With all the hoopla surrounding "Dreamgirls" (the film finished in third place over the weekend with $8.7 million and $78.1 million to date), it's curious that Diana Ross, the woman whose life and career the film is loosely based on told David Letterman a few days ago that she hasn't even seen the film yet. Actually, she should go ahead because Beyonce basically channels her in the musical performances and the character of Deena comes off far better than Ross has in books and Mary Wilson interviews about her time as lead singer of the Supremes.
I was a major fan of Ross for decades but have felt a little more cool toward her as she has come off as somewhat imperious in interviews and certainly was when I met her in the fall of 2005 at the DVD party for "Lady Sings the Blues."
But here's the thing: she's now 62 (looks amazing!) and she's not gonna change. And after listening to her new CD this morning, I realized that it doesn't really matter if she's an imperious diva: the biggest reason I loved Diana Ross is because I have ALWAYS loved the way she sings and the unique sound of her lovely voice. It's a voice that has been recording for more than 40 years now and it has held up remarkably well.
"I Love You" is Ross' first CD of new material since 1999 and it's so good to have her back with 14 new recordings. Some of the songs are covers and are terrific: with "More Today Than Yesterday" and "What About Love" being my favorites and "Take My Breath Away," "Always and Forver," and "You Are So Beautiful" also solid efforts. My favorite songs on this disc are "I Will" which I think is her best song in decades, and "To Be Loved" which is a glorious recording. I'm not sure if it is an old song recorded by someone else but Ross makes it her own.
So welcome back Miss Ross. I have missed your talent.