Pearl Mae Bailey
March 29, 1918 - August 17, 1990
Highlights
American actress, singer, comedian, author
Toured the country with the USO in 1941
Broadway debut in St. Louis Woman in 1946
All-Black production of Hello Dolly! in 1968
This version of the production inspired producer David Merrick to take the musical to Broadway, playing to sold-out houses.
Sang the national anthem at Shea Stadium prior to Game 5 of the 1969 World Series (Baltimore Orioles v. New York Mets in the '69 season)
The Pearl Bailey Show - January - May 1971
Featured such guests as Lucille Ball, Bing Crosby, and Louis Armstrong
Sang the national anthem at Yankee Stadium prior to Game 1 of the 1981 World Series (New York Yankees v. Los Angeles Dodgers in the '81 season)
Degree in Theology from Georgetown University, 1985
Spokesperson for Duncan Hines
Appeared in commercials for Jell-O & Westinghouse
Books -
The Raw Pearl (1968)
Talking to Myself (1971)
Pearl's Kitchen (1973)
Hurry Up America and Spit (1976)
Duey's Tale (children's book, 1976)
Between You and Me (1989)
Esteemed honor -
- Appointed special ambassador to the United Nations by President Gerald Ford in 1975...Held this position under three presidents
- Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan in 1988
In November 1952, Pearl Bailey married jazz drummer Louie Bellson. The marriage lasted until her passing in 1990. Pearl and Louie were an interracial couple and his father was opposed to the marriage based on race.
Pearl and Louis adopted a son, Tony in the mid-1950s (passed away in 2004). They had a daughter, DeeDee Jean, in April 1960 (passed away in July 2009). Louie Bellson passed away in February 2009.
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