Robert Ellis Silberstein (born January 5, 1946), also known as Bob Ellis, is Diana Ross’s ex-husband. Robert Ellis Silberstein, who was born into a wealthy Jewish family, is a Jewish-American music executive, entrepreneur, businessman, and teacher who has a net worth of $50 million.
Robert Ellis Silberstein was married to Diana Ross from 1971 to 1977, and they have two daughters together, namely, Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross. Robert has had an illustrious career managing several top musicians, including the likes of Billy Preston, Rufus, the Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood, his ex-wife, Diana Ross, Meat Loaf, and Status Quo. As a result, he’s made a mark in the music industry and is considered one of the most influential. Discover all about him here.
Summary of Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Bio
- Full name: Robert Ellis Silberstein
- Nickname: Bob Ellis
- Gender: Male
- Date of birth: January 5, 1946
- Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Age: 78 years old
- Place of Birth: Elberon, New Jersey, U.S.
- Ethnicity: Jewish
- Nationality: Jewish-American
- Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
- Religion: Jewish
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Ex-Wife: Diana Ross (1971 to 1977)
- Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Children: Chudney Ross, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Tracee Ellis Ross.
- Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Parents: George Silberstein and Charlotte Silberstein Abrams
- Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Height in Inches: 5 feet 8 inches
- Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Height in Centimeters: 174 cm
- Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Weight: 75 kg (165 lb)
- Eyes color: Brown
- Hair color: Brown
- Education: West Virginia University
- Occupation: Music executive, businessman, entrepreneur, teacher
- Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Net worth: $50 million
- Famous for: Music executive
- Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Instagram: @bobellis333
How Old is Robert Ellis Silberstein?
Robert Ellis Silberstein is 78 years old. He was born on January 5, 1946, in Elberon, New Jersey, United States. He is a Jewish American and follows the Jewish religion.
Robert’s father is George Silberstein, and his mother is Charlotte Silberstein Abrams. He was born to a family famous for their garment-manufacturing business. Because of the successes of the family business, Silberstein was raised in a relatively wealthy home.
For his education, Robert completed his high school at a local school in 1964. Then he proceeded to West Virginia University for his tertiary education. And in 1968, Robert graduated with a BA degree in teaching.
What Does Robert Ellis Silberstein Do For A Living?
After graduating from West Virginia University, Robert began teaching at the school. However, he resigned after a few years following a heated argument with his boss. Then he relocated to Los Angeles to focus on other endeavors.
Robert Ellis Silberstein became a full-time music manager in 1970. During this period, he managed (his would-be wife) Diana Ross, along with other stars like Billy Preston, Ronnie Wood of ‘The Rolling Stones fame, and American singer, record producer, songwriter, and actor Michael Lee Aday, who also goes by his stage name, “Meat Loaf.”
Robert Ellis Silberstein Was The Manager of Chaka Khan
In addition, Robert managed a popular American funk band known as ‘Rufus’ and an English boogie rock band called ‘Status Quo.’ Soon, he scouted American singer, songwriter, and musician, Chaka Khan and started working as his music manager, too.
However, for all his work as a music executive, Robert is best known for discovering the talented Chaka Khan (Yvette Marie Stevens). Khan was the main vocalist in an American funk music band called Rufus. Under the management of Robert, the band won their fair share of Grammys. As Robert’s status within the industry increased, so did his reach.
Robert Ellis Silberstein Is Now a Teacher
He would eventually find and represent a late gospel singer named Billy Preston. But despite enjoying incredible successes as a music executive, Robert has since retired from the music industry and returned to his former school to continue teaching. In his successful career as a music manager, Robert Silberstein was able to discover and managed lots of incredible entertainers, including;
- Diana Ross
- Billy Preston
- Rufus
- Chaka Khan
- The Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood
- Michael Lee Aday (Meat Loaf)
- Status Quo
What is Robert Ellis’s Silberstein’s Net Worth?
Robert Ellis Silberstein, through his successful music executive career, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $50 million. He is an influential music executive, entrepreneur, businessman, and teacher. However, Robert made the most of his wealth from his time working as a music executive.
He has managed several top talents with great returns on investment, including the likes of Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, and Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones. Robert has houses in Los Angeles, California, New York City, and the state of Connecticut. However, he has since retired from music management and returned to teaching at West Virginia University.
Robert Ellis Silberstein Was Diana Ross’s Husband For Five Years
Diana Ross and Robert Ellis Silberstein were once a married couple, exchanging vows on January 20, 1971. Interestingly, Diana Ross was already expecting her first child, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, from a past relationship when they married.
Throughout their wedded life, Diana Ross and Robert Ellis Silberstein had two lovely daughters: Tracee Ellis Ross, born in 1972, and Chudney Ross, born in 1975. After six years of marriage, Diana Ross and Robert Ellis Silberstein decided to part ways in 1977. Despite their split, they have maintained an amicable relationship, sharing parenting responsibilities and coming together for cherished family events.
It is worthy of note that at the time to couple was getting married, Diana was two months pregnant for her ex named Berry Gordy, the CEO of Motown Records. The child was born Rhonda on August 14, 1971, and is Robert and Diana’s eldest daughter. Although Robert knew the identity of the child’s father, he raised her as his daughter and is still close to her. She is now a popular singer, songwriter, actor, and public speaker.
They Have Two Children Who Are Both in the Entertainment Industry
The first biological daughter of Robert and Diana is Tracee Joy Silberstein, who was born on October 29, 1972. Tracee also delved into the world of show business and emerged as a famous actor, model, TV host, director, and comedian. She is best known for portraying ‘Joan Clayton’ in a sitcom titled ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Dr. Rainbow Johnson’ in a comedy series titled ‘Black-ish.’
Robert and Diana welcomed their second biological daughter, Chudney Ross, in November 1975. Chudney is now an actress, a producer, and a production manager. She is known for starring in a TV series titled ‘Fashion News Live’ in 2004. She also appeared in an uncredited role as herself in an hour-long TV special titled ‘Essence Ninth Annual Black Women Hollywood,’ televised on February 27, 2016.
Robert Ellis Silberstein Has Remained Unmarried Since His Divorce from Diana Ross
Unfortunately, Robert Ellis Silberstein and Diana Ross got divorced on March 9, 1977. However, the pair maintained their friendship for the sake of their children. Robert also has two stepsons, namely, Evan Olav and Ross Arne, from Diana’s second marriage to a Norwegian businessman, shipping magnate, and mountaineer named Arne Næss Jr.
Since his divorce from Diana, Robert has not been reported to have dated anyone. Instead, he’s been focused on his managerial career and, now, even more on his teaching job. Meanwhile, the former music executive is yet to discuss any plans of remarrying.