Quotes By Diana Ross

I was looking at making a shift in my career. I've been so blessed I'd like to be able to give that back. If I could find young artists, young performers I can nurture to have a career I would really like that.

I try to choose the songs that really are basically coming from my heart. I think that through the songs that I select, people know what's going on in my life.

I'm not really a songwriter - I'm an interpreter. So in a sense I am an actress first and foremost. I act out the songs, and I lead with my heart.

I'd traveled a lot, was going temporarily insane and became very successful, but there was no one to take that all home to.

I just appreciate still having the longevity that I've had in my career.

Years ago I wanted to buy an apartment in New York City. I was a single female - I had gone through my divorce - I had three children, I was in show business and black. It was, like, impossible.

I'm a dreamer.

My father worked hard, but we were still very poor; and I didn't want anybody arguing about money, so I became the entertainer - the one who wanted everyone to be happy. I didn't want there to be any problems.

I was brought up in this part of Detroit that they used to call the ghetto.

Icon. What is an icon? When someone is iconic it means they have established a certain kind of legacy possibly, and I think it does come with time. It's something in the arts, I feel. Maybe not, maybe it doesn't have to be in the arts exactly. I'm not really sure. But I don't think you are born an icon.

If I'm with a man I'm soft and buttery.

My family called me a wiggle tail because I was a little skinny, wiry kid full of energy.

You know, you do need mentors, but in the end, you really just need to believe in yourself.

I don't have to sit around and wait for the next movie to come along, I can go out and sing.

Instead of looking at the past, I put myself ahead twenty years and try to look at what I need to do now in order to get there then.

I listen to most everything that's out there because I need to stay aware of what's happening in the industry.

One thing you cannot control is nature.

Being a parent is very important to me.

I know that my fans want to know who I'm sleeping with, but it's really none of their business.

When we first began, we didn't have any hits.

They tell me that it will be hard to find a man strong enough to love my own strength and independence, and not worry about being Mr. Diana Ross, but I disagree. I know absolutely that that man is somewhere out there.

I even thought of adopting a child as a single mother.

If I have someone who believes in me, I can move mountains.

My travels led me to where I am today. Sometimes these steps have felt painful, difficult, but led me to greater happiness and opportunites.

I don't think getting in and out of a limousine has anything to do with being an icon.

You can't just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You've got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.

With the Supremes I made so much money so fast all I wanted to do was buy clothes and pretty things. Now I'm comfortable with money and it's comfortable with me.

I have three girls, and I say the same thing to them. I'm not involved in their careers because I've learned that it's important for them to stand on their own two feet. They'll feel better and prouder of themselves if they do.

You see, I've never really studied acting.

I think a responsibility comes with notoriety, but I never think of it as power. It's more like something you hold, like grains of sand. If you keep your hand closed, you can have it and possess it, but if you open your fingers in any way, you can lose it just as quickly.