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Home • Relationships

Michael Jackson and Diana Ross

Diana Ross and Michael Jackson
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
01
You and I

Michael Jackson and Diana Ross’s bond is one of the most storied friendships of all time. See the most memorable moments of the King and the Boss.

Here they are with Michael’s brothers during the early days.

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Michael Jackson and Diana Ross
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02
Ride Out

Diana and Michael have a little fun with MJ’s brothers in a classic convertible in 1970.

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03
Backstage Access

Michael cozies up to Diana as the two hang backstage with his siblings in Chicago in 1979.

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Michael Jackson and Diana Ross
Getty ImagePhoto by Andy Freeberg
04
Gee ‘Wiz’

In 1978, Michael and Diana starred together in “The Wiz” as Scarecrow and Dorothy. Joining them in the cast were (Nipsey Russell (Tin Man) and Ted Ross (Cowardly Lion).

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Michael Jackson and Diana Ross
Getty ImagePhoto by Michael Ochs Archive
05
Flashing Lights

The ever-stylish pair worked numerous red carpets together, including the 1981 Academy Awards.

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06
Two of a Kind

Diana and Michael give the cameras their best shot at the American Music Awards on November 22, 1990. Both have several AMAs under their belts.

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07
Many Voices

The legendary performers joined music’s finest to sing “We Are The World,” a song co-written by Jackson to benefit famine victims in Ethiopia, at the World Music Awards.

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08
Friends Till the End

Michael and Diana took this beautiful shot in January 1980. Pure perfection!

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Michael Jackson and Diana Ross
Getty ImagePhoto by Gilles Petard/Redfern
09
And the Winner Is. . .

Ms. Ross was on hand to see the King of Pop walk away with several awards for his work on the “Thriller” album at the 1984 American Music Awards.

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Michael Jackson and Diana Ross
Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage
10
Starry Nights

The room wasn’t big enough for this star power. The two best friends join Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin at the Lincoln Memorial on January 17, 1993, in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the inauguration of President Bill Clinton.

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11
Friends Indeed

Michael and Diana found great comfort in their friendship. The two presented at the 1996 World Music Awards in Monaco.

“Michael was a personal love of mine, a treasured part of my world, part of the fabric of my life in a way that I can’t seem to find words to express,” Diana wrote in a letter read at Michael’s memorial.

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12
A Special Night

Michael and Diana stole the spotlight during a performance at the Democratic National Committee’s “A Night At The Apollo” in 1992.

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13
Three’s Company

Michael and Diana attend Liza Minnelli’s wedding to producer David Gest with Jackson’s longtime friend Elizabeth Taylor at Marble Collegiate Church in NYC on March 16, 2002.

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