Dee Dee Bellson was a talented singer and the daughter of two jazz icons, Pearl Bailey and Louie Bellson. She had a promising career in music and entertainment, but sadly, she died at the age of 49 on July 4, 2009. What was the cause of her death and how did her family and fans react to the news? Here is a brief overview of her life and legacy.
Early Life and Career
Dee Dee Bellson was born on April 20, 1960 in Los Angeles, California. She was adopted by Pearl Bailey and Louie Bellson, who married in London in 1952. She had a brother, Tony, who was also adopted. Her parents were both famous musicians: Pearl Bailey was a Broadway star and singer who won a Tony Award for her role in Hello, Dolly! and Louie Bellson was a renowned drummer who played with Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, and many others.
Dee Dee grew up surrounded by music and started singing at a young age. She often traveled with her mother on tour and sometimes appeared with her on television variety shows. She attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston and graduated with a degree in vocal performance. She also studied acting and dance.
Dee Dee pursued a solo career as a singer and songwriter, performing in various genres such as jazz, pop, rock, and gospel. She released several albums, including Let There Be Love (1994), Intimate (1997), and Soul Talk (2002). She also sang backup for artists such as the Rolling Stones, Sheryl Crow, Sheena Easton, and James Ingram. She also appeared in some movies and TV shows, such as Never Too Young to Die (1986), Odd Jobs (1986), The Boyfriend School (1990), and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1991).
Sudden Death
Dee Dee Bellson died unexpectedly on July 4, 2009 at her home in Charlottesville, Virginia. She had suffered a heart attack and was pronounced dead at the scene. She was 49 years old. Her death came only five months after her father Louie Bellson passed away in February 2009 at the age of 84.
Dee Dee’s death was a shock to her family and friends, who remembered her as a loving, generous, and talented person. Her mother Pearl Bailey had died in 1990 at the age of 72. Her brother Tony Bellson said that he was devastated by the loss of his sister and that he felt like he had lost his whole family. He said that Dee Dee had a beautiful voice and a great sense of humor.
Dee Dee’s fans also expressed their condolences and appreciation for her music and legacy. Many of them posted messages on social media platforms and online forums, sharing their memories and favorite songs of hers. Some of them also attended her funeral service on July 14, 2009 in Charlottesville.
Legacy
Dee Dee Bellson left behind a rich musical legacy that reflected her passion and versatility as a singer. She had recorded over 100 songs in various styles and languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Hebrew, and Yiddish. She had also collaborated with many musicians from different genres and backgrounds.
Dee Dee’s music is still available on streaming platforms and online stores for fans to enjoy. Some of her songs have also been featured in documentaries and tribute albums dedicated to her parents. For example, her song “I Wish You Love” was included in the documentary Pearl Bailey: An American Original (2010) and her song “Let There Be Love” was included in the tribute album Louie & Clark Expedition 2 (2011).
Dee Dee Bellson will always be remembered as a talented singer and the daughter of jazz legends. She had a bright smile and a warm heart that touched many people’s lives. She once said that she wanted to “spread love through music”. She certainly did that during her short but fruitful life.