Who Is Robert Ellis Silberstein? Diana Ross’ Ex-Husband’s Life and Career

Many people know Robert Ellis Silberstein because he was once married to music legend Diana Ross. Others know him as the father of actress Tracee Ellis Ross. But there is much more to his story than those famous family connections. He built a successful career in the music business long before many people recognized his name.

Robert Ellis Silberstein worked behind the scenes during an exciting time in the music world. While singers stood on stage and enjoyed the spotlight, he helped guide their careers. His work with several well-known artists made him a respected name in the entertainment business.

His personal life also brought him into the public eye. His marriage to Diana Ross, his role as a caring father, and his close bond with his children have kept people interested in his life for many years. Even after his divorce, he remained an important part of his family’s life.

In this article, we will look at Robert Ellis Silberstein’s early life, career, marriage to Diana Ross, family, children, and many other interesting facts. Along the way, you will also learn why he is remembered as both a successful music manager and a devoted father.

Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Profile Summary

Who Is Robert Ellis Silberstein?

Robert Ellis Silberstein is an American music manager and businessman. He became well known during the 1970s after working with several famous singers and bands. Although he stayed behind the scenes, his work helped many artists grow their careers and reach larger audiences.

Today, many people also know him as the former husband of Diana Ross. Their marriage brought him even more public attention. Even after they divorced, his name continued to appear in news stories because of his close connection to one of music’s biggest stars.

Robert is also the father of actress Tracee Ellis Ross, producer Chudney Ross, and singer Rhonda Ross Kendrick. His daughters have each built successful careers of their own. They have often spoken kindly about their father and the important role he played in their lives.

Unlike many people in the entertainment world, Robert has always preferred a quiet life. He rarely looks for attention or public praise. Instead, he is remembered as someone who worked hard behind the scenes while putting his family first.

Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Early Life

Robert Ellis Silberstein was born on January 5, 1946, in Elberon, New Jersey, United States. He grew up in a comfortable home where his family owned a successful garment business. Because of this, he enjoyed a stable childhood and had many good opportunities while growing up.

He was raised in a Jewish family that believed in hard work and education. Those values stayed with him as he grew older. His family gave him a strong start in life, and that helped him build confidence before entering the business world.

After finishing school, Robert attended West Virginia University, where he studied education. At first, he did not plan to work in the music industry. Instead, he became a teacher and even spent time teaching after finishing college.

However, teaching was not where his future was meant to be. Reports say he had a disagreement with his supervisor, which led him to leave that career behind. Sometimes one unexpected moment can change a person’s life, and for Robert Ellis Silberstein, that moment opened the door to a completely different future.

How Did Robert Ellis Silberstein Start His Career?

After leaving teaching, Robert moved to California, where the music business was growing quickly. It was a bold step because he was starting over in a completely new field. Even so, he believed in taking chances and working hard.

The entertainment industry was full of talented people looking for someone who could guide their careers. Robert learned how the business worked and slowly built a name for himself. He earned the trust of artists because he listened carefully and wanted them to succeed.

His career as a talent manager began in the late 1960s. Rather than trying to become famous himself, he focused on helping musicians make smart career choices. He worked behind the scenes, but his advice and support helped many artists move forward.

His calm personality and good business sense made people enjoy working with him. Before long, Robert Ellis Silberstein had become a respected manager in the music world. His career was only getting started, but many exciting opportunities were already waiting for him.

Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Career in Music

As Robert Ellis Silberstein became more experienced, he started working with several well-known artists. Over the years, he managed or worked with names such as Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, Rufus, Billy Preston, Ronnie Wood, Meat Loaf, and Status Quo. These artists helped shape popular music during their time.

One of his early success stories was his work with Chaka Khan while she was performing with Rufus. Their success helped Robert build a strong reputation as someone who could recognize talent and help artists grow their careers.

Robert was known for staying calm and thinking carefully before making business decisions. Instead of chasing attention, he focused on helping artists find the right opportunities. Many people in the music business respected him because he cared about long-term success instead of quick fame.

Although some reports say he later stepped away from talent management and spent time working in real estate, his years in music remain the biggest part of his career. His work behind the scenes helped several famous artists reach new levels of success, and that remains an important part of his legacy.

How Did Robert Ellis Silberstein Meet Diana Ross?

One of the most interesting parts of Robert Ellis Silberstein’s story is how he met Diana Ross. Their first meeting happened in a men’s gift shop. At that time, Diana was shopping for a present for Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, whom she was dating.

Diana asked Robert for help choosing a gift. But instead of only thinking about the shopping trip, she noticed Robert himself. She later said that he looked young, full of life, and very handsome. That short meeting quickly turned into something much bigger.

The two got to know each other better, and their relationship moved forward quickly. Even though Diana was already one of the biggest stars in music, Robert treated her with care and respect. Their connection grew stronger as they spent more time together.

In January 1971, Robert Ellis Silberstein and Diana Ross got married. At the time of their wedding, Diana was expecting a baby. That child, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, was biologically Berry Gordy’s daughter. Even so, Robert lovingly accepted Rhonda, gave her his last name, and raised her as his own child from the very beginning.

Their Marriage and Divorce

After getting married in 1971, Robert Ellis Silberstein and Diana Ross started building their life together. Even though Diana was already one of the biggest stars in the world, they tried to create a happy family. They welcomed two daughters during their marriage, Tracee Ellis Ross in 1972 and Chudney Ross in 1975.

Robert also raised Rhonda Ross Kendrick with the same love and care as his other daughters. Although Berry Gordy was Rhonda’s biological father, Robert adopted her, gave her his last name, and treated her like his own child. For many years, Rhonda believed Robert was her biological father.

When Rhonda was around 13 years old, she learned that Berry Gordy was her birth father. Even after learning the truth, her love and respect for Robert never changed. Their close bond continued because Robert had always been there for her as a caring father.

Sadly, Robert Ellis Silberstein and Diana Ross ended their marriage in March 1977 after about six years together. Even though they divorced, they did not let that hurt their family. They stayed friendly and worked together to support their children as they grew up.

Many years later, Robert even shared that his friendship with Diana had become “too good to be true.” Their story shows that while a marriage may end, respect and kindness can still remain.

Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Children

One of the biggest parts of Robert Ellis Silberstein’s life is his family. He is the father of Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Chudney Ross. Each daughter followed her own path and found success in different ways.

Rhonda Ross Kendrick became a singer, songwriter, and actress. Like her mother, she built a career in music. She has often spoken warmly about both Berry Gordy and Robert, showing love for the two men who helped shape her life.

Tracee Ellis Ross became one of Hollywood’s best-known actresses. She starred in popular television shows such as Black-ish and has won many awards during her career. Even with her busy life, she has always stayed close to her father.

Tracee has shared many kind words about Robert over the years. She once explained that she wanted “Ellis” in her name because she wanted her father to know she was proud to be his daughter. She has also said that she got her funny personality and sense of humor from him.

Chudney Ross built her own career as a producer, businesswoman, and writer. Like her sisters, she has remained close to her father. The strong relationship between Robert and all three daughters is one of the most admired parts of his life.

Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Life After Divorce

After his divorce from Diana Ross, Robert Ellis Silberstein chose a much quieter life. He stayed away from the spotlight and focused more on his personal life than on public attention. While many celebrity stories are full of drama, Robert’s life after divorce has been calm.

Some reports say he slowly stepped away from music management and later became involved in real estate. Although he was no longer managing famous artists every day, his years of experience had already made him a respected name in the business.

Robert has also stayed close to his family through the years. He has been seen at birthdays, family celebrations, and other special events. His daughters often share old family photos that show the love they have for their father.

Even today, Robert prefers a private life. He rarely gives interviews or appears in the news. Still, people continue searching for him because of his career, his family, and his connection to Diana Ross.

Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Net Worth

Robert Ellis Silberstein built his wealth through many years of hard work. As a music manager, he worked with several successful artists and helped guide their careers. Those years brought him both respect and financial success.

Many online reports estimate Robert Ellis Silberstein’s net worth at around $50 million. While the exact number has never been confirmed by Robert himself, this estimate is often mentioned by entertainment websites.

His income mainly came from artist management and business work. Some reports also say he invested in real estate after leaving the music business, although very few public details have been shared about those investments.

Today, Robert enjoys a comfortable life. Even after retiring from the spotlight, his long career has allowed him to live without seeking public attention or new business projects.

Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Lasting Impact

Robert Ellis Silberstein may not have been a singer or actor, but he still played an important part in entertainment history. His work helped several artists grow their careers during an exciting time in music.

Artists such as Chaka Khan, Rufus, Billy Preston, Ronnie Wood, Meat Loaf, Status Quo, and Diana Ross are often linked with his years as a music manager. His ability to guide talent helped him earn respect throughout the industry.

Outside of work, many people believe his greatest success is his family. His daughters have built successful careers while continuing to show love and respect for him. Their close relationship says a lot about the kind of father he has been.

Today, Robert Ellis Silberstein is remembered for much more than his marriage to Diana Ross. He is remembered as a caring father, a respected music manager, and someone who quietly helped shape the careers of many talented artists.

The End of the Story

Robert Ellis Silberstein has lived an interesting life filled with music, family, and hard work. While many people first learn about him because of Diana Ross, his own career and personal story are just as interesting. He helped several artists build successful careers and earned respect throughout the music business.

His family life also shows another side of who he is. He raised three daughters with love, stayed close to them through the years, and remained friendly with Diana Ross after their divorce. That lasting family bond is one of the reasons people continue to admire him.

Although Robert now enjoys a private life, his story still interests fans around the world. From his early days as a teacher to becoming a successful music manager and a devoted father, his journey reminds us that many important people work behind the scenes to help others shine.

(FAQs)

How old is Robert Ellis Silberstein?

Robert Ellis Silberstein was born on January 5, 1946. As of 2026, he is 80 years old.

Who was Robert Ellis Silberstein married to?

He was married to Diana Ross. They married in 1971 and divorced in 1977, but they remained on good terms after their marriage ended.

Does Robert Ellis Silberstein have children?

Yes. He raised Rhonda Ross Kendrick and is the biological father of Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross.

What is Robert Ellis Silberstein’s net worth?

Many reports estimate his net worth to be around $50 million, although Robert has never publicly confirmed this amount.

What did Robert Ellis Silberstein do for a living?

He worked as a music manager and businessman. During his career, he managed several well-known artists and later reportedly spent time working in real estate.

Is Robert Ellis Silberstein on Instagram?

There is no verified public Instagram account that Robert Ellis Silberstein actively uses. Most family updates come from posts shared by his daughters.

Why is Robert Ellis Silberstein still famous?

People continue searching for Robert Ellis Silberstein because of his successful music career, his marriage to Diana Ross, and his close relationship with daughters Tracee Ellis Ross, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, and Chudney Ross.

Keep Reading:

Atila Altaunbay: The Full Story of Grace Jones’ Ex-Husband