Della Reese (born Delloreese Patricia Early on July 6, 1931), is a famous American Emmy nominated actor and Grammy nominated singer. She started her career in the late 1950s as a successful Jazz singer, best known for her 1959 hit single "Don't You Know". Later in her career, she became a successful actress, best known as playing Tess on the television show Touched by an Angel. Today, she is also an ordained minister in the Understanding Principles for Better Living Church in Los Angeles, California. She is of half African-American and half Cherokee descent.