Della Reese biography

Synopsis

In the 1950s, Della Reese began making records and performing on TV variety shows. From 1969 to 1970, she hosted a TV talk show while guest starring on many other shows into the 1980s, including Sanford and Son and Picket Fences. In 1987, she was nominated for a Best Female Soloist in Gospel Music Grammy Award, and in the 1990s, she landed a starring role on television's Touched By An Angel.

Early Life

Singer and actress Deloreese Patricia Early, better known as Della Reese, was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 6, 1931. Reese began on the path that would lead her to show business by singing in her family's church at the age of 6. Her talents landed her to tour with gospel great Mahalia Jackson while still only a teenager. By 18, Reese had formed The Meditation Singers, the group that became the first to take gospel music to the night clubs of Las Vegas. Reese began making records with the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra in the 1950s and produced such hits as "Don't You Know," and "That Reminds Me." She also began performing on television variety shows and was a regular guest on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Career Highlights

From 1969 to 1970, she hosted a television talk show while guest starring on many television shows into the 1980s, including Sanford and Son, Crazy Like a Fox and Picket Fences. In 1987, she was nominated for a Best Female Soloist in Gospel Music Grammy Award. In the late 1990s, she landed a starring role on television's Touched By An Angel, alongside Roma Downey and John Dye, while continuing her music career.