Ain’t no mountain high enough to keeping Diana Ross from connecting with her die-hard fans.
On Monday, the legendary singer kicked off a rare five-night engagement at Manhattan’s New York City Center. Appearing before a sold-out crowd, Ross performed a selection of hits from her 50-plus-year career, including “Baby Love,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Upside Down,” “Love Hangover” and “The Boss.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has had other memorable performances in the Empire State, such as her one-woman show on Broadway in 1976 and her 1983 concert in Central Park. She told those in attendance Monday, including HuffPost, that her return to the city was euphoric.
“Thank you for such a wonderful welcome back home,” she said. “I have endless memories … so many memories. You know, Central Park … and it’s so lovely to see your faces like this. Thank you.”
Prior to taking the stage on Monday night, Ross spoke to BroadwayWorld.com about performing at age 73.
“What I receive each night that I perform is the joy of being able to do what I am very passionate about,” she said. “It feels as if it’s my purpose. I really have such [a] great time with all this, especially when I am in a place of fun and good vibrations.”
She echoed those sentiments to her adoring fans on Monday evening, adding that she had less than a day to rehearse with her band in the New York venue.
“I kind of wanted to tell you that we all just piled in here today, because yesterday we couldn’t get in the room,” she announced during the show. “So today we got in here quickly and we had a really quick sound check, so I’m hoping that the sound was OK for you. I know I had a lot of fun!”
The special limited New York engagement comes on the heels of Ross’ February residency at The Venetian Las Vegas, and precedes her forthcoming headlining performance at this year’s annual Essence Festival.
Diana Ross’ five-night engagement at the New York City Center runs through April 29. For more info, head to the New York City Center website.
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