Robert Ellis Silberstein, better known as “Bob Ellis,” is a successful businessman and music executive from the United States. He is also well known for having been the ex-husband of Diana Ross, a well-known American singer, actress, and record producer.
Silberstein, who is Jewish and comes from a wealthy family of clothing makers in Elberon, New Jersey, started his career as a teacher at the “West Virginia University,” where he also received his degree.
After a disagreement with his boss at work, he left his position as a teacher and eventually entered the entertainment industry as a music executive.
He managed the music for a number of celebrities in the entertainment industry in the 1970s. He later married Diana Ross, who he had previously managed. From 1971 through 1977, they stayed wed.
Ronnie Wood of “The Rolling Stones” fame, an English rock musician, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and artist, as well as Billy Preston and the American funk group “Rufus,” have all been managed by Robert.
Silberstein found and managed Chaka Khan, an American singer-songwriter while managing “Rufus.” With Diana, he has two biological daughters: Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross.
Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Diana’s oldest daughter, and his former stepdaughter have also been raised by him.
Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Date of Birth and Parents
On January 5, 1946, Robert Ellis Silberstein was born into a wealthy Jewish family in Elberon, New Jersey, in the United States. His family had a successful company making clothes. His parents and early years are not well known.
Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Education
He studied at “West Virginia University,” where he received his diploma. He then started educating at the institution. But after a few years, he quit his position because of a conflict with his manager. After that, he moved to California.
Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Wife
Silberstein wed Diana Ross on January 20, 1971, in front of their individual families and friends. Diana was expecting her second child at the time.
Her relationship with Berry Gordy, the founder, and CEO of “Motown Records,” which lasted from 1965 to 1970, was the cause of her pregnancy.
Rhonda, Ross’s oldest daughter, was born on that day in 1971. Silberstein raised the kid as his own daughter and remains close to her while being aware of the child’s biological father.
In addition, he is Rhonda’s legal father according to California family law. When Rhonda was thirteen, she discovered that Gordy was her biological father and called him “Uncle BB.” She developed into a well-known singer, composer, actress, and public speaker as she got older.
On October 29, 1972, Tracee Joy Silberstein, the couple’s first biological daughter, was born. Tracee also entered the entertainment industry, where she became well-known as an actress, model, comedian, TV presenter, and director.
She is most recognized for her roles as “Joan Clayton” in “Girlfriends” and “Dr. Rainbow Johnson” in “Black-ish.”
Chudney Ross, the second biological child of Silberstein and Diana, was born in November 1975. Chudney eventually worked as a production manager and producer. She gained fame for her participation in the television program “Fashion News Live” (2004).
On June 26, 2007, in the “Shrine Auditorium” in Los Angeles, California, she took part in the 7th “BET Awards.” In the one-hour television special “Essence Ninth Annual Black Women Hollywood,” which aired on February 27, 2016, she made an uncredited appearance as herself.
On March 9, 1977, Silberstein and Diana got a divorce, although they remained friends for the sake of their kids. Ross Arne and Evan Olav Silberstein are the children of Diana’s second marriage to Arne Naess Jr., a Norwegian businessman, shipping entrepreneur, and mountaineer.
Silberstein is not known to have dated anybody following his divorce from Diana, according to sources.
More About Robert Ellis Silberstein
After marrying the leading vocalist of the American all-female group “The Supremes,” who was “Motown’s” most popular act during the 1960s, American singer, actress, and record producer Diana Ross, Silberstein gained national attention. The vocal group is recognized as the most successful female group in US chart history.
Silberstein was a busy music manager in the 1970s. He also handled the careers of celebrities like Billy Preston, Ronnie Wood, of “The Rolling Stones,” and Michael Lee Aday, better known by his stage name “Meat Loaf,” as well as American singer-songwriter Michael Lee Aday.
Additionally, Silberstein was the manager of the English boogie rock group Status Quo and the American funk group Rufus. Silberstein soon became Chaka Khan’s music manager after seeing the American singer-songwriter and guitarist.