Adams , Robbie Williams Bob Clearmountain is an award-winning American music engineer, mixer and producer. He...
- engineer proposed side A; tracks 1-4 - Bill Scheniman - engineer proposed side B; tracks 1-4
- James Farber - engineer
- Neil Dorfsman - engineer
- Ralph Osborn - engineer
- Abdoulaye Soumare - assistant engineer
- Jeff Hendrickson - assistant engineer
- Lucy Laurie - assistant engineer
- Peter Robbins - assistant engineer
- Dennis King - mastering
- All songs originally recorded at Power Station in New York. Lead vocal re-recordings: Electric Lady, New York; Motown/Hitsville U.S.A. Studios, Hollywood, California.
- All songs originally mixed at: Power Station, New York. Remixed by Russ Terrana and Diana Ross at Artisan Sound Recorders, Hollywood, California.
- Mastered at Atlantic Studios, N.Y.