Was Pearl Bailey just an entertainer, or was she something more? She was a force of nature, a multi-talented artist whose influence stretched far beyond the stage and screen. From her sultry singing to her sharp wit, Bailey captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on American culture.
Born Pearly Mae Bailey on March 29, 1918, in Newport News, Virginia, to Reverend Joseph James Bailey and Ella Mae Bailey, her journey began in the church, where her father preached at the House of Prayer in Washington D.C. This early exposure to gospel music and the power of performance ignited a spark in young Pearl. While her birth name was Pearly Mae, her parents playfully nicknamed her "Dickie" as they had initially anticipated a boy. Growing up in Newport News and later Washington D.C., music and theatre were woven into the fabric of her childhood. Bailey attributed much of her vocal ability to her early singing experiences in the church choir, a foundation that would serve her well in the years to come. Her career took flight at the tender age of 15 when, encouraged by her older brother Bill Bailey, she debuted at an amateur contest at Philadelphia's Pearl Theater. From that moment on, Pearl Bailey's star continued to rise, captivating audiences with her unique blend of talent and charisma.
| Pearl Bailey: Biographical and Professional Overview | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pearl Mae Bailey |
| Nickname(s) | Pearl |
| Birth Date | March 29, 1918 |
| Birth Place | Newport News, Virginia, USA |
| Death Date | August 17, 1990 |
| Death Place | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Age at Death | 72 years, 4 months, 19 days |
| Height | 5'6" (1.6764 m) |
| Parents | Joseph James Bailey (Father, Reverend), Ella Mae Bailey (Mother) |
| Spouses | Louie Bellson (m. 1952-1990, her death), others |
| Children | Two (one adopted with Louie Bellson) |
| Education | Early education in Washington D.C. |
| Profession | Singer, Actress, Comedian, Author, Activist |
| Genres | Jazz, Pop, Blues |
| Years Active | 1930s - 1990 |
| Notable Roles | Dolly Gallagher Levi in "Hello, Dolly!", various film and television roles |
| Broadway Debut | St. Louis Woman |
| Other Notable Works | Performed with the USO during World War II; Author of six books. |
| Activism | Advocate for education and other social causes; appointed as a special advisor to the United Nations. |
| External Resources | |
| Pearl Bailey - Britannica |
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