In 1959, Ross was brought to the attention of Milton Jenkins, the manager of the local doo-wop group The Primes, by Mary Wilson. Primes member Paul Williams convinced Jenkins to enlist Ross in the sister group The Primettes, which included Wilson, Florence Ballard and Betty McGlown.
In 1976, Billboard magazine named her the female entertainer of the century. In 1993, The Guinness Book Of World Records listed her as the most successful female artist ever (the title is now attributed to Madonna), partly due to her combined total of eighteen number-one singles, six of them recorded solo and the remaining dozen from her work with the Supremes.
Ross was also one of the few pop singers to find modest success in the acting world winning an Academy Award nomination for her role as Billie Holiday in the 1972 film, "Lady Sings the Blues" as well as having hits with other film roles such as "Mahogany", "Out of Darkness" and "Double Platinum", not to mention her role in "The Wiz".
Ross has been awarded many lifetime achievement accolades from many organizations and media outlets: she has been featured on BET, Soul Train, and awarded multiple times at the NAACP Image Awards, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2007 and given the Grammy Lifetime Achievement in 2011.
Ross' professional vocal collaborators have included the following during her career: Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Julio Iglesias, Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, and Smokey Robinson, among many others.
Hang On Sloopy
Diana Ross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hang on sloopy, sloopy hang on
Sloopy lives in a very bad part of town
And everybody, yeah, tries to put my sloopy down
Sloopy I don't care what your daddy do
'Cause you know, sloopy boy, I'm in love with you
Hang on sloopy, sloopy hang on
Hang on sloopy, sloopy hang on
Hang on sloopy
Sloopy, let your love shine boy
Let it shine over me
Sloopy, let your love shine boy
Let it shine over me, yeah
Come on, sloopy
Come on, sloopy
Come on, sloopy
Come on, sloopy
Let it feel so good
You know, it feels so good
Shake it, shake it sloopy
Shake it, shake it, shake it, yeah
Come on, sloopy
Come on, boy
Hang on sloopy, sloopy hang on
The lyrics to Diana Ross's song "Hang on Sloopy" tell the story of a woman named Sloopy who lives in a bad part of town and is often put down by others. Despite this, the singer proclaims her love for Sloopy and encourages her to hang on and keep shining her love. The repeated refrain of "Hang on sloopy, sloopy hang on" becomes a rallying cry for Sloopy to keep going, no matter what obstacles she may face.
The lyrics can be interpreted as an empowering message for those who may feel marginalized or oppressed. Sloopy represents anyone who faces discrimination or adversity, and the singer's declaration of love and support serves as a reminder that they are worthy of respect and love.
Line by Line Meaning
Hang on sloopy, sloopy hang on
The singer asking Sloopy to hold on and not give up.
Sloopy lives in a very bad part of town
Sloopy resides in an area filled with difficulties and hardships.
And everybody, yeah, tries to put my sloopy down
People around Sloopy try to discourage and criticize him.
Sloopy I don't care what your daddy do
The artist implies that Sloopy's father's actions do not affect their relationship.
'Cause you know, sloopy boy, I'm in love with you
The artist confesses their affection toward Sloopy.
So, I sing out
The singer begins to express their feelings through song.
Sloopy, let your love shine boy
The singer wants Sloopy to express his feelings openly.
Let it shine over me
The artist wants to feel the warmth of Sloopy's love.
Come on, sloopy
The artist encouraging Sloopy to take action.
Let it feel so good
The artist wants Sloopy to feel happy and content.
You know, it feels so good
The singer believes that expressing love feels delightful.
Shake it, shake it sloopy
The artist wants Sloopy to let his emotions show.
Shake it, shake it, shake it, yeah
The singer wants Sloopy to be confident and expressive.
Come on, sloopy
The singer encouraging Sloopy to take action again.
Come on, boy
The singer using a friendly tone to encourage Sloopy.
Hang on sloopy, sloopy hang on
The artist repeats the chorus to reinforce the message of perseverance.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, MORRIS MUSIC, INC.
Written by: Wes Farrell, Bert Russell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ironjacket16
Di Ross = greatest pop diva of all time. Agree tho that McCoys version is definitive. But that chord progression would sound good via anyone. Love ya all
4orsaorsa
what a wonderful and R A R E !!! version!!! Thks a lot for posting!!
Bryan Wiley
first time hearing this, so many singers covered each others songs.
victor nev
wow first time i heard this by the supremes i think it sends me out of this world that's why radio stinks
Ronald Charles Epstein
What did the McCoys think? Did they want to "discuss" the song with the Supremes?
Violator
Damn that sucks should have left it to the mccoys
Allen Nelson
Absolutely horrible. Why Motown released it is a mystery to me.