Della Reese

Sang with the Mahalia Jackson Troupe, summers, 1945-49; formed the Meditation Singers, a gospel group, 1949; worked as a receptionist, a taxi driver, and a barber; sang with Clara Ward Singers, the Roberta Martin Singers, Beatrice Brown's Inspirational Singers, and the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra; signed with Jubilee Records, 1954; signed with RCA, 1959; performed in nightclubs across the U.S.; made over 300 television guest appearances on popular talk and entertainment shows; guest host of The Tonight Show; host of her own variety show, Della, 1969-70; guest star in numerous television shows, including The Mod Squad, Chico and the Man, Designing Women, L.A. Law, and Picket Fences; costar of television situation comedy The Royal Family, CBS, 1991-92; Touched by an Angel, 1994-; actress in films, including Let's Rock, The Distinguished Gentleman, and Harlem Nights; toured in revue Some of My Best Friends Are the Blues, beginning 1992. Ordained minister, Universal Foundation for Better Living.