Yesterday, I was nominated on Facebook to post ten albums that changed my life over ten days. There supposed to be posted without words, but you know me, lol. In fact, I thought it would be a great idea to share them here, so then I can delve a little deeper. So here goes my first choice...
Back in 1980, I was a shy, chubby sixteen year old who loved rock and hated disco. One day, I was at the mall, specifically Samm Goody, perusing albums and came across this one, simply named diana. I took interest at first simply because I was a big KISS fan back in those days and Diana Ross had dated lead member Gene Simmons for a spell around that same time. I didn't know too much about her (well I actually did know more than I thought), but I knew it was different to the type of music I normally listened to and so I thought, "what the heck!," and bought it. Little did I know that it would be one monumental purchase!
During the time of this record's release, there were two huge singles which I'm pretty sure most of you know. Upside Down and I'm Coming Out have since become two of the crowned jewels in Diana Ross' long anthology of classic tunes. Both songs are vibrant and uplifting, and most of all, they made me want to dance! I think that from the moment I put the needle to the record, my body started moving involuntarily to the beat and I was definitely hooked!
Now those who know me in real life know that I've got it when it comes to dancing, and this entire album was the spark that ignited that fire. I soon learned the other gems on the album, like the dance anthem Tenderness, the groove-aliscious My Old Piano, the sultry, sexy Now (That Your Gone), and the defiant Give Up. Oh, I spent hours listening and dancing to this one, and I even began to lose a little pudge, too!
I still call Diana Ross my first diva, and she was. She and this album were an introduction of sorts to what would become the rest of my life. Within months I had almost her entire collection and this particular record I've owned on cassette and CD, in addition to that original vinyl. Indeed, the songs on this album and many of Diana Ross' other songs are a special part of the Soundtrack of My Life. In fact, I foresee a day of listening to Diana all day long tomorrow.
In the meantime, here's a grainy video of her performing what would eventually become one of the gayest of gay national anthems, I'm Coming Out...
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