A Lifetime To Get Here: Diana Ross: The American Dreamgirl
by Thomas Adrahtas
Book Summary Information
Author: Thomas AdrahtasEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2006-11-20
ISBN: 1425971407
Number of pages: 404
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Book Reviews of A Lifetime To Get Here: Diana Ross: The American Dreamgirl
Book Review: Reflections Of The Way Things Used To Be....
Summary: 5 Stars
When I first became aware of Tom Adrahtas' book, "Diana Ross...A Lifetime to get Here: The American Dreamgirl," I was intrigued by the controversy it had stirred up. After obtaining a copy to make my own judgment, I have to say that it is a throughly enjoyable read. One of the most interesting elements of the book are the "reflections" if you will, of fans, woven into the fabric of this biography, that underscore how important Diana Ross was in context of the social landscape of the time.
These flashbacks stirred some memories of my own, transporting me back to a simplier, more carefree time in my own life. It was a hot August evening in Montreal at Expo '67. The girls' hit record at the time was "Reflections," and their billing had just recently been altered to "Diana Ross and the Supremes." When I attended the press conference at the Hotel Bonadventure, I was stunned to discover that Florence Ballard had been replaced by Cindy Birdsong, and that only Diana Ross would be in attendance to speak to the press. Being largely ignored because of my youth, but emboldened by it as well, I knelt down between Diana and a radio DJ who was taping her on a portable tape recorder. The DJ asked Diana to describe the "Motown Sound" and while she thought of a reply, I nonchalantly whistled out a beat while moving my hands as if drumming. The hapless DJ shot me a look that could kill, but Diana looked at me, batted those long eyelashes, snapped her fingers and cooed, "That it, that's it!" In that single moment of connection, I knew I loved her!
I was pretty sure that I knew all there was about Diana Ross, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised about some new facts that Tom Adrahtas has uncovered. This book made me question some of the negative conceptions that I harbored. I want to reread mary Wilson's account and reexamine what I previously had thought of as being the truth. If Florence Ballard had lived to tell her story, perhaps yet another aspect of the truth would have emerged.
Of particular interest is the chapter dealing with the Return To Love Tour. Diana took a beating on that and the author's sleuthing opens up some room for discussion. With a new recording, television appearances and an upcoming tour being planned, Diana Ross is experiencing a renaissance at this time. Tom Adrahtas' evenhanded examination of her life sheds light on the accomplishments of a truly gifted performer who has provided the soundtrack for so many lives. For whatever sins perceived or otherwise Diana Ross has committed to offend her detractors, she has surely spent enough time in purgatory, and deserves the opportunity to do what she does best, reach out to her fans. I enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a well researched assessment of Diana Ross and her impact on popular culture.
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