Diana Ross Achieved One of Her Most Significant Career Hits Three and a Half Decades Ago
Diana Ross's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough": A Timeless Classic
Diana Ross, the legendary Motown diva, made her mark on the music industry with the release of her single "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" in 1970. This iconic track, which ruled the Hot 100 for three weeks in the fall of that year, was the first of six solo No. 1 hits for Ross.
Before "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", Ross had only produced two singles. Her first official solo single, "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)", reached No. 20 on the Hot 100. However, it was not a breakout smash for Ross.
The success of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" demonstrated Ross's vocal prowess, stage presence, and courage to assert her own voice after years of blending with others. This was evident in her unique arrangement of the song, which included spoken word passages and gospel influences.
Interestingly, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" was not the original version or the one familiar to the American public at the time. Three years earlier, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell had made the song a hit. But Ross managed to do the same, making the song her own while trying new things.
The gospel influences in Ross's arrangement were not hugely popular at the time, but they added a depth and soulfulness that resonated with listeners. This was a testament to Ross's ability to mine the past and make a composition her own.
Ross's reign on the Hot 100 continued throughout the 1970s and into the early 1980s. Her six solo No. 1 hits were spread out across more than a decade. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" remains one of her most successful and instantly familiar songs.
After "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", Ross did not return to the top 10 on her own with a song until "Touch Me in the Morning", which also reached No. 1. But "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" continues to stand as a testament to Ross's talent and the enduring power of her voice.
In conclusion, Diana Ross's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" is a timeless classic that showcases the singer's unique talent and her ability to reinvent and make a song her own. It remains one of the most successful tracks in Ross's catalog and a favourite among fans and music lovers alike.
