Robert Ellis Silberstein


Robert Ellis Silberstein is an American music executive and businessman. During his career, he managed many musicians, including Billy Preston, Diana Ross, Rufus, the Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood, Meat Loaf and Status Quo.

Personal life

Silberstein was born into a wealthy family of Jewish garment manufacturers in Elberon, New Jersey. He graduated from West Virginia University and tried teaching.
Silberstein was married to Diana Ross from 1971 to 1977. They have two biological children together: Tracee Ellis Ross, and Chudney Ross. He is also close with his adoptive daughter Rhonda Ross Kendrick, who is Ross’ eldest daughter and whose biological father is Motown founder Berry Gordy. Rhonda was born at the beginning of Diana Ross’ marriage with Silberstein and was legally adopted by him and raised as his own daughter with Ross although he knew that Gordy was her biological father. Rhonda only learned at 13 that Berry Gordy was her biological father, which came as a relief to her as she had begun notice that she did not look like her sisters and had questions.
came from a Jewish background. He completed his graduation from West Virginia University. Post-graduation, Ellis took up the teaching job in the same university. But, due to some issues with the principal there, he had to quit his job. Thereafter, he entered the music industry.

Professional career

In the 1970s, he managed Diana Ross, the Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood, Billy Preston and Chaka Khan whom he discovered while managing Rufus.