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Della Reese was a multifaceted American entertainer born Delloreese Patricia Early on July 6, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan. She would later become a famous singer, actress, TV star, writer, and ordained minister. She made her transition from being the little gospel singer to television star with astounding talent and resilience.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born and raised in Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood, Reese was surrounded by music since early childhood; she sang in her church choir when she was six years old. Reese’s exceptional vocal talents were recognized by no less a gospel legend than Mahalia Jackson when Reese was only 13. So impressed was Jackson with Reese’s abilities that she offered the youngster an opportunity to tour with her and introduced her to the world of professional music.
In the late 1940s, Reese had started a gospel group of her own, the Meditation Singers. However, the influence of jazz stars such as Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan made her try her voice for secular music. This resulted in a recording contract with Jubilee Records in 1953, which gave her a launching pad for recording career.
Rise to Stardom
In 1957, Reese received her big break with “And That Reminds Me,” reaching the Top 20 and giving her her first international hit. She followed this with a spate of hits, most notably “Don’t You Know?” in 1959, which became her signature song. With her rich, emotive voice, she combined elements of jazz, pop, and gospel to capture the fancy of her audiences and secure her place in the music world.
Television and Acting Career
By the late 1960s, Reese started taking her talents to television and was a staple in “The Mod Squad,” “The Love Boat,” and “Sanford and Son.” In 1969, she made history as the first Black female with her own talk show, entitled “Della.” She continued to show the range of her ability as an entertainer by cohosting “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson in 1970.
Her most remembered television role was in 1994 when she played the role of Tess, a supervising angel, in the CBS series “Touched by an Angel.” The show accentuated faith and redemption and went on to run for nine successful seasons until 2003. Reese’s Tess, with her wisdom and compassion, captured a new generation of audiences.
Personal Life
Reese was married several times: firstly, to Vermont Taliaferro, a factory worker, from 1952 until their divorce in 1958; secondly, to Leroy Gray, an accountant, in 1959. The marriage with Gray was annulled in 1961 because of complications with the earlier annulment of his previous marriage. Later that same year she married Mercer Ellington, Duke Ellington’s son. That marriage too was annulled. Her last marriage was in 1983, to Franklin Lett, concert promoter and producer. Her marriage to Lett endured until her death in 2017. Reese had two stepchildren from Lett’s earlier marriage: Dominique Lett and Franklin Lett III. In addition to her stepchildren, Reese adopted Deloreese Daniels Owens, the daughter of her half-brother. Unfortunately, Owens died in 2002 at age 41 due to complications related to a pituitary dysfunction.
Health Challenges and Death
Reese battled various health issues during her lifetime.
In 1979, she had a near-fatal brain aneurysm when taping “The Tonight Show.” Later in life, she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, which she kept under control for many years. Neither of these health issues completely stopped her from continuing in the arts and ministry. Della Reese passed away on November 19, 2017 at her home in Encino, Los Angeles, aged 86. She ended an era that left such an indelible mark on the entertainment scene. Legacy and Net Worth At the time of her death, Reese’s net worth was approximately $3 million. But the value of her legacy is priceless. She was one of the pioneers in the entertainment world, tearing down barriers and paving the way for future generations of Black artists. Her contributions to music, television, and ministry have left an indelible mark on American culture.
The life of Della Reese was but a testimony of faith, talent, and determination from the very birth of a poor girl in Detroit to becoming one of the most renowned entertainers and spiritual leaders of all time. Having inspired millions with her voice and message, her legacy lives on through continued influence and elevation for those who cross her path.
