Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand) - Diana Ross (1970) 2/16/22

Most everyone (of a certain age) knows that after spending the '60s fronting The Supremes, Diana Ross went solo.

But do you remember the "Great Song of 1970" that was Diana's solo debut?

"Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" was written by the extremely talented and prolific songwriting team of Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, who also sang backup on the track.

The song was a rarity for Diana. While many Motown artists (especially Marvin Gaye, Edwin Starr, and The Temptations) were releasing songs that tackled social and world issues, Diana usually shied away from that sort of thing. "Reach Out" was an exception.

And an exceptional exception it was!

Chartwise, it did fairly well, reaching #7 on Billboard's Rhythm & Blues Chart, #18 on the Adult Contemporary Chart and #20 on the Hot 100.

But then, in concert after concert, Diana would take the church tradition of "passing the peace" ("Peace be with you...And also with you.') and apply it to the song, asking the audience to turn to one another, reach out, and shake hands. The crowds loved it!

It gave the song extra significance, and made it even more popular.

One interesting side note: The Supremes (sans Diana) also released an EXCELLENT, but completely different, version as a group duet with The Four Tops. According to Diana's replacement, Jean Terrell, when THEY toured, the crowds would loudly call out for Diana's version--apparently forgetting that Diana was no longer a Supreme!

"Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" by Diana Ross--solo: A "Great Song of 1970!"

For the record, here's the version by The Supremes and the Four Tops. (Check it out!):