Dueling Divas Birthdays: Aretha v. Diana

Aretha & Diana: Closer than they ever wished to be

We celebrate Aretha Franklin's birthday on March 25th and, on the 26th, we toast Diana Ross. Franklin is 72 and Ross 69. They are legends, to be sure, but I certainly wouldn't get any ideas to throw one party for both, especially under the same roof. The room might explode with spectacular but calamitous diva attitude!

Aretha and Diana ~ as they may be referred to; no last names necessary ~ are two of pop music's greatest female voices. Aretha's powerhouse gospel-influenced sound is the polar opposite of Diana's silky, sexy one. Aries are demanding, determined, ambitious and effective and these gals prove it. Joan Crawford (whose birthday we just honored) is also Aries. You don't mess with Aries Divas. Got that right?

In 1987, Aretha Franklin became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Diana Ross was named "Female Entertainer of the Century" by Billboard magazine.  Aretha has 18 GRAMMYs. Diana has a Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY but has otherwise never coveted that award. Diana was the glamorous movie star of Lady Sings the Blues, Mahogany, The Wiz! Aretha was featured as a singing waitress in The Blues Brothers.

We adore them both. Happy Birthday from Dj Buddy Beaverhausen, ladies! You both deserve Respect and There Ain't No Mountain High Enough for either of you to be perched upon. We love your voices, your songs, your dramas, your mystique and even the way you throw around attitude. You have touched us, perhaps more than you know, and it was a privilege to grow up hearing you on the radios and dancefloors. May you celebrate many more birthdays to come.