Written by: Emma Thompson

Della Reese: A Legendary Singer, Actress, and Minister

Della Reese, born Delloreese Patricia Early, was a renowned American jazz and gospel singer, actress, and ordained minister, whose illustrious career spanned an impressive seven decades. She is best known for her soulful voice, captivating stage presence, and memorable performances in films and television shows.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on July 6, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, Reese grew up in a historic African American neighborhood, surrounded by music and the arts. Her mother, Nellie Mitchelle, was a cook with alleged Cherokee ancestry, and her father, Richard Thaddeus Early, was a steelworker. Reese's early life was marked by her love for singing, which began at the tender age of six in her church choir.

Rise to Fame

In the 1940s, Reese started directing the young people's choir and began her career as a regular singer on radio. At 13, she was hired to sing with Mahalia Jackson's gospel group, touring with the legendary singer and further developing her musical talents. Her big break came in 1959 with the hit single "Don't You Know," which launched her career as a jazz and gospel singer.

Television and Film Career

Reese's versatility as a performer soon led her to television, where she hosted her own talk show, Della, from 1969 to 1970. The show ran for 197 episodes, making her the first African American woman to host a national television program. In the 1970s, she began to focus on film, starring opposite Redd Foxx in Harlem Nights (1989), Martin Lawrence in A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996), and Elliott Gould in Expecting Mary (2010).

Touched by an Angel

Reese's most iconic role came in 1994 when she starred as Tess, an angel, in the CBS drama Touched by an Angel. The show ran for nine seasons, earning Reese multiple award nominations and cementing her status as a beloved television personality.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her remarkable career, Reese received numerous awards and nominations, including two Golden Globe nominations, six Emmy nominations, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1997, she was awarded the Women in Film Lucy Award for her contributions to the entertainment industry.

Philosophical Contributions and Beliefs

Reese was an ordained minister and a devout Christian, often incorporating her faith into her music and performances. Her strong beliefs and convictions inspired countless people, earning her a reputation as a spiritual leader and role model.

Legacy

Della Reese's remarkable life and career serve as a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and passion for the arts. With a career spanning seven decades, she left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, inspiring generations of artists and audiences alike. Her legacy continues to inspire and uplift, ensuring that her memory will live on forever.

• Fun Fact: Reese was a childhood friend of actor and comedian Redd Foxx.
• Did You Know: Reese was the first African American woman to have her own nationally syndicated talk show.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

Reese's personal life was marked by her strong relationships and dedication to her craft. She married Vermont Taliaferro in 1952 and had one daughter, Deloreese pattie early owens, with him. Reese passed away on November 19, 2017, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift.

In conclusion, Della Reese was a true icon, whose remarkable career as a singer, actress, and minister continues to inspire and fascinate audiences today. Her contributions to the entertainment industry, her faith, and her unwavering dedication to her craft have made her a beloved and enduring figure in American popular culture.