Studio Album · No. 5
The Boss Songwriting Credits by Diana Ross
Produced by Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson
Holds writing credit on 0 of 8 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 0 / 8 documented
Scored across the 8 tracks with documented writers, by whether Diana Ross carries a lyricist or composer credit.
Share of the 8 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
By the Numbers
The Boss is the purest interpreter case in this entry: Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson wrote and produced every single track, so the lyricist and composer columns carry only their two names from start to finish. Ross is the lead voice on a record built entirely by one outside team, with no writing credit of her own anywhere on it.
The Boss is the studio album by Diana Ross released in May 1979 by Motown, a full reunion with writer-producers Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson. The pair wrote and produced every track, building an energetic disco-soul set that pushed Ross's voice over driving rhythm sections. The title song and 'It's My House' became enduring fan favorites and club staples, and the album restored her commercial momentum heading into the decade that would produce her biggest solo record. Ross interprets throughout, with no writing credit of her own on the album.
Track Listing & Credits 8 tracks
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
No One Gets the Prize
|
Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Diana Ross (Lead Vocals) |
| 2 |
I Ain't Been Licked
|
Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Diana Ross (Lead Vocals) |
| 3 |
All for One
|
Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Diana Ross (Lead Vocals) |
| 4 |
The Boss
#19
|
Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Diana Ross (Lead Vocals) |
| 5 |
Once in the Morning
|
Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Diana Ross (Lead Vocals) |
| 6 |
It's My House
#9
|
Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Diana Ross (Lead Vocals) |
| 7 |
Sparkle
|
Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Diana Ross (Lead Vocals) |
| 8 |
I'm in the World
|
Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Nickolas AshfordValerie Simpson | Diana Ross (Lead Vocals) |