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.
Silver Bells
Diana Ross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's Christmas time in the city
Ringeling (ringeling)
Hear them ring (hear them ring)
Soon it will be Christmas day
City side walks, busy side walks
Dressed in holiday style
Children laughing
People passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you hear
Silver bells (silver bells) silver bells (silver bells)
It's Christmas time in the city
Ringeling (ringeling)
Hear them ring (hear them ring)
Soon it will be Christmas day
Silver bells (silver bells) silver bells (silver bells)
It's Christmas time in the city
Ringeling (ringeling)
Hear them ring (hear them ring)
Soon it will be Christmas day
The lyrics to Diana Ross and the Supremes's song "Silver Bells" tell a story of the joy and excitement that accompanies the Christmas season in the city. The repetition of "silver bells" throughout the song serves to reinforce the theme of the holiday season, with the ringing bells symbolizing the festive energy in the air.
The song opens with a description of city sidewalks, which are adorned in holiday attire, reflecting the cheery energy of the season. Children and adults alike are enjoying the season, with laughter and smiles abounding. The chorus repeats the message that it is indeed Christmas time, as the bells continue to ring in the background. The song captures the feeling of anticipation that comes with the arrival of the holiday season, as listeners are encouraged to get into the festive spirit and rejoice in the joys of the holidays.
Line by Line Meaning
Silver bells (silver bells) silver bells (silver bells)
The sound of silver bells is filling the atmosphere signaling the start of the Christmas season.
It's Christmas time in the city
The busy city streets have transformed with decorations and people are filled with the spirit of Christmas.
Ringeling (ringeling)
The bells continue to produce their ringing sound, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.
Hear them ring (hear them ring)
The sound of the bells is so prominent that it is hard to miss, further emphasizing the festive mood.
Soon it will be Christmas day
The anticipation of the holiday is rising as the day of celebration gets closer with every passing moment.
City side walks, busy side walks
The sidewalks of the city are crowded and bustling, with everyone eager to participate in the holiday festivities.
Dressed in holiday style
Everyone is adorned in festive clothing, further enhancing the Christmas spirit.
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
There is a palpable sense of Christmas all around, with a festive atmosphere that is difficult to describe.
Children laughing
The joy of Christmas is evident in the sound of children's laughter, as they play and have fun.
People passing
The streets are filled with people, who are passing each other with happy greetings and smiles.
Meeting smile after smile
Everyone seems to be in a good mood, and their smiles are infectious, creating a positive environment of love and joy.
And on every street corner you hear
The sound of the silver bells can be heard from every corner, with the ringing serving as a reminder that Christmas is here.
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ray Evans, Jay Livingston
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Sunnygal75
My fav version of Silver Bells ππ
Wish we had talent like this today
@vbrockin27
I love this. Diana voice is amazing.
@thestones8022
My childhood memories of Christmas in the 1960's..no other music like it since or before....60's Christmas!!!
@thestones2789
this song is a MUST for the holidays....and year round....
@rochellenavarro28
My favorite version. π itβs so pretty.
@j.p.110
Incredible.! My heart is overwhelmed by these voices.
@aminahshabazz8689
One of my ALL time faves!!! π
@andrewthornhill7042
This is so great; I heard this album for the first time 30 years ago and loved it immediately. Still do. The innocence and clarity still come through and take you to that happy place.
@aaroncreagh4402
Great version
@euleysmith3575
Beautiful Christmas music