Who is Della Reese?
Della Reese was an American singer, actress, and ordained minister. She was known for her rich contralto voice and her signature song, "Don't You Know."
Reese was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1931. She began singing in church at a young age and later performed in nightclubs and on television. In the 1960s, she had a hit record with "Don't You Know" and starred in the Broadway musical "Hello, Dolly!" Reese also appeared in several films and television shows, including "Touched by an Angel" and "The Mod Squad."
In addition to her entertainment career, Reese was also an ordained minister. She founded the Understanding Principles for Better Living Church in Los Angeles, California, and served as its pastor for many years. Reese was a vocal advocate for social justice and equality, and she used her platform to speak out against racism and discrimination.
Della Reese was a talented and influential artist who made significant contributions to both the entertainment industry and the civil rights movement. She will be remembered for her beautiful voice, her acting skills, and her commitment to social justice.
Della Reese
Della Reese was an American singer, actress, and ordained minister. She was known for her rich contralto voice and her signature song, "Don't You Know."
- Singer
- Actress
- Minister
- Civil rights activist
- Broadway star
- Television icon
- Inspirational figure
Della Reese was a multi-talented artist who made significant contributions to both the entertainment industry and the civil rights movement. She was a groundbreaking performer who broke down barriers and paved the way for other African American artists. Reese was also a vocal advocate for social justice and equality, and she used her platform to speak out against racism and discrimination.
Della Reese was a true pioneer and an inspiration to millions. Her legacy will continue to inspire and empower generations to come.
| Name | Della Reese |
|---|---|
| Born | July 6, 1931 |
| Died | November 19, 2017 |
| Occupation | Singer, actress, minister |
| Known for | "Don't You Know," "Touched by an Angel" |
Singer
Della Reese was a singer with a rich contralto voice. She began singing in church at a young age and later performed in nightclubs and on television. In the 1960s, she had a hit record with "Don't You Know" and starred in the Broadway musical "Hello, Dolly!" Reese also appeared in several films and television shows, including "Touched by an Angel" and "The Mod Squad."
Singing was Della Reese's passion. She used her voice to express herself and to connect with others. Her songs were often about love, loss, and hope. Reese's singing was also a powerful force for social change. She used her platform to speak out against racism and discrimination.
Della Reese was a gifted singer who made significant contributions to the music industry. Her voice was a gift, and she used it to make the world a better place.
Actress
Della Reese was an accomplished actress who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career. She was known for her versatility and her ability to play a wide range of roles, from dramatic to comedic. Some of her most notable roles include the title role in the television series "Touched by an Angel," the role of Tess Coleman in the film "Harlem Nights," and the role of Della Reese in the film "The Five Heartbeats."
Reese's acting career was important to her because it allowed her to use her talents to entertain and inspire others. She was particularly drawn to roles that allowed her to explore social issues and promote positive change. Reese was also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
Della Reese's legacy as an actress is significant. She was a pioneer who broke down barriers and paved the way for other African American actresses. Reese was also a role model for young people, showing them that anything is possible if you have a dream and are willing to work hard.
Minister
Della Reese was an ordained minister who founded the Understanding Principles for Better Living Church in Los Angeles, California. She served as its pastor for many years and used her platform to speak out against racism and discrimination.
- Spiritual Leader
As a minister, Della Reese provided spiritual guidance and support to her congregation. She preached sermons, performed baptisms, and officiated at weddings and funerals. Reese was a strong believer in the power of faith and used her ministry to help others find hope and healing.
- Social Activist
Della Reese was a vocal advocate for social justice and equality. She used her platform as a minister to speak out against racism, discrimination, and poverty. Reese was a strong supporter of the civil rights movement and worked to promote understanding and reconciliation between people of all races.
- Role Model
Della Reese was a role model for many people, both within and outside of her congregation. She showed that it is possible to be a successful artist and a dedicated minister. Reese also demonstrated the importance of using one's voice to speak out against injustice.
- Pioneer
Della Reese was a pioneer for women in ministry. She was one of the first women to be ordained as a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Reese's ordination helped to pave the way for other women to enter the ministry.
Della Reese's ministry was an important part of her life and career. She used her faith to help others and to make the world a better place. Reese was a true pioneer and an inspiration to millions.
Civil rights activist
Della Reese was a civil rights activist who used her platform to speak out against racism and discrimination.
- Spokesperson for the civil rights movement
Reese was a vocal advocate for the civil rights movement. She spoke out against segregation, discrimination, and police brutality. She also participated in marches and rallies, and she used her celebrity status to raise awareness of the civil rights cause.
- Supporter of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Reese was a close friend and supporter of Martin Luther King, Jr. She performed at many of his rallies and events, and she helped to organize the March on Washington in 1963.
- Founder of the Della Reese Foundation
In 1990, Reese founded the Della Reese Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting education, the arts, and social justice initiatives.
- Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2016, Reese was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. This award recognized her lifelong commitment to civil rights and social justice.
Della Reese was a courageous and outspoken civil rights activist who used her voice and platform to make a difference in the world. She was a pioneer for social justice and an inspiration to millions.
Broadway star
Della Reese was a successful Broadway star, appearing in several productions throughout her career. Her most notable role was in the musical "Hello, Dolly!," in which she played the title role. Reese's performance was critically acclaimed, and she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
- Versatility and Range
Reese was a versatile actress who was able to play a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic. This versatility allowed her to succeed on Broadway, where she was able to take on a variety of challenging roles.
- Powerful Voice
Reese was known for her rich, powerful voice. Her singing ability was a major asset on Broadway, where she was able to belt out show-stopping numbers.
- Stage Presence
Reese had a natural stage presence that commanded attention. She was able to connect with audiences on a personal level, and her performances were always memorable.
- Pioneer
Reese was one of the first African American actresses to achieve success on Broadway. Her success helped to pave the way for other African American actors and actresses to follow in her footsteps.
Della Reese's success on Broadway was a testament to her talent and dedication. She was a true star who left a lasting legacy on the American theater.
Television icon
Della Reese was a television icon who starred in several popular television shows throughout her career. Her most notable role was in the television series "Touched by an Angel," in which she played the role of Tess, an angel who helps people in need.
Reese's success on television was due in part to her natural charisma and likeability. She had a warm and inviting presence that made viewers feel comfortable and drawn to her. Reese was also a talented actress who was able to connect with audiences on a personal level. She was able to bring depth and nuance to her roles, even when playing characters who were not particularly sympathetic.
Reese's work on television had a positive impact on society. She was a role model for African Americans and for women. She showed that it was possible to be successful in the entertainment industry without compromising one's values. Reese also used her platform to speak out on social issues, such as racism and poverty.
Della Reese was a true television icon. She was a talented actress who used her platform to make a difference in the world. Her work on television will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.
Inspirational figure
Della Reese was an inspirational figure for many reasons. She was a talented singer, actress, and minister who used her platform to speak out against racism and discrimination. She was also a strong advocate for education and the arts.
- Overcoming adversity
Della Reese faced many challenges in her life, but she never gave up on her dreams. She was born into poverty and raised in a single-parent household. She also faced racism and discrimination throughout her career. However, Reese never let these obstacles stop her from achieving her goals.
- Using her voice for good
Della Reese used her platform to speak out against social injustice. She was a vocal supporter of the civil rights movement and worked to promote understanding and reconciliation between people of all races. Reese also used her music to inspire and uplift others.
- Giving back to her community
Della Reese was a generous and compassionate person who always gave back to her community. She founded the Della Reese Foundation, which provides support for education, the arts, and social justice initiatives. Reese also volunteered her time to many charitable organizations.
- Living a life of faith
Della Reese was a devout Christian who lived her life according to her faith. She believed in the power of love and forgiveness, and she always tried to live her life in a way that would make a difference in the world.
Della Reese was an inspirational figure who used her talents and platform to make the world a better place. She was a role model for many people, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
FAQs
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Della Reese.
Question 1: What was Della Reese's most famous song?
Answer: Della Reese's most famous song was "Don't You Know".
Question 2: What was Della Reese's most notable television role?
Answer: Della Reese's most notable television role was as Tess in the television series "Touched by an Angel".
Question 3: Was Della Reese a minister?
Answer: Yes, Della Reese was an ordained minister and founded the Understanding Principles for Better Living Church in Los Angeles, California.
Question 4: Was Della Reese a civil rights activist?
Answer: Yes, Della Reese was a vocal advocate for the civil rights movement and used her platform to speak out against racism and discrimination.
Question 5: What awards did Della Reese win?
Answer: Della Reese won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award and a Tony Award nomination. She was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
Question 6: When did Della Reese die?
Answer: Della Reese died on November 19, 2017, at the age of 86.
Summary: Della Reese was a multi-talented artist who made significant contributions to both the entertainment industry and the civil rights movement. She was a talented singer, actress, and minister who used her platform to speak out against racism and discrimination. Reese was also a role model for many people, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Transition to the next article section: Della Reese's impact on the entertainment industry and the civil rights movement is undeniable. She was a true pioneer who broke down barriers and paved the way for others. Her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate people for years to come.
Conclusion
Della Reese was a multi-talented artist who made significant contributions to both the entertainment industry and the civil rights movement. She was a talented singer, actress, and minister who used her platform to speak out against racism and discrimination. Reese was also a role model for many people, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Della Reese's impact on the world is undeniable. She was a true pioneer who broke down barriers and paved the way for others. Her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate people for years to come. We can all learn from her example of courage, compassion, and determination.
