Diana Ross is still Supreme, and she is showing no signs of slowing down. Saturday night in Canton Ohio, The Las Vegas Raiders turned it upside-down, inside-out, and heard a symphony for Cliff Branch.
Diana Ross was the surprise superstar headliner at the team’s party honoring Cliff Branch at Quarry Gold Club. Her performance topped off the team’s Pro Football Hall of Fame weekend honoring the late, great receiver.
Why Diana Ross? Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis said Cliff Branch was a big fan of hers. Davis didn’t say how much Ross was paid for the appearance. “What happens in the Raiders locker room, stays in the Raiders locker room.” But Diana Ross does not work cheap. Industry standard for a Diana Ross appearance would be between $1 million to $1.2 million!
Ross sang a medley of “I’m Coming Out, “My World is Empty Without You,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “Stop! In The Name of Love,” “Upside Down” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” her cover of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” and an encore of “Thank You.” Ross sang live to recorded tracks with a pair of backing singers.
I was lucky enough to see Diana Ross again live (I saw her 20 years prior) about four years ago, at The Wynn Resort, and she did not disappoint! Her voice and presence are as big as they ever were, She still sounds amazing, belting out all of those Supremes classics, her solo hits, and everything in between.
Diana Ross still embraces everything about her early days growing up in “The Brewster Projects” in Detroit, her early Motown years with Berry Gordy and company, all the while being one of the most beautiful, original divas.
Diana Ross is definitely still “The Boss!” If you ever have the chance to see her – stop in the name of love, and do it!
-Carla Rea