Della Reese

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Full Name and Common Aliases

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Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born on July 6, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan. She is commonly known as Della Reese.

Birth and Death Dates

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Born: July 6, 1931
Died: November 19, 2017

Nationality and Profession(s)

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Reese was an American singer, actress, and ordained minister of the Universal Church of Life. She is best known for her rich, soulful voice and her long-running role as Tess on the television series _Touched by an Angel_.

Early Life and Background

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Growing up in Detroit, Reese developed a love for music at a young age. Her mother, Axie Robinson, was a gospel singer who instilled in Della a passion for singing and performing. As a child, Reese would often sing with her mother's church choir and perform on local radio stations.

After dropping out of high school in the ninth grade, Reese moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. She began performing in clubs and bars, eventually landing a record deal with Jubilee Records. Her early success led to performances alongside notable artists such as Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald.

Major Accomplishments

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Reese's soulful voice earned her numerous accolades throughout her career. Some of her most notable accomplishments include:

Winning the 1960 Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for "Not One Minute More"
Recording over 20 studio albums, including _Della Reese_ (1961) and _Am I a Lady_ (1973)
Performing in numerous stage productions, including _Hair_ on Broadway
Being ordained as a minister of the Universal Church of Life

Notable Works or Actions

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Reese's versatility extended beyond music. She appeared in several films and television shows, including:

_The Immortal_ (1969), a film about a doctor who seeks to live forever
_Chico and the Man_ (1974-1975), a sitcom where she played the role of Elaine Lopez
* _Touched by an Angel_ (1996-2003), a television drama series where she played the lead role of Tess

Impact and Legacy

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Della Reese's impact on popular culture is still felt today. Her soulful voice and charismatic stage presence have inspired generations of singers, including Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. As an actress, Reese brought depth and nuance to her roles, making her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Reese's faith also played a significant role in her life and career. She was ordained as a minister at the age of 76 and went on to perform spiritual music and message. Her devotion to her faith earned her a reputation as a compassionate and caring individual.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

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Della Reese is widely quoted and remembered for her contributions to popular culture, particularly in the realm of music and television. Her rich, soulful voice has been an inspiration to countless artists, while her dedication to her faith has made a lasting impact on her community.

As a performer, Reese's passion and charisma earned her numerous awards and accolades. As a person, she is remembered for her kindness, compassion, and generosity of spirit. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists, actors, and individuals around the world.