Della Reese truly was a trailblazer whose remarkable journey spanned decades and touched so many corners of entertainment. With a career that effortlessly crossed over into jazz, pop, film, and television, Della stood out as a true multi-media icon. And when you consider the era she emerged from—working as an African-American artist both before and during the civil rights movement—her accomplishments take on even greater significance. Born Delloreese Patricia Early on July 6, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan, Della Reese came from a rich heritage, with a Black father and a Cherokee mother. Her musical roots began early, deeply embedded in gospel. By the age of 13, she was already singing alongside the legendary Mahalia Jackson, and by the late 1940s, she had joined The Meditation Singers, further honing her powerful voice.
As the 1950s rolled in, Della Reese made a smooth transition from sacred to secular music, embracing a jazz and pop blend that showcased her dynamic range. In 1954, she released her debut solo single, “Yes Indeed,” marking the beginning of a steady climb. She stayed active over the next few years, putting out several singles under the Jubilee label. Then came her big break in 1957 with “And That Reminds Me”—a chart-topping hit that brought Della Reese national acclaim and highlighted her rich, radiant vocal tone. Two years later, she signed with RCA, and that same year delivered what would become her biggest hit: “Don’t You Know?” It soared to No. 2 on the Pop charts and claimed the top spot on the R&B charts, earning Della Reese a well-deserved Grammy nomination. Her momentum continued with the 1960 album Della, which also earned another Grammy nod.
By the late 1960s, while still recording music, Della Reese began expanding her talents into acting. She started with guest spots on popular TV shows like The Mod Squad (ABC, 1968–73), gradually building her presence on screen. She then moved into TV movies and, by the mid-1970s, landed a recurring role on the hit NBC series Chico and the Man (1974–78). Della Reese kept evolving, appearing in films like Harlem Nights (1989), starring Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor. Two years later, she co-starred with Redd Foxx in the CBS sitcom The Royal Family (1991–92), though it didn’t last long. But then came the role that would define the next chapter of her life: her starring performance in Touched by an Angel (CBS, 1994–2003). The show ran for nine seasons, became a cultural touchstone, and brought Della Reese widespread praise and multiple awards.
Even as the years went on, Della Reese remained active in front of the camera well into the 2010s. Her legacy as a singer, actress, and pioneer endures. Della Reese passed away on November 19, 2017, in Los Angeles at the age of 86, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire generations.
When it comes to Della Reese’s film career, one standout performance that really shines is in A Match Made in Heaven from 1997—this movie tends to be regarded as Della Reese’s highest rated film. Fans and critics alike have often pointed to this role as a highlight, showcasing Della Reese’s charm and talent in a way that resonated with audiences. On the other hand, Della Reese also appeared in A Thin Line Between Love and Hate back in 1996, which, unfortunately, didn’t receive the same level of acclaim and is considered Della Reese’s lowest rated movie. While every actor has peaks and valleys in their filmography, Della Reese’s body of work still reflects a rich and memorable contribution to cinema.