While Ashford & Simpson provide solid back-up throughout the record with their own gospel flecked flair, it is Ross who turns in one mesmerizing performance after another on ‘The Boss.’

Eight tracks comprise ‘Ross,’ each entry compelling and designed to bridge the white (pop) and black (R&B) radio formats of the day.

Elegant, but ultimately flawed, ‘Red Hot Rhythm & Blues’ concluded the most exciting, if still largely misunderstood, chapter in Diana Ross’ canon.

While the public may have assumed that Ross’ star power would carry her to an easy victory, she wanted more than “easy” and yearned to make an artistic statement while finding commercial triumph.