Leadership, Rain, and Music History

In Advanced TV Herstory‘s most popular episode, published in 2015, I explored Diana Ross’ concert in New York City’s Central Park. The 1983 event is legendary, as Ross provided music and leadership amidst a torrential summer downpour.  In this episode, listeners get the opportunity to discover how Ross captivated a racially diverse crowd, managed chaos with grace, and turned a challenging performance into a cultural milestone.  The event’s impact on early cable streaming to Diana Ross’ resilience, I connects the dots between  pop culture, feminism, and the business of entertainment.

The stories behind the scenes are as fascinating as the performance, including the NYC Parks Department’s role. The concert is available in a limited fashion on streaming, and out-of-print Shout Factory DVDs. Thus, few understand the concert’s significance for Ross’ career, and how it paved the way for new opportunities. An event still unheralded today, I offer insight into how Diana managed to hold it all together in such adverse conditions. As a fan of all of Diana’s work going back to The Supremes, I reflect on what her the timeless elements of her leadership.

I am so proud of this episode.