Diana Ross Has a Surprising Connection to Providence

Music legend and Academy Award nominee Diana Ross has a close connection to Providence, Rhode Island. Two of Ross's three daughters are graduates of Brown University.

Ross, known as the "Queen of Motown," was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of legendary blues singer Billie Holiday in the 1972 film Lady Sings the Blues. Ross also starred in Mahogany and The Wiz, as well as several made-for-television films.

However, Ross is best known as a singer, first with The Supremes and then as a solo act, churning out hits such as "Baby Love," "Stop! In the Name of Love," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Upside Down," and "Endless Love," a duet with Lionel Richie.

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On the flip side, Ross is a mother of five children, including two sons and three daughters. Two of her daughters, Rhonda Ross Kendrick and Tracee Ellis Ross, are Brown grads.

Meet Diana Ross’ Brown-Educated Daughters

Rhonda, whose dad is music industry icon Berry Gordy, graduated from Brown in 1993 with a degree in African American Studies with a focus on literature. She is a singer, songwriter, actress, and a realtor.

Rhonda Ross Kendrick performed in and around Providence while a student at Brown and later for alumni events. She has been nominated for Emmy and Grammy awards.

Tracee, whose father is Robert Ellis Silberstein, graduated from Brown in 1994, initially majoring in fashion before switching to theater. She has won a Golden Globe Award and has earned Emmy Award nominations.

Chudney Ross, also the daughter of Robert Ellis Silberstein, is a writer, educator, entrepreneur, and TV host. She is a graduate of Georgetown University.

Ross had two sons with Arne Naess, Jr.: Ross Naess and Evan Ross.

Diana Ross’ Rhode Island Performance History

Diana Ross has performed in Rhode Island many times during her career, at the Providence Civic Center, The Living Room in Providence, and at The Providence Performing Arts Center. But Diana Ross's first performance in Rhode Island was at Brown University's Meehan Auditorium in 1969.

At 81, Ross continues to tour and seems to defy aging.

Folk/country performer Mary Chapin Carpenter is also a Brown University graduate.