Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores Diana Ross' legendary 1983 Central Park concert, where music and leadership carried the day amidst a torrential downpour. Discover how Ross captivated a bi-racial crowd, managed chaos with grace, and turned a challenging performance into a cultural milestone.

From the event's impact on early premium cable streaming via Showtime to Ross' resilience and bond with her fans, Cynthia connects the dots between pop culture, feminism, and the business of entertainment. Join us as we peek behind the scenes, including the NYC Parks Department's role, the significance of this moment for Ross' career, and how it paved the way for new media opportunities.

How did Diana manage to hold it all together in such adverse conditions? What does her leadership teach us today? With reflections on race, gender, and the business of music, this episode places Ross' concert into a broader context of American culture, the NYC Parks Department's history, and the evolution of televised performances.

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PRODUCTION

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Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/