LIFE.com

20 Classic Beauties: PEOPLE's Picks

Diana Ross Portrait Session

Diana Ross Portrait Session

Besides fronting the most successful girl group of all time (the Supremes), Ross emerged as a solo style star in the 1970s, influencing future generations of pop stars. "Diana Ross was never safe but always sexy and glamorous and had her own individual style," Beyonce Knowles told People in 2004. "She started a lot of different trends, but whatever she wore complemented her body."

In this photo: Diana Ross

Photo: Harry Langdon/Getty Images

Sep 01, 1974