New Port News, Virginia (March 29, 1918 -August 17, 1990) age 72 yrs

Pearl Mae Bailey was an award-winning African American performer. She was a singer, actress, songwriter, author, and activist. Her career spanned nearly fifty years in all forms of entertainment, from Vaudeville to Broadway to Cinema. Her unique delivery, included ad-libbing and bantering back and forth with the audience, added to her personability and charisma. In 1946, she made her Broadway debut in the all-Black musical St. Louis Woman, produced by Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen. This was a breakthrough role that took Bailey from Vaudeville to Broadway. In 1985, after five years of studying she earned a B.A. in Theology from Georgia University at 67 years old. Her many achievements include Daytime Emmy Award, and a Toni Award for her role in the production of “Hello Dolly!” in 1968.

For More Information click on Link->Pearl Bailey: Legendary Vaudeville, Broadway and Hollywood Performer – Kentake Page