Who Is Della Reese? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on July 6, 1931, Della Reese was an American singer, actress, and television personality who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Acclaimed for her rich contralto voice and captivating performances, Reese began her career in gospel music before transitioning to acting in the 1950s. Throughout her career, she gained recognition for her roles in television and film, most notably starring in the hit series "Touched by an Angel." Reese's contributions to the arts and her philanthropic efforts have made her a beloved figure even after her passing in 2017.
| Occupation | Gospel Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 6, 1931 |
| Age | 86 Years |
| Birth Place | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 19 November, 2017 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Della Reese's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During her lifetime, Della Reese stood at an impressive height of 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm). Her weight, which fluctuated throughout her career, was typically around 180 pounds (81.6 kg). Known for her vibrant personality and captivating stage presence, Reese radiated confidence and charisma, which endeared her to fans across generations.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Della Reese was married to her longtime love, into whom she poured many of her personal and professional sentiments. Although she is no longer with us, her legacy continues to shine brightly in the hearts of her family and fans. Throughout her life, Reese valued the importance of family and was known for her close relationships with her children and grandchildren.
Her mother was alleged to have Cherokee ancestry. She also had five older sisters and one brother. From a young age, Reese and her mother would attend cinemas to watch popular films of the era. She often returned from the films acting out scenes at home.
Reese also enjoyed singing from an early age, often singing at a high volume into the skylight of their home's bathroom. According to Reese, her singing became so loud that her parents boarded up the skylight so she could not sing anymore.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing, Della Reese had an estimated net worth of around $3 million. Her wealth was amassed from an extensive and varied career in music, acting, and various television appearances. As a successful entertainer, she also enjoyed a lucrative career in endorsements and charitable ventures that contributed to her financial legacy.
Despite negative critical reviews and CBS threatening to take it off the air, the series attracted roughly 25 million viewers weekly and was one of the CBS network's top rated shows for three seasons. Reese credited its success to audiences who felt inspired to "change their minds and change their lives".
During her time on the series, Reese contested her salary with CBS. Holding a press conference in 1997, Reese claimed that CBS had given Downey a 100 percent salary increase while she only received a 12.5 percent salary increase. "They wanted to give everybody else a raise, and they didn't want to give me a raise, and I couldn't accept that.
Just that simple," she explained in an interview. One year later, the dispute was settled when CBS agreed to increase her salary from $40,000 to $100,000 per episode. Touched by an Angel ran for six more years until its ending in 2003.
Career, Business and Investments
Della Reese's career spanned more than six decades, during which she achieved considerable success in various realms of entertainment. Starting as a gospel singer, she gained mainstream recognition with hits like "Don't You Know?" and transitioned into acting with roles in films and television. Her work on "Touched by an Angel" not only amassed significant viewership but also solidified her status as a television icon.
In addition to her entertainment career, Reese was involved in various business ventures and investments, including her own production company. She was also active in philanthropy, using her influence to support various charitable causes.
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.
Social Network
Della Reese maintained a significant presence on social media platforms during her lifetime, connecting with fans and sharing her thoughts, music, and experiences. Although the official accounts have been preserved, her legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists, making her an enduring figure on social media discussions regarding entertainment and inspiration.
Reese's music career was further elevated by Ed Sullivan who featured her on his television show multiple times and exposed her to a national audience. She remained with the Jubilee label through 1959, recording a total of 15 singles and six albums. Her second studio LP was 1958's Amen!
a collection of gospel songs that included The Meditation Singers and was cut in her hometown. The label also issued her first live album titled A Date with Della Reese at Mr. Kelly's in Chicago (1958).
It was followed by a collection of blues standards titled The Story of the Blues (1959), which consisted of both songs and spoken word narration by Reese describing genre's history. A studio album of ballads was then released in 1959 titled What Do You Know About Love?
along with a compilation of her Jubilee singles, which was also called And That Reminds Me. Music publications of the era praised Reese's distinctive vocal enunciation and "emotional" delivery on her LP's.
Education
Reese's education and upbringing played a pivotal role in shaping her career. She attended the Detroit Conservatory of Music, where she honed her singing skills and developed her passion for performance. Her commitment to education continued throughout her life, as she often expressed the importance of knowledge and self-improvement, using her platform to uplift others.
Reese joined her local church choir at age six. At age 13, she was heard by gospel performer, Mahalia Jackson, who was impressed by her singing and chose her to replace another female vocalist in her road show. Reese toured with Jackson throughout the United States for three summers during her adolescent years.
In her late teenage years, Reese joined a Detroit-based gospel group called the Meditation Singers. During this time she also attended Detroit's Cass Technical High School where she graduated at age 15, and then majored in psychology at Wayne State University in 1949.
