Diana Ross ~ Upside Down 1980 Disco Purrfection Version

"Upside Down" was a stunning 1980 comeback for both Diana Ross and the men of Chic, Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers. Diana previous #1 was 1976's "Love Hangover". Chic's last #1 was 1979's "Good Times" but their sound lived on when they produced other artists.

"Upside Down" spent four weeks at #1 on the Hot100 and R&B surveys, and five weeks at the top of the Disco/Dance chart. This song was everywhere, but I remember hearing "I'm Coming Out" in the spring a few times on the radio way before I heard "Upside Down". It was pure Chic! Diana was right to push her vocals out front, contrary to what the Rodgers/Edwards had originally submitted to her. She knew where her zone is and she keeps it razor sharp, saying she "did not want to sound like a guest on a Chic album." That is one time she made it all about her and the results speak for themselves. Listen to her hits with the Supremes and you will hear her voice in the perfect middle of that wall of sound.

Diana went to a Chic concert with her kids at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium and she was hooked! The audience reaction to them was unbelievable to Diana. When they decided to collaborate, the pair talked to Diana to get details of her life, where she wanted to go and what she wanted to do. "Upside Down" personified her travails and changes in her recent personal life.

The duo were not privy to the next move Diana Ross was planning, which was to exit Motown and set up shop with RCA Records. If she was leaving, she certainly did it with a bang with her "diana" LP from 1980. It was a serendipitous and astute move that would assure RCA Records to sign her based on her star power.

[kenmccluskey]

i was a dancing fool to this on the floor, embarrassing memories of my dancing, but a fabulous track regardless

[brooklyncarmelena]

I've never really noticed how this song sounds like a "Chic" song. Just looked it up and sure enough it's a Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards production. Nice remix. looks like someone got hold of the multitracks. Good Job!

[benoitschwob]

Deeply in love with that version. Currently waiting in a train station in the south of France. And listening to disco works by Nile Rodgers. Again and Again. ..^^

[SuperObservatorio]

Magnífica canción, , , recuerdos gratos época....saludos desde la bella ciudad de México...saludos

[gregcampbell]

I don't know why Diana doesn't get credit for being a influence on Janet Beyonce and Madonna

[setheb]

After listening to some of your stuff, all great, this one was like whoa.

[yesiddarioninoserrato]

Cordial saludo desde Girardot Cundinamarca Colombia Sur América

[williamcurington]

DJcat.... calling DJcat...time to do... I'm coming out

[andytaylor]

The bass sounds magnificent! Remakably "new"-thank you!

[andrewclowes]

A match made in heaven. Ross & Rogers! end result, pure gold.

[kaushikganguli]

These collaborations are pure gold. Donna Summer - Giorgio Moroder, Diana Ross - Nile Rogers/ Bernard Edwards.

[ronaldcorvers]

Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards: Chic!

[amedina.mobile]

Oh! You made the bass sound delightful! This is indeed Disco Purrfection! Thanks DiscoCat! And this is a song from my early childhood - I was six 😁

[TheLizardKing]

This is my favorite song of all time!!!! YOU ARE AWESOME FOR POSTING MY FAVORITE SONG!! I LOVE ME SOME DJDiscoCat!!!! 🎖🏅🥉🥈🥇🎵🎶♥

[amous]

Oh the memories I was 15 years old when this sound came out 1980 first heard it in a house party in Flatbush Brooklyn, want to thank the older lady on showing me how to be grown. I always remember her when I hear this song.

[erictoddw]

This is one of my top 10 all time fave songs. I've heard dozens and dozens of re-workings and none caught the magic of the original source. THIS IS AMAZING! Better than the recent remix project.

[AlamoOriginal]

Funky!!!! Can't believe this was just uploaded 2 weeks ago. Thank you for this, i'm gonna groove the hell out

[bestmanlife]

Diana ruled the airwaves when this masterpiece was released! You heard it blasting everywhere.

[stevie]

This song is aging amazingly like a fine wine 🍷. I still love it 💙🖤🤍💖.

[Eddee]

what a way to start the fabulous 80s 🪩