I’m Coming Out: Diana Ross’ Empowering Anthem That Still Resonates
1. INTRODUCTION
Released in August 1980 as the opening track of Diana Ross’ self-titled album Diana, “I’m Coming Out” quickly rose to iconic status. The song reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Ross’s most celebrated solo hits after leaving Motown and The Supremes.
Produced and written by the legendary Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic, the song was both a dance floor smash and a bold statement of self-identity. It was recorded at Power Station Studios in New York.
2. HISTORY OF THE BAND OR SONG
The backstory of “I’m Coming Out” is as powerful as its groove. Nile Rodgers got the idea for the song after noticing that drag queens frequently impersonated Diana Ross at clubs. He realized Ross had a major LGBTQ+ fanbase and believed a song about self-liberation could serve as both an anthem and a brand reinvention for her.
At the time, Diana Ross was redefining her career—she had recently left Motown, and Diana was her first album with RCA Records. Although she was initially hesitant about the track’s meaning, fearing it might be misunderstood as a declaration of her own sexuality, she ultimately embraced the message. Today, “I’m Coming Out” is celebrated as an LGBTQ+ anthem and a bold declaration of self-expression and empowerment.
3. OSAMPLING: Who Sampled “I’m Coming Out”?
Thanks to its infectious riff and iconic horn lines, “I’m Coming Out” has been sampled extensively, especially in hip-hop and pop. Some of the most notable examples include:
- The Notorious B.I.G. – “Mo Money Mo Problems” (1997)
This iconic hit samples the main melody and hook from “I’m Coming Out,” blending Ross’s disco energy with hip-hop excellence. It features Puff Daddy and Mase and topped the Billboard charts. - Amerie – “Take Control” (2007)
While not a direct sample, the song’s structure and rhythm heavily draw inspiration from Ross’s original.
For a more complete list, visit WhoSampled.
4. TALK NERDY TO ME: Music Theory Behind the Groove
Musically, “I’m Coming Out” is a textbook example of late ‘70s disco-funk perfection with a few nerdy highlights:
- Key: F major
- Tempo: ~120 BPM — perfect for dancing
- Chord Progression: A feel-good I–IV–V (F–Bb–C) progression that makes the track instantly uplifting
- Horn Arrangement: Syncopated stabs and jazzy phrasing make the horns almost as catchy as the vocals
- Bass Line: Played by Bernard Edwards, it’s complex yet funky, filled with slides, ghost notes, and signature Chic bounce
The track also uses call-and-response between vocals and instruments — a nod to Diana’s Motown background, with Rodgers and Edwards layering in Chic’s signature groove.
5. MORE FROM THE ARTIST
Diana Ross’s catalog is rich and timeless. If you love “I’m Coming Out,” check out these other career-defining moments:
- “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (1970) – A dramatic, orchestral take that reintroduced Ross as a solo powerhouse.
- “Upside Down” (1980) – Another hit from the Diana album, also produced by Chic, and a #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit.
- “Endless Love” (1981) – A romantic duet with Lionel Richie, often considered one of the best love songs of all time.
- “Chain Reaction” (1985) – Produced by the Bee Gees, this UK chart-topper gave Diana a whole new pop sound.
You can watch iconic live performances of “I’m Coming Out” on YouTube, including her legendary 1983 Central Park concert and more recent award show tributes.
Sampling Legacy of “I’m Coming Out”
| Artist | Song Title | Year | Sample Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Notorious B.I.G. | Mo Money Mo Problems | 1997 | Direct Sample |
| Amerie | Take Control | 2007 | Indirect Influence |
| Puff Daddy | Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down | 1997 | Groove/Feel |
