Reese, Della

Della Reese (born Delloreese Patricia Early; July 6, 1931 – November 19, 2017) was an American singer, actress, television personality, author and ordained minister. As a singer, she recorded blues, gospel, jazz and pop. Several of her singles made the US Hot 100, including the number two charting song, "Don't You Know?" (1959). As a television personality and actress, she was the first black woman to host her own talk show and starred on the highly-rated CBS television series Touched by an Angel. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Reese sang in her church's choir and was discovered by gospel entertainer, Mahalia Jackson, who took Reese on tour for several years. Reese then joined a gospel group called The Meditation Singers before turning her attention towards secular music. She won a local talent competition, which led to a multiple-week appearance at The Flame nightclub in New York City. The appearance helped Reese secure her first recording contract with Jubilee Records in 1954 where she recorded a series of albums. Her only commercial success at the label was the 1957 single, "And That Reminds Me", which sold a million copies. Signing a contract with the larger RCA Victor label, she had her greatest success as a singer with the songs "Don't You Know" and "Not One Minute More". Several more LP's were issued by RCA Victor including the top 40-charting album, Della (1960). Reese began appearing on nationally-broadcast US television programs by the early 1960s, notably The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Her appearances led to the creation of her own talk show called Della, which ran for nearly 200 episodes between 1969 and 1970. She continued recording through the 1970s with albums issued by ABC–Paramount, Avco Embassy and LMI. During the 1970s, Reese started an acting career in films such as Psychic Killer and shows such as Chico and the Man. She returned to gospel music after forming the group, Brilliance, which released an album in 1985 and was later nominated by the Grammy Awards. Reese then appeared in Eddie Murphy's 1989 film Harlem Nights and the short-lived 1991 TV series co-starring Redd Foxx called The Royal Family. Reese became an ordained minister during the 1980s decade and began regularly leading sermons. Reese then went on to star, in the lead role of Tess, in the CBS TV series, Touched by an Angel, co-starring Roma Downey. Airing in 1994, the show became one of the top-rated and highest-watched shows for the CBS network for several years and Reese remained on the show until 2003. During the 1990s, Reese continued recording as well, releasing the Grammy-nominated gospel album, My Soul Feels Better Right Now (1998). She also released her autobiography in 1997 titled, Angels Along the Way. Four more books followed by Reese through 2012. She also starred in several CBS television films during the 2000s and appeared in the 2005 film Beauty Shop. Reese continued acting until her retirement in 2014.