Robert Ellis Silberstein, commonly known as “Bob Ellis,” is a prominent American music executive and entrepreneur. He is also well-known as the former husband of celebrated American singer, actress, and record producer Diana Ross. Hailing from a wealthy Jewish family of garment manufacturers in Elberon, New Jersey, Silberstein began his professional journey teaching at West Virginia University, where he completed his education. After experiencing a conflict with a superior, he left his teaching position and ventured into the entertainment industry as a music executive. Throughout the 1970s, he served as a music manager for various figures in the entertainment sector. He also managed Diana Ross, whom he later married, and they were together from 1971 until their divorce in 1977. Robert has also worked with English rock musician, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and artist Ronnie Wood, known for his association with The Rolling Stones, as well as American musician Billy Preston, and the funk band Rufus. While working with Rufus, Silberstein discovered and took on the management of American artist, singer, and songwriter Chaka Khan. He shares two biological daughters with Diana: Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross. Additionally, he has raised his former stepdaughter, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, who is Diana’s eldest daughter.
Childhood & Early Life
Robert Ellis Silberstein was born on January 5, 1946, in Elberon, New Jersey, United States, into an affluent Jewish family. His family was recognized for their clothing manufacturing venture. There is limited information about his parents or his upbringing. He attended ‘West Virginia University,’ where he earned his degree. Afterward, he started teaching at the university but left a few years later due to a dispute with his supervisor. He then moved to California.
Rise to Fame & Professional Advancement
Silberstein gained prominence after marrying American singer, actress, and record producer Diana Ross, who was the lead vocalist of the American all-female group ‘The Supremes,’ known as the most successful act of ‘Motown’ in the 1960s. This vocal ensemble is celebrated as the top-charting girl group in U.S. history. In the 1970s, Silberstein became a prominent music manager, overseeing not only Diana but also artists like Ronnie Wood from ‘The Rolling Stones,’ Billy Preston, and Michael Lee Aday, famously known as “Meat Loaf.” Additionally, Silberstein managed the American funk band ‘Rufus’ and the English boogie rock band ‘Status Quo.’ Soon after, he discovered American musician, singer, and songwriter Chaka Khan and began managing him as well.
Family & Personal Life
On January 20, 1971, Silberstein wed Diana Ross in front of their families and friends. At that time, Diana was two months pregnant, a result of her earlier relationship with Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, which spanned from 1965 to 1970. Their first child, Ross’s oldest daughter Rhonda, was born on August 14, 1971. Despite knowing the identity of her biological father, Silberstein raised her as his own daughter and remains close to her. Under California family law, he is also recognized as Rhonda’s legal father. Rhonda, who referred to Gordy as “Uncle BB,” discovered the truth about her father when she was 13 and has since become a well-known singer, songwriter, actress, and public speaker.
The couple’s first biological daughter, Tracee Joy Silberstein, was born on October 29, 1972. Tracee ventured into show business as an actress, model, comedian, TV host, and director. She gained fame for her roles as ‘Joan Clayton’ in the sitcom ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Dr. Rainbow Johnson’ in the comedy ‘Black-ish.’ Silberstein and Diana welcomed their second biological daughter, Chudney Ross, in November 1975. Chudney later pursued a career as a producer and production manager, known for her participation in the TV series ‘Fashion News Live’ (2004). She also appeared at the 7th ‘BET Awards’ on June 26, 2007, at the ‘Shrine Auditorium’ in Los Angeles, California, and had an uncredited role in the hour-long TV special ‘Essence Ninth Annual Black Women Hollywood,’ which aired on February 27, 2016.
Silberstein and Diana divorced on March 9, 1977, yet maintained their friendship for the sake of their children. He also has two stepsons, Ross Arne and Evan Olav, from Diana’s second marriage to Norwegian businessman, shipping magnate, and mountaineer Arne Næss Jr. Reports indicate that Silberstein has not been known to date anyone since his separation from Diana.
Net Worth of Robert Ellis Silberstein
Robert Ellis Silberstein is a businessman and music executive from the United States with a net worth of $50 million. He was born in January 1946 in Elberon, New Jersey. Silberstein has managed a number of well-known musicians, including Diana Ross, Billy Preston, Meat Loaf, Rufus, and Status Quo. Known informally as Bob Ellis, he grew up in a prosperous Jewish family involved in garment manufacturing. He completed his education at West Virginia University. From 1971 to 1977, he was married to Diana Ross, and together they had two biological children, one of whom is actress Tracee Ellis Ross. He also took on the responsibility of raising her eldest child, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, who is the biological daughter of Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown. For many years, he nurtured Rhonda as his own child, and she affectionately referred to Berry as “Uncle B.B.” She discovered the truth about her parentage when she was 13. After their separation, Diana relocated to New York City and Los Angeles, while Robert primarily remained in Connecticut. Interestingly, their relationship improved post-divorce, with Robert later expressing that they had grown to be more like siblings by the early 1980s. Robert and Tracee maintain a very close bond even today, with her frequently sharing photos of them together on social media.