Born in Virginia on March 29, 1918, Pearly Mae Bailey was the child of Reverend Joseph and Ella Mae Bailey. Her parents had anticipated a male child and when a girl was born, they nicknamed her “Dickie.” Her early life was spent in Washington DC where she received her primary education. As a young girl, she often appeared as a dancer in the Old Howard Theater in downtown Washington. She also worked in vaudeville as both a singer and a dancer.
Pearl was a composer, singer, songwriter and actress all rolled up into one! In the early 1940s, she toured with the Cootie Williams orchestra and later was a featured singer in nightclubs, radio and television. She made her Broadway debut in ” St. Louis Woman” in 1946 and won a Tony Award for her leading role in “Hello, Dolly” in 1968. A very versatile performer, Pearl also made many records and scored a hit in 1952 with a song that reached the top ten, “Two to Tango”. During the 1970s she had her own television show and provided the voices for the animations of “Tubby The Tuba” (1976) and Disney’s “The Fox and The Hound” (1981).
Pearl Bailey is perhaps best remembered for her memorable performances in “Carmen Jones” (as Frankie) and as Aunt Hagar opposite Nat King Cole in the movie biography of composer, WC Handy, “St Louis Blues.”
Pearl had two children and was married to jazz drummer, Louis Bellson, at the time of death from heart failure in August of 1990. She died in Philadelphia after collapsing at a local hotel. Her achievements were many above and beyond the theatrical. In 1985 at the age of 66, she earned a degree in Theology from Georgetown University. She was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom on October 17, 1988. Pearl was her namesake and much, much more.
What are some of YOUR favorite Pearl Bailey performances? Please share.