Diana Ross’ Wonderful Dance With Photographer Douglas Kirkland

by Michael P Coleman

For almost 60 years, superstar Diana Ross has been just about as well known for her supreme fashion sense as she has been heralded for her chart-topping music.

Fashion photographers like Harry Langdon, Francesco Scavullo, Herb Ritts, and Victor Skrebneski shot iconic photos of Ross that graced albums like her eponymous 1970 solo debut, 1980’s masterful diana project, and 1987’s highly underrated Red Hot Rhythm & Blues. Skrebneski’s work will adorn Ross’ upcoming remix album, Supertonic: Mixes to be released digitally on May 29, with CD and vinyl editions to follow on July 24.

While fans eagerly await that project, I checked in with another of Ross’ legendary fashion photographers, Douglas Kirkland, eager to discuss his stunning work with the Motown legend. Born in Toronto, Canada, Kirkland joined Look Magazine in his early twenties before joining Life Magazine, where he photographed icons like Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich, and Elizabeth Taylor.

Kirkland fondly remembers working with the regal Ross.

“I have done countless album covers and magazine covers over the years, and working with Diana was a highlight,” Kirkland EXCLUSIVELY recalled. “I started working with her in the mid 70s — I cannot remember how we started. It might have been a magazine assignment, [but] for a period of at least 10 years we shot together regularly.”

Kirkland remembered the synergy that he and Ross had in the studio, and thought that one album cover in particular best reflected their partnership.

Read MPC’s full feature.