Della Reese: A Voice, A Spirit, A True Original
When you think about the remarkable life of della reese, a true force in music and acting, it's pretty amazing to consider where it all began. Her journey, really, shows how talent and a kind spirit can touch so many lives across different stages and screens. She was a person who, you know, just had a way of connecting with people, whether through a powerful song or a comforting word.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Della's story is one of starting small and reaching incredible heights. Her earliest singing experiences, actually, were in her church choir. This is where, arguably, her incredible talent first truly blossomed. It's interesting how, sometimes, the simplest beginnings can lead to such big things, isn't it? That early exposure to gospel music really shaped her distinctive sound.
Her path from a young singer in Detroit to a beloved television star is quite a tale, and it speaks volumes about her dedication and versatile gifts. She really did leave a mark, and we're going to explore what made della reese such a special figure in American entertainment. You'll see, it's a story that has many layers, and it's quite inspiring, too.
Table of Contents
- Early Life and Gospel Roots
- A Musical Powerhouse
- From Stage to Screen and Beyond
- Personal Details and Bio Data
- Common Questions About Della Reese
- Her Lasting Influence
Early Life and Gospel Roots
Della Reese, whose birth name was Delloreese Patricia Early, came into the world on July 6, 1931. She was born in the Black Bottom neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan, a place with a very rich history and culture. Her childhood in Detroit, you know, was quite typical for many young people there at the time, especially when it came to music. The church was a central part of her life, and that's where her singing voice first really found its home. She began singing, quite impressively, when she was just six years old in her hometown. That's a pretty early start for someone who would become such a celebrated artist, wouldn't you say?
Her talent didn't stay a secret for long, it seems. A legendary gospel entertainer, Mahalia Jackson, actually discovered Della. Mahalia Jackson, who was, in fact, a giant in the world of gospel music, heard Della sing and recognized something truly special. This led to Mahalia taking Della on tour for several years, which must have been an incredible learning experience for a young singer. It's amazing to think about the mentorship she received from such an icon, and how that shaped her early career. This touring with Mahalia Jackson, arguably, laid a strong foundation for Della's future musical endeavors, giving her a real sense of what it meant to perform.
As a teenager, she continued to tour with the gospel great, Mahalia Jackson. This period was crucial for her development as an artist, giving her a lot of experience on the road. Then, at the age of 18, Della took a significant step: she formed her own group, the Meditation Singers. This was a pretty bold move for someone so young, and it showed her leadership qualities early on. It was with this group that she, quite remarkably, became the first performer to take gospel music to the casinos of Las Vegas. That's a truly pioneering effort, in a way, bridging two seemingly different worlds and bringing her powerful message to a new audience. It really speaks to her vision and her willingness to push boundaries, you know, to share her music.
A Musical Powerhouse
Della Reese had a truly successful career as a jazz singer, even before she became widely known for her acting roles. Her voice, people often say, was clear and powerful, with a very distinctive way of speaking the words and delivering them with so much feeling. This unique combination made her stand out, and it's something that fans really cherished about her performances. She had a way of making every song feel deeply personal, and that's a rare gift, honestly. It’s a testament to her natural ability and her hard work, too.
Throughout her extensive career, she released 18 studio albums. That's a very impressive body of work, isn't it? Each album, you could say, offered listeners a chance to experience her incredible range, from gospel to jazz and even pop. Her music crossed different styles, showing just how versatile she was as a singer. She really could do it all, and do it well, which is pretty amazing when you think about it. It allowed her to reach a wider audience, and her sound just resonated with so many different people.
Some of her top hit singles, like "And That Reminds Me" and "Don't You Know?", actually made it onto the US Top 100 and US Cashbox charts. These songs, in a way, captured the hearts of many listeners and became quite popular. Having songs chart like that shows just how much her music was appreciated by the public. It really cemented her place as a significant musical artist of her time. She was, you know, a true hitmaker in her own right, and those songs still sound great today.
Her musical excellence didn't go unnoticed by the industry either. Della Reese was nominated for the Grammy Award three times in her career. Those nominations are a big deal, as a matter of fact, showing that her peers and critics recognized her immense talent and contributions to music. It’s a pretty clear sign of her lasting impact and the high quality of her work. To be nominated even once is an honor, but three times really highlights her consistent brilliance as a singer. She just had that special something, you know, that set her apart.
From Stage to Screen and Beyond
While Della Reese certainly made her mark in the music world, she also gained significant prominence as an actress. She became particularly well-known as the star of the TV show "Touched by an Angel." This show, which aired on CBS, really brought her into the homes and hearts of millions of people. She played the lead role of Tess, an angel who helped people through their struggles. Her portrayal of Tess was, arguably, one of the most beloved characters on television for many years, and it showed a different side of her talent. It was a role that, you know, really suited her warm and comforting presence.
It's quite interesting to note that she rose to television fame in her 60s, which is a bit later in life for many actors to find such widespread recognition. This just goes to show that talent and charisma can shine at any age. Her role as Tess was, in some respects, a perfect fit for her, allowing her to convey wisdom, kindness, and a powerful sense of hope. People really connected with her character, and she became a household name for a whole new generation. It’s pretty cool how her career took such a wonderful turn later in life, isn't it?
Beyond her acting, Della Reese was also an ordained minister. This aspect of her life, you know, really speaks to her deep spiritual side and her desire to help others. It's not every day you find a gospel singer and actress who also serves as a minister, and it shows her commitment to her faith and her community. She truly lived a life of service, both through her art and her spiritual work. This role as a minister, arguably, allowed her to connect with people on an even deeper level, offering guidance and comfort.
She also hosted a talk show, which added another dimension to her multifaceted career. Being a talk show host requires a certain kind of personality, and Della certainly had it. She was able to engage with guests and audiences, sharing stories and insights. It's another example of her versatility and her ability to shine in various forms of media. Her first love, however, she often admitted, was singing. Even with all her other accomplishments, the act of singing was always closest to her heart, and that's something, you know, that really comes through in her performances.
Personal Details and Bio Data
| Full Name | Delloreese Patricia Early |
| Known As | Della Reese |
| Born | July 6, 1931 |
| Birthplace | Black Bottom neighborhood, Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Died | Sunday night, Age 86 (in her California home) |
| Occupations | Gospel Singer, Jazz Singer, Pop Singer, Actress, Ordained Minister, Talk Show Host |
| Notable Roles | Tess on "Touched by an Angel" |
| Musical Genres | Gospel, Jazz, Pop, Blues |
| Key Achievements | First performer to take gospel music to Las Vegas casinos, 18 studio albums, US Top 100 hits, 3 Grammy nominations, Hollywood Walk of Fame star |
| Children | Sons James, Franklin |
Common Questions About Della Reese
What was Della Reese best known for?
Della Reese is, in fact, best known for a few key things, which really show her wide range of talents. She had a very successful career as a jazz and gospel singer, releasing 18 studio albums and having hit singles like "And That Reminds Me." Later in her life, she gained huge fame as an actress, particularly for her lead role as Tess on the popular TV show "Touched by an Angel." She was also, you know, an ordained minister and even hosted a talk show, so her impact was pretty broad, really.
How did Della Reese start her singing career?
Della Reese began singing very early, at just six years old, in her church choir in Detroit, Michigan. It was there that she was discovered by the renowned gospel entertainer, Mahalia Jackson. Mahalia Jackson took Della on tour for several years, which gave her a lot of early experience. As a teenager, she continued touring with Mahalia Jackson, and by 18, she formed her own group, the Meditation Singers, becoming the first to bring gospel music to Las Vegas casinos. It was, you know, a pretty organic start, rooted in her faith and community.
What made Della Reese's voice special?
Della Reese was widely known for her voice having a clear, powerful quality. People often talked about her distinctive way of speaking words when she sang, which gave her songs a very unique feel. She also had an incredible ability to deliver her performances with deep emotion, making every lyric resonate with listeners. This combination of clarity, distinct diction, and emotional depth made her voice truly special and memorable, and that's something, you know, that really set her apart in the music world.
Her Lasting Influence
Della Reese left a significant mark on the world of entertainment and beyond. Her journey from a young gospel singer in Detroit to a beloved actress and minister is, quite frankly, a testament to her incredible talent and spirit. She was a person who, you know, genuinely used her gifts to uplift and inspire others, whether through a soaring melody or a comforting word of wisdom. Her contributions to music and television are, in some respects, truly unforgettable, and her presence was just so warm.
Her name, fittingly, is even on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This honor, arguably, symbolizes her lasting place in popular culture and the impact she had on so many people. It’s a physical reminder of her achievements and the joy she brought to audiences for decades. She truly earned that recognition, and it’s a pretty big deal, you know, to have your name there. It really speaks to the breadth of her career.
Della Reese passed away on a Sunday night in her California home at the age of 86. She leaves behind her sons, James and Franklin. While she may no longer be with us, her clear, powerful voice, her distinctive way of singing, and her emotional delivery continue to resonate with fans. Her legacy as a gospel, pop, and blues singer, an actress, and an ordained minister is, without a doubt, a rich one that continues to inspire. Her life, you could say, was a beautiful melody that still plays on.
If you're interested in exploring more about her incredible life and career, you can learn more about Della Reese on our site, and delve deeper into her musical journey by checking out her discography. For further reading about her impactful life, you might want to visit a trusted biographical source like Biography.com's profile of Della Reese. It's really worth taking some time to appreciate the many facets of this remarkable woman.
Della Reese Dead: ‘Touched by an Angel’ Alum Dies at 86 | Us Weekly
Della Reese
'Touched by an Angel' star Della Reese dead at 86 - ABC News
