Miss Ross

As she arrives in Las Vegas for a series of performances at The Venetian, legendary entertainer Diana Ross reflects on her standing as an American icon.

BY KIMBERLY BAILEY-TUREAUD

If there was ever an entertainer who truly earned the honorific by which she is best known, it’s Miss Diana Ross.

She changed the course of popular music as lead singer of The Supremes, before embarking on solo recording and acting (“Mahogany,” “The Wiz”) careers that cemented her place in the pantheon of legendary artists. With over 100 million records sold, Ross continues to be a peerless draw for audiences worldwide.

“I believe people earn respect, and people call me ‘Miss Ross’ because they respect me,” said the legendary performer, who got her start at Motown. “I don’t demand it — but I do like it. ”

In Las Vegas, Ross will grace the stage at The Venetian from Nov. 4-21. Audiences can look forward to enjoying such timeless classics as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Love Hangover,” “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand,” “I’m Coming Out,” and many others.

“If in any way, my life and our music … has made a difference … I am really proud of that fact,” Ross says.

There is no denying Ross’ legacy. It is even evident in the lives of her offspring — actors Tracee Ellis Ross (the sitcoms “Black-ish” and “Girlfriends”) and Evan Ross (both installments of “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay”).

“They are following their passions — that’s very important,” said Ross. “They are good children — and I know that if you raise your children to a certain point, then you must step back and let them have their lives.”