At Her Best

Pearl Bailey was a vibrant and multifaceted American entertainer, renowned for her captivating performances as an actress, singer, comedian, and author. Born in 1918 in Newport News, Virginia, Bailey's journey began in her father's evangelical church, where she honed her singing talents from a young age. Her career took off with appearances in vaudeville, leading to her Broadway debut in "St. Louis Woman" in 1946. Bailey's breakthrough role came in 1968 when she received a Special Tony Award for her portrayal of Dolly Levi in the all-black production of "Hello, Dolly!" Her charm and wit also graced television screens, earning her a Daytime Emmy Award in 1986 for her role in the ABC Afterschool Special "Cindy Eller: A Modern Fairy Tale." Beyond her performing arts, Bailey was a prolific author, penning several books, and even served as a special ambassador to the United Nations, appointed by President Gerald Ford in 1975. Her legacy endures as a symbol of peace, goodwill, and unparalleled entertainment.