I'm Coming Out by Diana Ross Song Info
"I'm Coming Out" is the second hit single released by Motown singer Diana Ross in 1980, written and produced by Chic members Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers for her album diana (1980). In 1979, Ross commissioned Chic founders Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards to create material for a new album after taking her daughters to see the band in concert, following the success of Ross's final Ashford & Simpson-composed and produced LP, The Boss. Rodgers got the idea for "I'm Coming Out" after noticing three different drag queens dressed as Diana Ross at a New York club called the GG Barnum Room. The lyrics hold an additional meaning to Ross, as she was leaving Motown Records and "coming out" from under Berry Gordy's thumb. The song was a hit, peaking at number five on the U.S. Pop Singles chart. It is also notable for being the first song usually performed at Ross' performances and concerts since 1980. The song has also been identified an unofficial gay-pride anthem. The song has been sampled as the years passed, most notably by Stevie J, who used a sample on the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G.'s 1997 song "Mo Money Mo Problems". There's also been a cover by Amarie and Marcia Hines. It was featured as a cover for the video game Karaoke Revolution as well. It has been further interpolated in the smash hit "More Dunkey More Problems" by Videogamedunkey in 2021.
