In this edition of the Lives of Diana Ross, we focus on some memorable appearances on French television as well as the wild fan who jumped on Miss Ross during her very first solo tour. Vive la France, vive Diana!
I got to see Josephine Baker on that tour. She said played at the Circle Star Theater, a venue Diana played often (her first solo tour in 1971, she sold out 9 nights but due to her pregnancy, she had to cancel). It was a theater in the round, not my favorite. Anyway, it was in a suburb of San Francisco…….not in the city. My dear aunt and beautiful cousin Joan came with me. Unfortunately, we were practically the only people in the audience, save for maybe a couple of her sons. Like the trouper, she was, Josephine came out and did the entire show despite the lack of an audience. It’s one of the many magical things that have happened to me throughout my life. When I lived in New York, I also dined at her son’s restaurant in her honor, “Josephine”. It’s fascinating to know Diana lived in Paris for a year. Could you tell us more about that period? It was heartbreaking that she never got to make the movie. BUT honestly, Lynn Whitfield, a favorite actress of mine from Baton Rouge, LA so she has that French Creole background, was simply fabulous. Really her performance was reminiscent of “Lady”. It remains one of my favorite films. I only wished they would have released the soundtrack because I love the songs.
Besides once being a fine singer, she's also a phenomenal actress. There should have been no other choice as person to play Josephine. I feel Diana would have excelled at the role.
OMG, My brother put Dianna Ross above all other singers, actors musicians... He all but had a heart attack when she portrayed Billy Holiday, I am sure he watched it a hundred times, he had her concert albums, he would cut out magazines articles about her, it was non-stop; and his favorite albums was "Touch Me In The Morning" because as you well know it was a controversial step for Dianna Ross. Yeah, I knew the French guy was just being emotional... but it does look terrifying, because he could have just as easily stabbed her. It was confusing, especially when she screams, so glad she cleared it up. Don't know if the band was playing live but every time she stopped they picked up right where she left off. There is so much respect for classic soul and R&B in Europe -Marvin Gaye, and Isaac Hayes were also huge in Europe. I lived in Europe during the 80's and they were so welcoming! Thanks, this was lovely. Mireille Mathieu, she is another of my favorites. I never knew, Josephine Baker had odds with Dianna Ross??? Oh no that's so sad. So much information in this vid, love it.
Another super, great, awesome video! Since you mentioned the incident with that eager fsn at Diana's first solo concert in Paris (what a debut, btw), it would be nice to have a video-review of her first solo concerts in Eurpean countries, since there are a few ones (London, the Netherlands, etc.) recorded and uploaded here on youtube.
A truly fascinating insight into Diana Ross career from a French perspective. Lots of interesting info and new video/pictures never seen before. I've often wondered how well her records sold in France both as a Supreme and as solo performer. I know the French charts are notorious for being resistant to too many records performed in English and are very loyal to French artists.
Thank you @knockshinnoch, The French are huge buyers of American music. It is actually very funny that we have a "French music section" in our record stores, because the entirety of the store is dedicated to contemporary rock music. Mostly US.
Josephine Baker was a very complexe woman. Kind and generous to a fault, she could also be mean and spiteful. She is buried at the Pantheon, which is the highest honor for a French citizen. She is amongst kings and popes. Many French people think she is French and not American. 😍🥰
Times have changed so much with interaction with our singing star and audiences at concerts. Thank you ssssooooo much for sharing this with us Philippe. The French love her and are very touchy Feely not afraid to show their feelings for you! Aggressive some may say.
@@benhamouphilippe True professional she proved that over and over best example...CENTRAL PARK CONCERT DURING THE RAIN/ THUNDER ⛈ Keep doing what you doing Philippe great work 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💖💖💖
Thank you Philippe l had seen the clips before but your insights and commentary made them far more enjoyable ….and comprehendible. I never really saw the French culture as you described it before but it makes perfect sense . I seem to remember seeing a clip of Diana singing Remember Me in France late 90s early 2000s -a special treat for the French audiences as she included it in the UK shows at the time . Thank you for showcasing this footage. We are still so blessed to have with us performing and she looks as if she’s having an absolute ball doing it x
This is a great subject to discuss. I have noticed that French interviewers and hosts have a much different approach to interacting with stars than in the English-speaking countries. I'm surprised at the breaches of etiquette and decency female stars have been confronted with by male hosts in France. Rickie Lee Jones was asked obnoxious questions by Thierry Ardisson on Tout Le Monde En Parle. On the other hand, a female host was lovely to Barbara Cook in a 1979 performance. I think the French concept of physical proximity might explain the presenter giving Diana la bise, but I don't buy it for a fan accosting a singer during a performance, particularly a ballad. Should all French people be expected to do that? Not much of a concert in that case. It's a shame because it stated out sounding like the best version of Touch Me in the Morning on record. She was so clear. Thanks for your analysis, Philippe.
Same incident like Bernadetted instead I bumped into Roberta Flack at a Vegas buffett . And not 1 person recognized nor even knew whom she was .And her name was in lights out on the marquee we chatted 10 mins. Ps. Although everyone was YT. In the casino. How can you not know her music 😊
