In a significant celebration of musical excellence and cultural influence, **CNBC is set to premiere an exclusive new documentary on the legendary Diana Ross**, offering an in-depth exploration of her life, career, and lasting legacy. Titled **“Supreme Legacy: The Diana Ross Journey,”** the documentary is scheduled to air this month and will mark one of CNBC’s most ambitious and anticipated biographical features to date.
Best known as the luminous lead singer of The Supremes and later as a groundbreaking solo artist, **Diana Ross has left an indelible mark on music, film, fashion, and popular culture**. The CNBC documentary aims to capture the full spectrum of her brilliance—tracing her journey from humble beginnings in Detroit to her rise as one of the most recognizable and admired women in entertainment history.
—
### **Early Life: The Roots of a Star**
The documentary opens with rare footage and insightful interviews that paint a portrait of young Diana Ernestine Earle Ross. Raised in the Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects in Detroit, her early years were marked by ambition, faith, and family support. Teachers, neighbors, and childhood friends provide anecdotes about Ross’s natural charisma and determination, which was evident long before she stepped onto the national stage.
Archival audio clips and handwritten notes from Ross herself offer a personal window into her early aspirations. It’s a stirring beginning to a story that would soon capture the world’s imagination.
—
### **Motown Magic and the Supremes Era**
The rise of **The Supremes**, with Ross at the forefront, is a central and emotional part of the documentary. Formed initially as The Primettes, the group was signed by Motown Records under the guidance of Berry Gordy, who quickly recognized Ross’s star potential.
Through interviews with Motown veterans, music historians, and former Supremes members, the film chronicles how the group skyrocketed to fame. Hits like *“Stop! In the Name of Love,” “Baby Love,”* and *“You Can’t Hurry Love”* are shown as more than chart-toppers—they were anthems of change during the civil rights era.
**CNBC contextualizes the success of The Supremes within America’s cultural transformation**, spotlighting how Diana Ross helped bridge racial divides, becoming a household name in both Black and white communities.
—
### **Solo Career: From Lead Singer to Global Icon**
Ross’s 1970 decision to go solo was a high-risk move that paid off spectacularly. CNBC details the high expectations placed on her debut, which featured the iconic *“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”* The song became a chart-topping success and set the tone for an extraordinary solo run.
The documentary dives into the 1970s and ’80s, a period that saw Ross consistently reinvent herself. From the sensual disco of *“Love Hangover”* to the inspirational *“Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand),”* her voice adapted to every era. Rare footage of studio sessions and international tours offers viewers an intimate look at Ross’s relentless work ethic and creative genius.
Producers, backup singers, and industry insiders reflect on Ross’s insistence on perfection—an attribute that not only sustained her career but also raised the bar for performers globally.
—
### **Film Career: Acting with Purpose**
Ross didn’t stop at dominating the music world—she conquered Hollywood too. In 1972, her portrayal of Billie Holiday in *Lady Sings the Blues* earned her an Academy Award nomination. CNBC’s documentary provides behind-the-scenes glimpses of her transformation into the troubled jazz legend and discusses the cultural impact of her performance at a time when few Black women were given leading roles in major films.
The documentary also includes highlights from her roles in *Mahogany* and *The Wiz*, where her performances were both visually dazzling and culturally resonant. Directors and castmates, through fresh interviews, speak of Ross’s dedication, her larger-than-life presence, and her commitment to telling authentic stories.
—
### **A Fashion and Cultural Trailblazer**
One of the most visually arresting segments of the documentary is its deep dive into Diana Ross’s influence on fashion. CNBC showcases how Ross’s glittering gowns, big hair, and flawless makeup helped define glamour for a generation. She didn’t just wear clothes—**she created moments**.
Fashion editors, stylists, and celebrities comment on how Ross broke ground in an industry that often excluded Black women from the mainstream beauty conversation. From red carpets to magazine covers, Ross redefined elegance and turned her image into an integral part of her artistic identity.
—
### **Personal Life and the Woman Behind the Icon**
Beyond the stage and screen, *Supreme Legacy* offers a tender exploration of Ross’s personal life. As a mother of five, including actress Tracee Ellis Ross, Diana balanced fame with a fiercely private commitment to family. Her children appear in the documentary to offer heartfelt tributes, reflecting on their mother’s humility, resilience, and unwavering support.
The film also explores Ross’s challenges: tabloid scrutiny, legal battles, and the mental toll of being a Black woman in a relentlessly demanding industry. But at every turn, Ross’s strength and grace shine through. Her voice, layered with both power and vulnerability, becomes a metaphor for her life’s journey.
—
### **Enduring Legacy and Modern Relevance**
Even in her 70s, Ross continues to inspire. The documentary concludes with a focus on her recent achievements, including her return to the studio with the 2021 album *Thank You* and her celebrated appearance at Glastonbury. CNBC highlights how younger stars—Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Bruno Mars among them—credit Ross as a foundational influence.
A moving segment features fan testimonials from around the world, each echoing the same sentiment: Diana Ross changed lives, not just through her music, but through her dignity, her presence, and her message of love and empowerment.
—
### **The CNBC Signature: Style Meets Substance**
While better known for its business programming, CNBC brings a uniquely polished lens to Ross’s life story. The documentary balances rich musical history with cultural and economic context—illustrating how Diana Ross not only entertained the world but **helped shape the global entertainment industry itself**.
Executive producers explain their motivation behind the project: to honor a woman whose impact extends far beyond the stage. With high production value, crisp narration, and emotional storytelling, *Supreme Legacy* sets a new standard for music documentaries on business-focused platforms.
—
### **Final Thoughts: An Icon Worthy of Celebration**
As the credits roll, viewers are left not only with a deeper understanding of Diana Ross the artist but Diana Ross the trailblazer. She was more than just a voice—**she was a movement**. Her story is one of tenacity, grace, and bold creativity. And now, thanks to CNBC’s *Supreme Legacy: The Diana Ross Journey*, her influence will resonate with new generations of fans and creators alike.
**Mark your calendar** and tune in to CNBC—because this is one documentary you won’t want to miss. Diana Ross’s legacy deserves the spotlight, and *Supreme Legacy* gives her nothing less than the royal treatment.
Release date 15 may 2025. So stay tune on CNBC. Thanks for your support💚💖💥💫
