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Pearl Bailey's Influence On The American Dream

Decent Essays

Introduction
Pearl Mae Bailey was a woman of many talents. Originally, Pearl’s dream was to be a school teacher but after her first performance, her dreams had changed into what she is known for today. Journalist, composer, television, film and theater actress, singer, author, and an active Republican. She quickly rose to fame at an early age. Once her voice was heard, everyone stopped to listen.

Musical training
Born March 29, 1918 in Newport News, Virginia. She was nicknamed Dickie by her family because her parents were expecting to have a boy. Later, she became affectionately known as Pearlie Mae to her fans. Her father was the preacher of a Pentecostal church, however, never received any formal training. She would come to be known as …show more content…

She was invited to appear on the Perry Como Show and the Steve Allen show. Her talent spread from performing jazz and blues in African American nightclubs to American film and theater. Her voice had a magnetic, alluring quality, it etched her name in the music, film and television industries internationally. After embarking on a television career, Pearl won a Daytime Emmy Award in 1986 for her role in an ABC afterschool special. She appeared on children’s shows such as the Muppets and Captain Kangaroo. Pearl has also had a few parts providing the voice for cartoon characters. Later, Pearl would have her own ABC series with guests such as Bing Crosby and Louie Armstrong. In January of 1985, Pearl was invited to perform at the 50th Presidential Inaugural Gala. This event was nationally televised. There was different variety program that she appeared on, one being the Ed Sullivan show. She was appointed “Ambassador of Love” in 1970 by President Richard Nixon. Later (1988), President Ronald Reagan presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1978, she was appointed the U.S. Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations by President Gerald Ford. In this position, she continued with her performances and got involved in charity work, however, this position was ceremonial. Her work earned her the March of Dimes award in 1968, and the “Heart of the Year” award by the American Heart Association in 1970. She is known for worldwide assistance in the study of AIDS. Pearl was an advocate for interracial harmony and those that are suffering. Pearl became active in politics as a conservative black Republican during her adult life while continuing to entertain us as a singer and

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