Diana Ross: “More Today Than Yesterday-Greatest Hits”
Singer and Academy award-winning actress | Lead singer of the Motown group The Supremes | Lady Sings the Blues | An Evening with Diana Ross | The Wiz (a remake of The Wizard of Oz)
By: Daedrian McNaughton
“We love life more today than yesterday.” In the enchanting world of Diana Ross, this statement resonates deeply as she continues to celebrate her life and music with an exuberance that has only grown over the years.
Most fans of Ross recognize her as the iconic lead singer of The Supremes, a trailblazing all-girls group that dominated the charts before she ventured into a solo career and family life. Since then, Ross has remained an indomitable force in the music industry, captivating audiences across generations.
In 2010, the legendary soul diva embarked on her “More Today Than Yesterday-Greatest Hits” tour—an homage to her extensive catalog that spans over 50 years in show business. The tour, which she dedicated to her late friend Michael Jackson, meandered through intimate venues across the U.S., culminating in early 2011. One of those stops was the vibrant Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, where she graced the stage once more.
Arriving about fifteen minutes late, Gary and I were startled to find the concert already in full swing, with concert-goers hustling to their seats. In previous engagements, Ross had expressed her displeasure at tardy fans. Yet, on this night, her electrifying performance eclipsed any concerns about lateness.
The concert unfolded like a glamorous Vegas show, complete with dazzling costume changes that paid homage to each era of her music. Clad in a radiant array of gowns—brilliant reds, striking blues, shimmering silvers, and glowing golds—Ross was every bit the superstar. Her signature long, voluminous hair framed her face as she glided across the stage, exuding joy and vitality.
Having encountered Ross unexpectedly a few years prior while vacationing in Jamaica, I had hoped for a more fulfilling experience than the abbreviated performance she delivered at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival. That night had left us longing for more, but it did little to diminish my admiration for the legendary performer.
The highlight of the evening came when Ross appeared, illuminating the stage in a vintage pink off-the-shoulder gown. It was a moment of pure magic, capturing the essence of her timeless allure. Gary and I relished singing along to classics from her illustrious repertoire—“You Can’t Hurry Love,” “Stop! In the Name Of Love,” and “My World Is Empty Without You.”
As the night progressed, the energy surged during her disco medley, which included “I’m Coming Out,” “Upside Down,” “I Will Survive,” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” The crowd joined in, creating a sea of voices that echoed Ross’s unforgettable hits. Despite her occasional brief exchanges with the audience, they were often limited; the focus remained on the music.
Yet, there were moments when it seemed as though Ross was racing through her setlist, at times appearing a bit out of breath. In those instances, she would encourage the audience to sing along, allowing her a brief respite to regain her breath. Such moments, while slightly disappointing, were easily forgiven, as her mere presence in the room was priceless.
“I Will Survive,” a reinterpretation of Gloria Gaynor’s disco classic, served as a tribute to Ross’s own remarkable endurance in the music industry. With a career spanning over five decades, her commitment to her craft has earned her not only global respect but also countless honors and recognition—even without a Grammy.
During her performance of “Reach Out And Touch Somebody,” Ross invited the audience to embrace one another, fostering a sense of unity and love in the crowd. While she may not have physically reached out to her fans that night, her music touched hearts in ways words cannot describe.
In closing, Diana Ross gracefully thanked her audience, proclaiming, “I love you more today than yesterday.” For those of us fortunate enough to witness her artistry, we can only echo that sentiment in return—no matter how many years pass, her music will forever resonate in our hearts.
