Discover The Enchanting World Of Della Reese: A Timeless Icon
Who was Della Reese?
Della Reese was an American singer, actress, and ordained minister. Throughout her career, she became known for her sultry contralto vocals and her roles in films such as "Harlem Nights" and "The Royal Tenenbaums." Reese also had a successful television career, starring in the sitcom "Chico and the Man" and hosting her talk show, "Della." Beyond her professional accomplishments, Reese was also an accomplished gospel singer and a dedicated humanitarian.
Born Delloreese Patricia Early in Detroit, Michigan, Reese began singing in church at an early age. She later moved to New York City to pursue a career in music, and in the 1950s, she signed with Jubilee Records. Reese's debut album, "And That Reminds Me," was released in 1957 and featured her signature song, "Don't You Know?". Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Reese continued to release successful albums, including "Della" (1969) and "The Classic Della Reese" (1979). In addition to her music career, Reese also began acting in the 1960s, appearing in films such as "Harlem Nights" (1989) and "The Royal Tenenbaums" (2001).
In the 1980s, Reese transitioned to television, starring in the sitcom "Chico and the Man" from 1974 to 1978. She later hosted her talk show, "Della," from 1986 to 1991. Reese was also an ordained minister, and she often used her platform to speak out on social and political issues. Reese continued to perform and record music throughout her life, and she released her final album, "The Ultimate Collection," in 2014.
Della Reese was an accomplished singer, actress, and minister who made significant contributions to American culture. She was a pioneer for African American women in the entertainment industry, and her work continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.
Della Reese
Della Reese was an influential figure in American entertainment and culture, known for her captivating voice, acting talent, and dedication to social justice.
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- Singer: Reese possessed a rich contralto voice and released numerous successful albums throughout her career.
- Actress: She starred in films such as "Harlem Nights" and "The Royal Tenenbaums," and the sitcom "Chico and the Man."
- Minister: Reese was an ordained minister and used her platform to address social and political issues.
- Pioneer: She was a pioneer for African American women in the entertainment industry.
- Humanitarian: Reese was actively involved in charitable work and supported various causes.
These aspects showcase Della Reese's multifaceted talent, her commitment to social justice, and her enduring impact on American culture. Her powerful voice and compelling performances continue to inspire and entertain audiences today.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Della Reese
| Born | July 6, 1931 |
| Birth Place | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | November 19, 2017 |
| Occupation | Singer, actress, minister |
| Years active | 19532017 |
| Spouse(s) | Franklin Lett (m. 19591961), Reverend Frederick Sorenson (m. 19822017) |
Singer
Della Reese's exceptional singing talent was a defining aspect of her career and contributed significantly to her enduring legacy. Her rich contralto voice possessed a depth and warmth that captivated audiences and showcased her exceptional vocal range.
- Studio Albums and Hit Singles: Reese released over 20 studio albums throughout her career, many of which achieved commercial success. Her signature song, "Don't You Know," became a timeless classic and solidified her status as a vocal powerhouse.
- Genre Versatility: Reese's music spanned various genres, including jazz, pop, R&B, and gospel. Her ability to effortlessly transition between these styles demonstrated her versatility and vocal prowess.
- Live Performances: Reese's live performances were renowned for their energy and emotional intensity. She possessed a natural stage presence and connected deeply with her audiences.
- Musical Collaborations: Reese collaborated with numerous notable artists, including Stevie Wonder, Sammy Davis Jr., and Harry Belafonte. These collaborations showcased her ability to blend her voice with diverse musical styles and talents.
Della Reese's singing career not only entertained audiences but also solidified her place as a significant figure in American music history. Her rich contralto voice and successful albums continue to inspire and captivate listeners today.
Actress
Della Reese's acting career showcased her versatility and ability to connect with audiences through diverse roles. Her performances in films and television left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry and contributed to her overall legacy.
Reese's film roles often explored complex social and cultural issues. In "Harlem Nights" (1989), she portrayed a strong-willed and independent woman navigating the challenges of life in Harlem. Her performance in "The Royal Tenenbaums" (2001) showcased her comedic timing and ability to create memorable characters. Reese's ability to bring depth and authenticity to her roles resonated with audiences and solidified her status as a talented actress.
Reese's television work also played a significant role in her career. Her performance as Mildred Jefferson in the sitcom "Chico and the Man" (1974-1978) garnered critical acclaim and made her a household name. The character of Mildred, a wise-cracking and independent landlady, showcased Reese's comedic skills and ability to connect with viewers on a personal level. Reese's work on "Chico and the Man" broke ground for African American women in television and paved the way for greater representation in the industry.
Overall, Della Reese's acting career demonstrated her versatility, talent, and commitment to using her platform to address social issues. Her performances in films and television continue to entertain and inspire audiences, solidifying her legacy as a groundbreaking artist.
Minister
Della Reese's role as a minister played a significant role in her life and career. Her faith and her commitment to social justice were deeply intertwined, and she used her platform to speak out on important issues affecting her community and the world.
- Advocate for Civil Rights: Reese was a vocal advocate for civil rights and racial equality. She used her platform to speak out against discrimination and injustice, and she marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement.
- Support for Women's Rights: Reese was also a strong supporter of women's rights. She spoke out against sexism and violence against women, and she encouraged women to be strong and independent.
- Voice for the Poor and Oppressed: Reese used her voice to speak out on behalf of the poor and oppressed. She worked with various charitable organizations and supported causes that aimed to alleviate poverty and suffering.
- Interfaith Dialogue: Reese was committed to interfaith dialogue and understanding. She believed that people of all faiths could come together to work for peace and justice.
Della Reese's work as a minister extended far beyond the pulpit. She used her platform to address important social and political issues, and she inspired others to do the same. Her legacy as a minister continues to inspire and motivate people today.
Pioneer
Della Reese's role as a pioneer for African American women in the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. She broke down barriers and paved the way for countless others to follow in her footsteps.
Reese's success as a singer, actress, and minister was not simply a matter of talent and hard work. It was also a testament to her courage and determination to succeed in an industry that was often hostile to African Americans. Reese faced discrimination and prejudice throughout her career, but she never gave up on her dreams.
Reese's pioneering spirit is evident in her work both on and off the screen. She used her platform to speak out against racism and sexism, and she encouraged other African Americans to pursue their dreams.
Reese's legacy as a pioneer continues to inspire African American women today. She showed that it is possible to achieve success in the entertainment industry, even in the face of adversity. She is a role model for all who believe that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
Humanitarian
Della Reese's humanitarian work was an integral part of her life and career. She was deeply committed to helping others and used her platform to support a variety of charitable causes.
- Support for Children: Reese was a strong advocate for children's rights. She worked with various organizations to provide support and resources to children in need.
- Advocacy for the Homeless: Reese was also a vocal advocate for the homeless. She worked with organizations to provide food, shelter, and other essential services to those in need.
- Support for Women's Rights: Reese was a strong supporter of women's rights. She worked with organizations to provide support and resources to women facing domestic violence, poverty, and other challenges.
- Interfaith Dialogue: Reese was committed to interfaith dialogue and understanding. She worked with organizations to promote peace and cooperation between people of different faiths.
Della Reese's humanitarian work extended far beyond the organizations she supported. She used her voice and platform to raise awareness about important social issues and inspire others to make a difference in their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Della Reese
This section aims to provide answers to commonly asked questions about the life and career of the renowned singer, actress, and minister, Della Reese.
Question 1: What was Della Reese's most famous song?
Della Reese's signature song was "Don't You Know," which became a timeless classic and showcased her rich contralto voice.
Question 2: In which sitcom did Della Reese play a lead role?
Reese played the role of Mildred Jefferson in the sitcom "Chico and the Man," which aired from 1974 to 1978.
Question 3: Was Della Reese an ordained minister?
Yes, Della Reese was an ordained minister and used her platform to address social and political issues.
Question 4: How did Della Reese contribute to the Civil Rights Movement?
Reese was a vocal advocate for civil rights and marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement.
Question 5: What awards did Della Reese receive?
Reese received numerous awards throughout her career, including a Grammy Award, two Golden Globe nominations, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Question 6: What was Della Reese's legacy?
Della Reese's legacy as a talented singer, actress, minister, and humanitarian continues to inspire and motivate people today. She broke barriers and paved the way for countless others to follow in her footsteps.
This concludes our brief overview of frequently asked questions about Della Reese. Her remarkable life and career left an indelible mark on American culture, and her contributions to music, film, television, and social justice continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Transition to the next article section: Exploring Della Reese's Impact on American Culture
Conclusion
Della Reese's exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and commitment to social justice left an indelible mark on American culture. As a singer, she captivated audiences with her rich contralto voice and timeless classics. As an actress, she broke barriers and paved the way for African American women in the entertainment industry. As a minister, she used her platform to address important social and political issues. And as a humanitarian, she dedicated her life to helping others.
Della Reese's legacy continues to inspire and motivate people today. She showed us that it is possible to achieve success against all odds and that we all have a responsibility to make a difference in the world. Her life and career are a testament to the power of talent, determination, and compassion.
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