Net worth | $7 million |
---|---|
Full Name | Pearl Mae Bailey |
Birthdate | March 29, 1918 |
Birthplace | Newport News, Virginia, United States |
Deathdate | August 17, 1990 |
Death place | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
Occupation | Singer, actress, author |
Notable works | Broadway musicals St. Louis Woman and Hello, Dolly! |
Awards and honors | Tony Award, Daytime Emmy Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom |
Height | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
Weight | 135 lbs (61 kg) |
Age | 72 (at time of death) |
Zodiac | Aries |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | African American |
In the grand tapestry of American entertainment, Pearl Bailey stands as a vibrant and unforgettable thread, weaving together a story of immense talent, resilience, and boundless charisma. With a voice that could move mountains and a presence that could light up the darkest of rooms, Pearl Bailey was far more than just an actress, singer, and author; she was a force of nature.
Born in the humble surroundings of Newport News, Virginia, Pearl’s journey to stardom was a testament to her unwavering determination. Her remarkable career spanned the realms of Broadway, Hollywood, and the written word, making her an extraordinary triple threat. But it was her vivacious personality and genuine charm that truly set her apart. Her performances were electric, her smile infectious, and her laughter like music to the soul.
Pearl Bailey’s life was a testament to breaking boundaries and embracing one’s unique talents, a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. Join me as we delve into the remarkable life of this multi-talented icon, and discover the magic that was Pearl Bailey.
Biography
Biography | |
Full Name | Pearl Mae Bailey |
Birthdate | March 29, 1918 |
Birthplace | Newport News, Virginia, United States |
Deathdate | August 17, 1990 |
Death place | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
Occupation | Singer, actress, author |
Notable works | Broadway musicals St. Louis Woman and Hello, Dolly! |
Awards and honors | Tony Award, Daytime Emmy Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom |
Height | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
Weight | 135 lbs (61 kg) |
Age | 72 (at time of death) |
Zodiac | Aries |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | African American |
Early Life and Education
From the heart of Newport News, Virginia, Pearl Bailey’s journey to stardom was filled with twists and triumphs. Born to Reverend Joseph James and Ella Mae Ricks Bailey, her family later moved to Washington, DC, and after her parents’ separation, she found herself in Philadelphia.
At just 15 years old, her brother Bill, a budding tap dancer, suggested she enter a singing contest at the Pearl Theatre. She won, earning a two-week gig at $35 a week, but fate had other plans when the theater closed, leaving her unpaid. Undaunted, she wowed audiences at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, cementing her destiny in entertainment.
Yet, it wasn’t just about the limelight for Pearl. Even in her early days, she sang in the church choir at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Brooklyn, guided by Msgr Bernard J. Quinn. Pearl Bailey’s remarkable journey, colored by her spirit and talent, was only just beginning.
Career and Work
Work as an Actress | |
Year | Name |
1947 | Variety Girl |
1948 | Isn’t It Romantic? |
1954 | Carmen Jones |
1956 | That Certain Feeling |
1958 | St. Louis Blues |
1959 | Porgy and Bess |
1960 | All the Fine Young Cannibals |
1970 | The Landlord |
1975 | Tubby the Tuba |
1976 | Norman… Is That You? |
1981 | The Fox and the Hound |
1960 | The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom |
1963 | The Andy Williams Show |
1968 | The Ed Sullivan Show |
1968 | Mike and Pearl |
1969 | Carol Channing and Pearl Bailey: On Broadway |
1971 | The Pearl Bailey Show |
1972 | The Carol Burnett Show |
1974 | One More Time |
1977 | The Love Boat |
1979 | All-Star Salute to Pearl Bailey |
1979 | The Muppet Show |
1982 | The Member of the Wedding |
1982 | As the World Turns |
1989 | Peter Gunn |
Work as a Singer | |
Year | Name |
1950 | Pearl Bailey Entertains |
1952 | Birth of the Blues |
1952 | Cultured Pearl |
1953 | I’m with You |
1953 | Say Si Si |
1954 | Around the World with Me |
1955 | Carmelina |
1956 | The Intoxicating Pearl Bailey |
1956 | The One and Only Pearl Bailey Sings |
1958 | Gems by Pearl Bailey |
1959 | Porgy & Bess |
1959 | Pearl Bailey A-Broad |
1959 | Pearl Bailey Sings for Adults Only |
1960 | Singing the Blues |
1960 | More Songs for Adults Only |
1960 | For Adult Listening |
1960 | Naughty but Nice |
1960 | Songs of the Bad Old Days |
1961 | The Songs of Harold Arlen |
1962 | Come On, Let’s Play with Pearlie Mae |
1962 | Happy Sounds |
1963 | C’est La Vie |
1964 | Les Poupées de Paris |
1964 | Songs By James Van Heusen |
1964 | The Risque World of Pearl Bailey |
1965 | For Women Only |
1965 | The Jazz Singer |
1967 | Hello, Dolly! |
1969 | After Hours |
1971 | Pearl’s Pearls |
Net Worth
Year | Net Worth |
1990 | $7 million |
Family and Relationship
Relation | Name/Info |
Father | Reverend Joseph James |
Mother | Ella Mae Ricks Bailey |
Siblings | N/A |
Spouse | John Randolph (1948–1952) and Louie Bellson ( 1952-1990) |
Children | 2 |
Achievements and Awards
Year | Achievement and Awards |
1946 | Broadway debut in St. Louis Woman |
1968 | Special Tony Award |
1976 | Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award |
1986 | Daytime Emmy Award |
1988 | Presidential Medal of Freedom |
Quick Facts
- She made her Broadway debut in 1946 in the musical St. Louis Woman.
- She was also a dedicated humanitarian and activist.
- She was a self-taught musician. She learned to play the piano and guitar by ear.
- he was a versatile performer who excelled in both singing and acting.
- She was a role model for many African-American entertainers at her time.
FAQs
Q: How did Pearl Bailey die?
A: She died of a heart attack on August 17, 1990, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was 72 years old.
Q: What was Pearl Bailey known for?
A: She was known for her versatile talents as a singer, actress, and comedian. She was also a dedicated humanitarian and activist.
Q: What were Pearl Bailey’s most notable achievements?
A: Her most notable achievements include winning a Tony Award for her performance in the musical Hello, Dolly!, being appointed a Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations, and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Q: What was Pearl Bailey’s impact on the entertainment industry?
A: She was a pioneer for African-American performers. She was one of the first black artists to achieve mainstream success, and she paved the way for other black performers to follow in her footsteps.
Q: What was Pearl Bailey’s favorite song?
A: Her favorite song was “Takes Two to Tango.