Della Reese: A Legendary Singer’s Career, Relationships, and Net Worth
Della Reese, born Delloreese Patricia Early, was an accomplished American singer, actress, and television host. She was a household name, recognized for her unique voice and charming personality. Reese had a long and remarkable career that began in the 1950s and extended well into the 21st century. In this article, we will explore her life, career, relationships, and net worth.
Table of Contents
Singer’s Bio
Della Reese was born on July 6th, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan. She grew up in a religious family and began singing in her church choir at a young age. While attending Wayne State University, she began performing on local radio stations and quickly garnered a following.
Reese’s big break came in 1953 when she was discovered performing at a nightclub in Detroit. This led to her signing a recording contract with Jubilee Records and releasing her hit song “Don’t You Know?,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Age
Della Reese passed away on November 19th, 2017, at the age of 86. She lived a full and accomplished life, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
Relationships
Della Reese was married three times in her life. Her first marriage was to factory worker Vermont Taliaferro in 1951. Their marriage ended in divorce three years later. In 1959, Reese married Detroit nightclub owner Leroy Gray. They had one child together, son Franklin Thomas Lett Jr. Their marriage also ended in divorce in 1961.
Reese’s final marriage was to her longtime partner, Franklin Lett, in 1983. The couple was together for over 30 years until her death in 2017.
Children
Della Reese had one child, a son named Franklin Thomas Lett Jr. He was born on January 30th, 1961, during her marriage to Leroy Gray.
Height
Della Reese was 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall.
Career
Reese’s singing career continued to flourish throughout the 1950s and 1960s. She recorded numerous hits, including “And That Reminds Me,” “Not One Minute More,” and “The Most Beautiful Words.”
In addition to her singing career, Reese also made a name for herself as an actress. She appeared in several films, including “Harlem Nights” and “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate.” Reese also starred in the hit television series “Touched by an Angel,” where she played the role of Tess for nine seasons.
Top Songs
Della Reese recorded many hit songs throughout her career. Here are some of her most famous tracks:
- “Don’t You Know?” (1959)
- “And That Reminds Me” (1959)
- “Not One Minute More” (1960)
- “The Most Beautiful Words” (1962)
- “Someday (You’ll Want Me to Want You)” (1962)
- “What Do You Know About Love?” (1965)
Net Worth
Della Reese’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million at the time of her death. She earned her wealth through her extensive singing and acting career.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Della Reese start singing?
Della Reese began singing in her church choir at a young age. While attending Wayne State University, she started performing on local radio stations and quickly gained a following. Her big break came in 1953 when she was discovered performing at a nightclub in Detroit.
What was Della Reese’s first hit song?
Della Reese’s first hit song was “Don’t You Know?,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1960.
What movies did Della Reese appear in?
Della Reese appeared in several films throughout her career, including “Harlem Nights,” “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate,” and “Dorian Blues.”
What is Della Reese’s most famous television role?
Della Reese is best known for her role as Tess in the hit television series “Touched by an Angel.” She played the role for nine seasons from 1994 to 2003.
How many children did Della Reese have?
Della Reese had one child, a son named Franklin Thomas Lett Jr. He was born on January 30th, 1961, during her marriage to Leroy Gray.
How tall was Della Reese?
Della Reese was 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall.
What was Della Reese’s net worth?
Della Reese’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million at the time of her death. She earned her wealth through her extensive singing and acting career.
Did Della Reese win any awards for her work in the entertainment industry?
Yes, Della Reese won numerous awards for her work, including an Emmy nomination for her role in “Touched by an Angel” and an Image Award for her performance in the television film “The Moving of Sophia Myles.”
What illness did Della Reese suffer from?
Della Reese suffered from type 2 diabetes, and in 1979, she had a near-fatal heart attack. In 2002, she suffered a stroke that forced her to take a break from acting and touring.
Did Della Reese ever retire from the entertainment industry?
No, Della Reese continued to work in the entertainment industry until shortly before her death in 2017. Her last on-screen appearance was in the 2014 film “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.”
Who influenced Della Reese’s music?
Della Reese was influenced by several prominent musicians, including Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dinah Washington.
What did Della Reese consider her biggest accomplishment?
Della Reese considered her biggest accomplishment to be her role in “Touched by an Angel,” which she called “a unique, wonderful experience that changed [her] life.”
How did Della Reese pass away?
Della Reese passed away on November 19th, 2017, at the age of 86. She had been battling diabetes and other health issues.
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