It was Thursday, July 21, 1983 and New York was its usual steamy summer self. The day had been warm and sunny and the city was abuzz with the news that Diana Ross would give a free concert in Central Park that evening at 6 p.m.  The dancers came onstage and gave what seemed like a ritualistic rain dance.  And then the legend appeared. To a roar from the audience, Diana Ross had arrived.  The wind kicked up and the lady began to sing.  But soon, Mother Nature took over and a battle of the divas began. It was Diana Ross against Mother Nature. It was fierce and it was entertaining. It was a concert that made headlines around the world.  Now, courtesy of youtube, here’s a glimpse back at the opening of the show.