Della Reese

Della Reese – Life, Artistry, and Legacy

Explore the inspiring life of Della Reese (1931–2017): gospel singer, jazz and pop artist, actress, television pioneer, ordained minister, and beloved icon. Read her biography, career highlights, famous quotes, and lessons from her journey.

Introduction

Della Reese was an American singer, actress, television personality, author, and ordained minister whose career spanned more than six decades.

Her signature role as “Tess,” the supervising angel on the hit series Touched by an Angel, introduced her to a new generation and underscored her faith-inspired outlook. In life and art, she wove together spirituality, performance, resilience, and a deep belief in purpose.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Della Reese was born Delloreese Patricia Early on July 6, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan. Black Bottom neighborhood, an area rich in African American culture and history.

From the age of six, Della sang in her church choir. Mahalia Jackson’s gospel group, a formative experience that deepened her connection to gospel and spiritual music.

In her later teens, she joined the Meditation Singers, a gospel ensemble.

Through persistence, she adopted the stage name Della Reese and moved toward secular music, performing in clubs and nightspots, and eventually securing recording opportunities.

Music Career & Breakthroughs

Rise in Recordings

In 1954, Della Reese signed with Jubilee Records and began releasing singles and albums. “And That Reminds Me”, which sold over a million copies and marked her first major commercial success.

Later, she signed with RCA Victor, and in 1959 released her iconic song “Don’t You Know?” (adapted from Musetta’s Waltz in La Bohème).

Other charting songs included “Not One Minute More”.

She also performed extensively in Las Vegas, though not without racial challenges. She once recalled:

“I could sing there but I could not eat there.”

Her recording career continued through the ’70s and beyond. After a period focusing more on film and television, she returned to gospel, forming the group Brilliance and releasing gospel albums.

Television, Acting & Media Milestones

Reese’s television career began through guest appearances (e.g., The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show).

In 1969, she launched the talk show Della, making her the first Black woman to host a national talk show.

In 1970, she became the first Black woman to guest-host The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

Over time, Della Reese transitioned more into acting. Her most famous role began in 1994, when she portrayed Tess, the supervising angel, on Touched by an Angel. She remained on the show through its run (ending in 2003).

In addition, she acted in films (such as Harlem Nights, Beauty Shop) and television movies through the 2000s.

Spiritual Life & Ministry

Beyond performance, Reese had a strong spiritual commitment. In the 1980s, she became ordained through the Unity movement / Universal Foundation for Better Living tradition. Understanding Principles for Better Living (often called “UP Church”) in Los Angeles.

She also authored books focusing on faith, spirituality, and personal growth:

• Angels Along the Way (1997)

• God Inside of Me

• What Is This Thing Called Love?

• Strength Is the Energy of God!

• Metaphysically Speaking

Her spirituality was not only personal but integrated into her public persona, especially through Touched by an Angel, which often blended moral, inspirational, and religious themes.

Personality, Challenges & Traits

Della Reese was known as warm, forthright, humorous, and deeply caring—a performer who bridged entertainment and spiritual encouragement.

She faced health challenges, particularly in later life: diabetes became a serious issue. The Tonight Show, which nearly claimed her life and left her with partial vision loss.

Reese was married several times, and her final marriage was to Franklin Lett, whom she remained with until her death. She had children and stepchildren.

Quotations & Reflections

Below are notable quotes attributed to Della Reese that reveal her faith, optimism, and life philosophy:

• “I don’t see how I possibly could have come from where I entered the planet to where I am now if there had not been angels along the way.”

• “My idea of forgiveness is letting go of things I can’t change.”

• “When you really believe in God, it gives you a courage, a confidence that enables you to meet the things coming.”

• “Each week, from a different point of view, you get another look at God, and that’s exciting to me.”

• “Now I walk everywhere I can… I also ride a stationary bicycle… I’ve lost 20 pounds.” (on health)

These quotations reflect her spiritual orientation, pragmatic mindset, and openness to growth and change.

Legacy & Impact

1. Cultural & Media Trailblazer
   Della Reese broke barriers in television—becoming one of the first Black women to host talk shows and appear regularly across genres. Her career helped expand representation in media.

2. Genre-Spanning Musical Influence
   Her blending of gospel, jazz, blues, and pop opened the way for artists who move across musical boundaries. Her interpretations helped popularize spiritual and emotional expression in mainstream music.

3. Spiritual Voice in Entertainment
   Through Touched by an Angel and her role as minister, she bridged entertainment and spiritual encouragement. She made faith part of her public voice without being overly preachy, connecting with audiences seeking hope.

4. Resilience and Reinvention
   Her long career demonstrates adaptability—she moved from nightclubs to television to acting and ministry, adjusting to changing times while retaining her core identity.

5. Inspiration to Future Generations
   Many cite her as a role model of a life lived with purpose, faith, and authenticity—particularly within the African American community, women in entertainment, and faith-based audiences.

Della Reese passed away on November 19, 2017, in Los Angeles at age 86. Her memory continues in her recordings, television legacy, books, and spiritual community.