Talk Show First, Della Reese

Before Oprah. Before Arsenio. There was Della. Singer, talk show host, actor, minister, and cultural icon Della Reese shattered barriers across media genres — and made history as the first Black woman to host her own syndicated talk show in 1969. In this heartfelt episode, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams pays tribute to Reese’s remarkable career and unrelenting spirit. Drawing from Reese’s 1997 memoir Angels Along the Way, this episode explores: The launch of Della, her syndicated talk show that aired 292 episodes Her early success as a guest on shows hosted by Merv Griffin, Johnny Carson, and Phil Donahue Behind-the-scenes obstacles faced due to race, gender, and TV production costs Her role in Touched by an Angel and decades of TV guest spots Lessons on faith, persistence, and service drawn from her later-life ministry Personal reflections on overcoming IRS debt, abuse, and industry exploitation Influences and mentorship from Mahalia Jackson and Ethel Waters Reese’s long legacy bridges gospel, activism, and entertainment. This episode honors her not just as a performer — but as a force for justice, representation, and healing. CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bemis-abrams-5046573/ PRODUCTION Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/ Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/ Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/