LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Pearl Bailey
built 656 days ago
As a girl, Pearl Bailey began singing in her father's church in Virginia and kept singing all the way to Broadway and into America's heart. Among the preeminent American entertainers of this century, she has dazzled audiences all over the world. She has ... served the Nation as a Special Adviser to the United States Mission to the United Nations. And America loves Pearl Bailey, for her songs and for her soul.
Source:
Born in 1918, Pearl Bailey grew up in rural Virginia. As the daughter of a minister, Bailey sang in church choirs and at local events. She was later to remark that the support she received during her early years helped to make the focus of her life’s work very easy to discover. Beginning as a vaudeville performer and eventually finding steady gigs in nightclubs, Pearl Bailey quickly demonstrated that her talent was a broad as her smile.
Source:
*On this date, Pearl Bailey was born in 1918. This African- American singer, actress and entertainer, known for her comedic timing and charm, was honored for her service to American troops, and named as special delegate to the United Nations (UN).
Source:
At age 67, Pearl Bailey graduated from Georgetown University with a bachelor's degree in theology. In 1968, 1971, 1973 and 1989 she published books on her life, cooking, and educational experiences. In 1975 Pearl Bailey served as a special ambassador to the United Nations and in 1988 received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Source:
In 1950, Basie broke up his big band and Dr. Bailey became a student at the School of Radio and Television in New York City. He received a scholarship from American Broadcasting Company. After he was not hired as on-air talent he tried for technical jobs... without luck. Then, he heard about the Moulin Rouge casino and hotel in Las Vegas. Although Vegas was highly segregated, the Moulin Rouge was open to everyone. Clarence Robinson was hired to build a show with black entertainers and brought Dr. Bailey to Las Vegas as a co-producer and the master of ceremonies of the show.
Source:
Pearl Bailey was a gifted artist and humanitarian, whose performing career spanned all mediums. She began as a singer and dancer in her father’s Pentecostal church at the age of three. A childhood ambition to teach was side-railed in 1933, when she won an amateur contest at Philadelphia’s Pearl Theater.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Pearl Bailey