Happy birthday to the Supremes queen Diana Ross. The singer, songwriter, and Motown icon who fronted one of music’s best girl groups and made a dynamic solo career for herself turns 73 today (and she’s still touring, btw). The unstoppable Miss Ross is famous for her diva-riffic image, but the artist has proven she’s equally down to earth. Here are 20 quotes that prove why Ross is still queen of music and our hearts.
“I’m an icon, or a diva, or a soul sister, or a queen. Labels, I have never gotten into the label thing.”
“I don’t think getting in and out of a limousine has anything to do with being an icon.”
“I’m not afraid to say what I feel now . . . It’s taking a stand for yourself, not being a pushover.”
“I have always felt its important to stay present. To stay in the moment. To stay now. I never try to think about legacy and being remembered.”
“I have a lust for life. I’m in love with trees. I love nature and I’m a people watcher.”
“I really like my work to consume me.”
“I sing all the time. Music is a part of my being. Like when I’m walking, I walk with a rhythm. I carry myself as if there’s music inside. I can be on an elevator and I might hum a song or sing something, and someone might get off the elevator and say, “Thanks for this concert.” And I don’t even realize I’m humming.”
“I feel very sexy. I’ve always been sexual. I haven’t given up on sex yet – that’s probably why I’ve got five kids. I like it a lot. It’s my form of intimacy in my personal relationships. I feel my femininity when I’m working.”
“I’m pretty satisfied with who I am, and I think that shows.”
“You just have to be willing to play the game with a sense of humor, with lightness about it, and get the work done. And mooove forward.”
“You can’t just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You’ve got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.”
“If I have someone who believes in me, I can move mountains.”
“Hair has always been important.”
“Just because I have my standards, they think I’m a bitch.”
“It takes a long time to get to be a diva. I mean, you gotta work at it.”
“I’m not really a songwriter – I’m an interpreter. So in a sense I am an actress first and foremost. I act out the songs, and I lead with my heart.”
“No, nothing really upsets me.”
“I try to choose the songs that really are basically coming from my heart. I think that through the songs that I select, people know what’s going on in my life.”
“I can be a better me than anyone can.”
ANDY WARHOL: Do you dance at home? DIANA ROSS: Yes, we move all the furniture back and dance on the stage, too. It’s not a choreographed kind of thing, it’s much freer. It keeps you strong.