Pearl Bailey (1918 – 1990) was an American singer, actress, and author known for her smooth voice and charismatic stage presence. Rising from vaudeville and nightclubs, she became a Broadway star, winning a Special Tony Award in 1968 for her role in Hello, Dolly! She also had a successful recording career, with hits like Takes Two to Tango (1952).
Born in Newport News, Virginia, Bailey grew up in Washington, D.C., and later Philadelphia. She began performing as a teenager, winning talent competitions, including one at the Apollo Theater. During World War II, she toured with the USO, entertaining American troops. After moving to New York, she worked with jazz legends like Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington.
Bailey’s acting career included Broadway and film roles, and she later hosted The Pearl Bailey Show (1971), featuring major stars. In 1976, she became the first African American to receive the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. She also voiced animated films, including The Fox and the Hound (1981).
Beyond entertainment, Bailey earned a theology degree from Georgetown University at age 67 and served as a U.S. goodwill ambassador. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1988. Her legacy as a trailblazing performer and humanitarian remains influential.