Hey there, fellow sound explorers! Finnley the Dolphin here, ready to take you on another deep dive into the world of music and history. Today, we’re swimming through the life and legacy of Della Reese, a voice that soared across decades and genres. From gospel roots to jazz brilliance, from the bright lights of television to the warmth of gospel ministry, Della Reese’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and undeniable talent. Join me as we glide through her journey and surface at one of her unique releases: C’Mon and Hear, a fascinating piece from the world of budget records.
Della Reese, born Delloreese Patricia Early on July 6, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, was a multifaceted talent who made her mark as a singer, actress, television personality, author, and ordained minister. Her career spanned decades, evolving from gospel roots into a successful journey across jazz, blues, and pop music before transitioning into television and ministry. As the first Black woman to host a talk show and a beloved presence on the long-running CBS series Touched by an Angel, Reese became an icon in both entertainment and spiritual leadership. She overcame racial barriers and personal hardships to establish herself as one of the most enduring figures in American entertainment history.
Growing up in Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood, Reese was introduced to music at an early age. She began singing in church at six and quickly gained recognition for her vocal abilities. By 13, she was touring with gospel legend Mahalia Jackson, an experience that shaped her future in the music industry. Though initially pursuing a degree in psychology at Wayne State University, Reese’s studies were cut short following her mother’s passing. To support herself, she took on various jobs, including driving trucks and cabs, all while maintaining her deep connection to music.
Reese’s shift toward secular music came out of financial necessity. She joined the Meditation Singers, a pioneering gospel group, but eventually left due to the limited financial opportunities in gospel music. Seeking a broader audience, she began performing in local venues, and after winning a talent contest, she landed an extended engagement at The Flame Show Bar in Detroit. This opportunity led her to New York City, where she joined the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra in 1953, marking the beginning of her recording career.
Her early struggles included facing racial discrimination in venues where Black performers were allowed to sing but not dine. However, her undeniable talent propelled her forward, and she soon found herself securing a recording contract. Her ability to blend gospel, jazz, and pop made her a versatile and sought-after performer. This period also instilled in her a resilience that would define her career.
Reese’s first recording contract came with Jubilee Records, where she released several singles in the mid-1950s. Her breakthrough hit, And That Reminds Me, became a million-seller, putting her on the national stage. In 1959, she signed with RCA Victor and released Don’t You Know?, a song adapted from Puccini’s La bohème, which became her biggest commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Over the next decade, Reese continued to release albums spanning jazz, blues, and pop. She became one of the first Black female singers to consistently chart on the Billboard 200, with albums such as Della and Special Delivery. She frequently appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, further cementing her status as a national star. In the late 1960s, she moved between labels, recording for ABC–Paramount and Avco Embassy, where she experimented with contemporary pop and soul influences.
Despite shifting trends in the music industry, Reese remained a dynamic performer. She maintained a steady presence in nightclubs and Las Vegas venues, though she often faced racial discrimination. In the 1980s, she returned to her gospel roots, forming the group Brilliance with fellow artists such as O.C. Smith and Merry Clayton. Their album garnered critical praise, and Reese received a Grammy nomination for Best Female Gospel Soul Performance. Her later music career continued into the 1990s, with gospel albums such as My Soul Feels Better Right Now earning additional Grammy recognition.
Reese also recorded a wide range of musical styles, demonstrating her ability to adapt to changing times. From heartfelt ballads to gospel-infused anthems, her music continued to resonate with audiences. Her impact on the music industry was profound, influencing future artists and ensuring her place as a legend in American music history.
Reese’s visibility as a singer led to frequent television appearances, including guest spots on talk shows and variety programs. By 1969, she became the first Black woman to host her own talk show, Della, which aired for nearly 200 episodes. Though the show was ultimately canceled due to high production costs, it paved the way for her future in television.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Reese transitioned into acting, securing recurring roles on Chico and the Man and The Royal Family. She also made guest appearances on Sanford and Son, The Love Boat, and 227. In 1989, she starred alongside Eddie Murphy and Redd Foxx in Harlem Nights, showcasing her comedic and dramatic range. Her performances in both comedy and drama solidified her as a versatile actress capable of commanding the screen.
Her most celebrated television role came in 1994 when she was cast as Tess in Touched by an Angel. The CBS drama, centered around celestial beings helping people through life’s struggles, became a massive success, running for nine seasons. Reese’s performance earned her multiple award nominations, and she also recorded the show’s theme song, Walk with You. Behind the scenes, she was a mentor and maternal figure to her co-star Roma Downey, strengthening their bond beyond the screen. Touched by an Angel provided Reese with a late-career resurgence and allowed her to reach a new generation of fans.
Beyond entertainment, Reese was deeply involved in ministry. After surviving a near-fatal brain aneurysm in 1979, she turned to spirituality and became an ordained minister in 1987. She founded the Understanding Principles for Better Living Church in Los Angeles, where she served as a pastor and spiritual leader for decades. Her faith-driven mission extended to her writing, as she authored multiple books, including her autobiography Angels Along the Way.
Reese was also a strong advocate for social causes, using her platform to address racial inequality and economic empowerment. She was known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in providing education and resources for underprivileged communities. Her work in ministry and social activism further highlighted her commitment to making a difference beyond entertainment.
Reese’s health declined in her later years, and she retired from acting in 2014. She passed away peacefully at her home in California on November 19, 2017, at the age of 86. Her legacy as a trailblazer in music, television, and faith leadership continues to inspire future generations. Even after her passing, her influence remains palpable in the entertainment industry and beyond, ensuring that her contributions will never be forgotten.
Among her many musical accomplishments, one album that stands out is C’Mon and Hear, released in 1978 under the Pickwick label. Pickwick Records was widely known for producing budget-friendly albums, often repackaging existing recordings or releasing sound-alike versions of popular songs. These albums were commonly found in drugstores and dime stores, targeting bargain hunters who wanted music at a fraction of the cost of mainstream releases. While Pickwick primarily released compilation and discount records, C’Mon and Hear was a reissue of earlier material that showcased Reese’s vocal prowess across jazz, blues, and pop.
The album features a carefully curated selection of songs that highlight Reese’s versatility as a vocalist. Side A opens with After Loving You, a heartfelt ballad that sets the tone for the record. Other standout tracks include It’s Magic, a lush and dreamy tune, and A Hundred Years from Today, which allows Reese to demonstrate her impeccable phrasing. The B-side continues with emotionally driven songs like A Lover’s Prayer and the deeply moving Blues for the Weepers. The full tracklist is as follows:
Side A:
After Loving You
Home (When Shadows Fall)
It’s Magic
A Hundred Years From Today
I Need You So
Side B:
Her Little Heart Went to Loveland (And His Little Heart Stayed Home)
A Lover’s Prayer
Blues for the Weepers
How Do You Keep from Cryin’
The personnel involved in this reissue further add to its significance. While the original recordings were remastered for this release, the cover design was handled by Clinton Stockwell, with artwork by Goose Graphics. Liner notes were provided by Rick Ward, giving listeners insight into Reese’s musical journey. The remastering process was overseen by Richard King, ensuring that the album retained its rich sonic depth.
Pickwick Records, operating as a budget label, often licensed recordings from major labels such as ABC Records. C’Mon and Hear falls into this category, with its original recordings belonging to ABC Records before being repackaged for a new audience. The album, cataloged as Pickwick SPC-3638, became a part of Pickwick’s effort to make classic recordings more accessible to the public. Despite its budget release nature, the album remains a testament to Della Reese’s timeless vocal ability and continues to be a cherished piece for collectors of vintage jazz and pop recordings.
And that wraps up another adventure, folks! Della Reese’s legacy is one that continues to ripple through music, television, and beyond. Whether it’s her commanding presence on screen, her powerful voice, or her dedication to faith and community, she left an indelible mark that won’t fade anytime soon. If you’d like to support Finnley’s Audio Adventures and help keep these stories alive, you can find me on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/finnley.audio or send a little love through Ko-Fi at https://ko-fi.com/finnleysaudioadventures. Thanks for visiting, and until next time keep those ears open for the next great soundwave!
Sources:
Books
Carpenter, Bil. Uncloudy Days: The Gospel Music Encyclopedia. United States, Backbeat Books, 2005, p. 347.
Smith, Jessie Carney. Notable Black American Women. United States, Gale Research, 1992, pp. 546-548.
Talevski, Nick. Rock Obituaries – Knocking On Heaven’s Door. United Kingdom, Omnibus Press, 2010, p. 30.
Simmonds, Jeremy. The Encyclopedia of Dead Rock Stars: Heroin, Handguns, and Ham Sandwiches. United States, Chicago Review Press, 2012, p. 234.
Magazines
Jet, Dec 20, 1999, p. 34.
Jet, Feb 28, 1963, p. 55.
Jet, Jan 5, 1978, pp. 60-61.
Ebony, May 1963, pp. 44-46, 48.
Newspapers
Vanderknyff, Rick. “A Return to Gospel: Della Reese to Sing at Fullerton Restaurant.” Los Angeles Times, 6 June 1986, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-06-06-ca-8993-story.html.
Websites
Cohen, Jess. “Della Reese Memorial Held in Celebration of Touched by an Angel Star’s Life.” E! Online, 9 Dec. 2017, https://www.eonline.com/news/899258/della-reese-memorial-held-in-celebration-of-touched-by-an-angel-star-s-life.
IMDb. “Della Reese.” IMDb, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005343/.
Discogs. “Della Reese – C’Mon And Hear.” Discogs, https://www.discogs.com/release/6015583-Della-Reese-CMon-And-Hear.
