Diana Ross 'I Love You' album

Diana Ross is a global entertainment icon, a legendary musical treasure whose music has, for decades, inspired romance, happiness and joy. For her new studio album, Ms. Ross has drawn inspiration from romantic songs that have touched her heart through the years, and she has dedicated the album to this most powerful universal emotion: love. I Love You, to be released by Manhattan/EMI in CD and deluxe CD/DVD packages and digitally on January 16, presents 14 songs personally selected for the album by Diana Ross in appreciation of their timeless, classic expressions of love and romance, including a brand new song, “I Love You (That’s All That Really Matters),” a gentle ballad that captures the emotion of romance.

The CD’s package includes stunning photos by Herb Ritts, Randee St. Nicholas and Douglas Kirkland and a letter to fans from Ms. Ross, who executive produced I Love You. The package also contains notes from the album’s co-executive producer, Marylata E. Jacob, a Grammy-nominated music supervisor and producer whose professional relationship with Ms. Ross spans 22 years, Peter Asher, who produced nine of the album’s tracks, and who has collaborated with Ms. Ross on many of her most cherished recordings, and the producer of five of the album’s tracks, Steve Tyrell, who has produced many recordings with Ms. Ross, including “Big Bad Love” with Ray Charles, and in 2005 produced her duet with Rod Stewart, “I’ve Got A Crush On You,” the lead single from Stewart’s Thanks For The Memory: The Great American Songbook I. I Love You’s deluxe edition adds a DVD with a photo gallery and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new album.

Beginning and closing with Harry Nilsson’s “Remember,” the song that inspired Ms. Ross’ vision for her new album, I Love You takes the listener on a vibrant journey through many of music’s most timeless and recognizable affirmations of love. All of the songs chosen for the album are important and meaningful to Ms. Ross, from the sweet bounce of “More Today Than Yesterday,” to the sultry allure of “I Want You,” a song first recorded by Marvin Gaye that was co-written by Ms. Ross’ brother, T-Boy Ross.

“We wanted to create the quintessential album to be played at celebrations of love and life: weddings, family gatherings, intimate moments,” explains Marylata Jacob. “I Love You is Diana’s personal offering to honor these celebrations of love, from the glance of your first true love, through the joy of children, and love everlasting.”

Recorded at multiple studios in Southern California, New York and London, I Love You features soaring orchestral arrangements to accompany the broad range and sensitivity of Ms. Ross’ vocals, one of the world’s most cherished musical instruments. The best players and singers from Los Angeles, New York and London were involved with the new album, and Ms. Ross attended every session, from the initial demos to tracking, overdubs and mixing.

“When I was in the studio, sharing these songs, I was filled with strong emotion,” says Ms. Ross. “These songs, these singers, these musicians and all my fans are a gift of love to me.”
Says Peter Asher, who returns to working with Diana having produced her 1991 hit album, The Force Behind The Power, “I am proud that not only have Diana and I remained friends for 41 years, but that I have again been given the opportunity to work with her extraordinary voice in the studio. Her contribution in the studio was very significant, above and beyond her singing – itself seemingly unchanged by the passing years in its emotional intensity and brilliance, yet having gained a certain wisdom and clarity that makes you believe every word she sings. On this record she tells us an eternal story, and does so with ineffable brilliance and accuracy.”

The Songs:

“Remember” by Harry Nilsson inspired the album and its concept as Ms. Ross listened to it while reminiscing over her family’s photo albums. Its dreaminess conjures up memories of love and present feelings. Ms. Ross feels a connection to Nilsson’s work, as she has often performed songs from Nilsson’s acclaimed musical, “The Point,” in concert.

“More Today Than Yesterday” is a classic first performed by Spiral Starecase in the mid-1960s. Destined to be an audience favorite at Ms. Ross’ concerts, the song is also one of her favorites. Ms. Ross’ fun and bouncy new recording of the song is an inspired tribute to the joy of everlasting love.

“I Want You,” first recorded by Marvin Gaye in 1974, was co-written by Ms. Ross’ beloved brother, T-Boy Ross, with Leon Ware. Ms. Ross delivers a smoldering, sultry take on this track that honors the original while making it wholly her own.

“I Love You (That’s All That Really Matters)” is a new original song, a gorgeous, heartfelt ballad. The writer, Fred White, has been touring with Ms. Ross as a back-up singer for six years. His experience of her live persona and vocal range inspired this song, written specifically with Ms. Ross in mind. Ms. Ross fell in love with the song, saying, “To be loved for who you are is the deepest expression of the purest love, wholly selfless and spiritual.”

“What About Love” was written for Oprah Winfrey’s stage production of “The Color Purple.” The composers are Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. Ms. Ross’ relationship with Brenda Russell and her great friendship with Oprah inspired Ross’ interest in the soundtrack, and she selected this powerful and moving song of love.

“The Look of Love” - Ms. Ross captures all of its romance and anticipation. This classic song was written by two of the finest song writers of all time, Hal David and Burt Bacharach.

“Lovely Day” has a groove and a simple lyric that has universal appeal. “This song makes me dance,” Ms. Ross says. “Everyone wants a lovely day.” Written by Bill Withers.

“Take My Breath Away” is the decade’s quintessential love song. Ms. Ross adds her own signature style to it with her new recording. The original recording is by Berlin.

“Only You” - A new version decidedly Ms. Ross. Growing up in Detroit, listening to records while slow dancing under a single source of light was as close to heaven as it could get for Diana Ross, her own personal experience of young love.

“To Be Loved” was written by the legendary Berry Gordy, Jr. and was originally recorded by Jackie Wilson in 1958. It is the ultimate declaration of love, and Ms. Ross deftly balances the emotion of the song’s sensitive lyrics with an upbeat and boundless delivery.

“I Will” - Paul McCartney’s simplicity of lyric and song melody made it a welcomed song for the heart of I Love You. Ms. Ross’ sweet vocals and Peter Asher’s long history with the Beatles brought a lovely perspective of range and depth to the new recording.

“This Magic Moment,” originally recorded by the Drifters, is made brand new with Ms. Ross’ rendition. With its calypso-leaning arrangement and backing vocals, Ms. Ross’ new version really pops.

“You Are So Beautiful” - The song was chosen for its universal message of love and kindness. “It reaches out and speaks not only to lovers, but to relationships of all kinds, mother to child, child to grandparent, sister to sister, friend to friend,” says Ms. Ross.

“Always And Forever” was written by famed songwriter Rod Temperton and originally recorded by Heatwave. Ms. Ross brings her brilliant sensitivity and gorgeous vocal delivery to the timeless love song for a magical contemporary classic.

Closing the new album’s romantic journey is a reprise of the song that started it all, “Remember.”

“We must remember love in the past, nurture it in the present, and dream of it in the future,” says Ms. Ross.

Biography

In a remarkable career spanning over 40 years, Diana Ross has proven herself the consummate music artist as well as one of the most iconic female singers of all time.

Diana Ross is a leader, gifted, talented; ‘the spirit, power and history of American soul music condensed into one voice’. These are just a few of the many enthusiastic accolades bestowed upon her as one of the most prominent women in popular music history of the late 20th century, something affirmed when in 1993 The Guinness Book of Records jointly awarded her with its Lifetime Achievement Award and the title of 'most successful female vocalist of all time'. Her citation noted, "there are no direct contenders for Miss Ross's award. “

And even today, some four decades after she first reached the No.1 position in both the US and UK charts with “Where Did Our Love Go” (the first of a number of consecutive no.1 hits in the US), Diana Ross is still receiving awards and accolades. When London’s leading radio station Capital Gold asked its listeners to vote for the greatest legends of all time, Diana collected the Legendary Female Artist award, confirming her their favorite female singer of all time.

Beginning in the sixties, as lead singer of the world renowned singing group, The Supremes, and as a solo performer Ms. Ross achieved the unprecedented feat of twelve number one singles in the US, rivaled only by The Beatles for the position of the biggest hit group of that generation.

In 1970, Ms. Ross moved to a solo career and for more than three decades has continued to produce an endless stream of chart singles and sell-out tours, at the same time showing herself to be also a high achieving business woman unafraid to take on new challenges and new directions which her remarkable career have brought to her. It was something remarked upon by South Africa President Nelson Mandela who at his first meeting with her referred to her as "someone who always seems to be running, never walking, she is an inspiration to us all."

Outside of her recording career her achievements are many: she was Oscar®-nominated for her first film role, an extraordinary performance as Billie Holiday in "Lady Sings The Blues," and went on to star in further films, "Mahogany" and "The Wiz." Through her own company Anaid Film Productions Inc. she has executive produced five specials for ABC, CBS, HBO and Showtime.

In 1992 she again proved the diversity of her talent with her production of the live pay-per-view television music special, "The Lady Sings Jazz and Blues - Stolen Moments," which was later released as CD, DVD, and a Disney music special.

Again venturing down new paths, in 1994 Ms. Ross made her dramatic television debut in "Out of Darkness," a film for television on which she also acted as executive producer. Her role as a victim of schizophrenia earned her glowing reviews and a Golden Globe nomination.

Her rich career demonstrates an artist always willing to venture into new areas. Recent years have seen number of further highlights including her appearance in "Christmas In Vienna," a television special with two of the world's great tenors, Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras. As well as being seen across the world by an audience of tens of millions, it also led to a number one CD on the classical charts. Such was the success of the event that Ms. Ross has since performed further concerts around the world with the two tenors under the banner of the "Super Concert Tour." At the invitation of President Nelson Mandela, Ms. Ross made her first concert appearance in South Africa at the opening of the newly built Sundome, the country's largest purpose built indoor arena. She returned again to South Africa last year for a concert supporting the Nelson Mandela Children’s
Fund.

She has received The Soul Train Legend Award, the French Commander des Lettres medal, and she was honored with an entire day of celebration at the international MIDEM music festival in the South of France, becoming the only woman to receive such an honor in the 25 year history of the event. She was again honored in France last year when she received the Medaille de Vermeil de la Ville de Paris (City of Paris Medal), the city’s highest award, given to those who have played a positive role in favor of the Parisian community.

In 2004, McNally Smith College of Music honored her by the establishment of a full four year scholarship in her name. The Diana Ross Performance Scholarship is awarded each year to an outstanding student who is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree.

Awards and accolades aside, she is also conscious of the struggle to make the world a better place, championing many causes, especially those concerned with children. She was spokesperson for National Children's Day, for which she testified before congress, and is also on the board of A Better Chance (ABC), the only national program that recruits and places academically talented inner-city children in the nation's best preparatory schools. In her efforts, she has raised millions of dollars for the numerous charities to which she has lent her name. Her efforts have earned her much deserved recognition as a woman of strength, integrity and above-all, concern.

That concern is never more evident than in the strength of relationship she holds with her family. The proud mother of five children, her three eldest are college graduates who have established successful careers. Her oldest son started university in the fall of 2006 and her younger son has begun a career as an actor, having starred in several movies before his 18th birthday. She credits resourcefulness and determination as a Ross family trait gained from an achiever father - president of a Union Local 174 and a mother who encouraged individuality. While Ms. Ross pursued and succeeded in a singing career, her eldest sister, Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee made her own mark as the first black, female dean of Ohio Medical University.

From the young girl who sat hopefully on the steps of Hitsville, Motown's humble Detroit headquarters, to the world legend she has become, the constants in Diana Ross's life have been belief in herself and belief in others, with the rare ability to share her experience and advantages. At the same time, she credits her children as being the source of her 'grounding' and ability to remain in touch with changing trends. The other constant in her life is her continued ability to find her profession exciting and magical. As she says in Secrets Of A Sparrow, her bestselling memoir which recalls her life and career: "I love life fiercely, desperately. I've always had a gift of seeing the good bits. I've had lots of fun. It has been wonderful. I've also had many struggles, inward and outwards, being a mother, a wife, a feminist. The complexity of being black and female, performer, having my own business, being strong and decisive, sometimes being sad and afraid.

"But at the same time, singing has opened up a world touched by wonder...a world of possibility."

It is that love of life, that never-ending wonder, the appreciation of goals and achievements and sheer human spirit which defines the artist that is Diana Ross and continues to make her one of the most identifiable, unique, beloved and influential singers of successive pop generations.

And so the legend continues. Ms. Ross was celebrated last year by MAC Cosmetics as the face of its new ICONS collection and was recently among the 25 ‘legends’ (including Tina Turner, Coretta Scott King and Maya Angelou) honored by Oprah Winfrey as her personal heroines.

With the release of I Love You, expect more of that unique magic from the first lady of soul and pop.

Do you also would like to share your opinion? If so, please register or login here.

Tags

Details

Tracklisting

Diana Ross - I Love You