Date of Birth: July 6, 1931
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: November 19, 2017
Biography
Della Reese, born Delloreese Patricia Early, was an acclaimed American jazz and gospel singer, actress, and ordained minister. She was born on July 6, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan. Reese’s career began in music as a gospel singer, and she later transitioned to jazz and pop music, achieving widespread success. Her 1957 hit single “And That Reminds Me” marked the beginning of her rise to fame. Reese’s talents extended beyond singing; she became a beloved television actress, most notably for her role as Tess on the CBS spiritual drama “Touched by an Angel,” which aired from 1994 to 2003. Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades, including Grammy nominations and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In addition to her entertainment career, Reese was an ordained minister and founded the Understanding Principles for Better Living Church in Los Angeles. She was known for her philanthropic efforts and dedication to uplifting her community.
5 Interesting Facts about Della Reese
1. Della Reese began singing in church at the age of six and was discovered by Mahalia Jackson, a famous gospel singer.
2. She was the first African-American woman to guest host “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.”
3. Reese was a pioneering television personality, becoming one of the first African-American women to host her own talk show, “Della,” in 1969.
4. In addition to her entertainment career, Reese was an ordained minister and founded her own church.
5. She earned a Grammy nomination for her 1997 album “Live! My Soul Feels Better Right Now.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Della Reese
1. “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
2. “My mother was a gospel singer, and I really enjoyed her music.”
3. “I have a lot of respect for what people are going through, and I don’t judge.”
4. “When you really believe in God, it gives you a courage, a confidence that enables you to meet the things coming.”
5. “I never thought I’d live this long, and I never thought I’d be so happy.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Della Reese’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.
Children
Della Reese had four children: Deloreese Daniels Owens (who tragically passed away in 2002), James Barger, Franklin Lett Jr., and Dominique Lett.
Relevant Links
1. [Della Reese Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Della_Reese
2. [IMDb Profile](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0715799/
3. [Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/musician/della-reese
4. [Della Reese’s Discography](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/della-reese-mn0000814041/discography
5. [Hollywood Walk of Fame](http://www.walkoffame.com/della-reese