Data Source

National Portrait Gallery

Exhibition Label

Diana Ross achieved international stardom as the lead singer of the Supremes. With songs such as "Where Did Our Love Go" and "Stop in the Name of Love," the Supremes became the most successful female group in pop music history; during the 1960s, only the Beatles sold more records. Steve Schapiro's photograph pictures Ross (center) in 1965 performing on the NBC musical variety show Hullabaloo with the other two members of the famous singing trio-Mary Wilson (left) and Florence Ballard (right). Described as a "total entertainer," Ross electrified audiences with a voice that could put "swerves into the most unsupple lyrics." In 1970 she left the group to pursue a solo career as a singer and an actress. Ross's portrayal of singer Billie Holiday in the 1972 film Lady Sings the Blues received a Best Actress Oscar nomination.

Artist

Steve Schapiro, born 1934

Sitter

Mary Wilson, born 6 Mar 1944

Diana Ross, born 26 Mar 1944

Florence Ballard, 30 Jun 1943 - 22 Feb 1976

Date

1965 (printed 2006)

Credit Line

National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Steve Schapiro

Medium

Gelatin silver print

Dimensions

Image: 22.6 x 33.7cm (8 7/8 x 13 1/4")

Sheet: 27.7 x 35.5cm (10 7/8 x 14")

Mat: 40.6 x 55.9cm (16 x 22")

Type

Photograph

See more items in

National Portrait Gallery Collection

Object number

NPG.2006.24

Culture

Mary Wilson: American\African American

Diana Ross: American\African American

Florence Ballard: American\African American

Topic

Interior

Interior\Performing Arts\Theatrical\Stage

Mary Wilson: Female

Mary Wilson: Performing Arts\Performer\Musician\Singer\Popular

Diana Ross: Female

Diana Ross: Visual Arts\Designer\Fashion Designer

Diana Ross: Performing Arts\Performer\Actor\Movie

Diana Ross: Performing Arts\Performer\Musician\Singer\Pop

Florence Ballard: Female

Florence Ballard: Performing Arts\Performer\Musician\Singer\Popular

Portrait

Restrictions & Rights

© Steve Schapiro