What is the best Della Reese album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Della" (1960). It's the most representative of what makes Della Reese worth hearing.

What are the best Della Reese albums?

The essential Della Reese albums include "Amen!" (1958), "The Story of the Blues" (1959), "Della" (1960), "Della by Starlight" (1960) and "Della Della Cha-Cha-Cha" (1961).

How many albums does Della Reese have?

Della Reese has 34 releases in their discography, including 31 albums.

Photo: Angela George at https://www.flickr.com/photos/sharongraphics/ · CC BY-SA 3.0

Della Reese

Q: Who is Della Reese for?

If you're into jazz and R&B, Della Reese is worth your time. Reese's music features a commanding vocal texture punctuated by rhythmic intricacies and soulful crescendos that evoke both reverence and joy.

Reese's music features a commanding vocal texture punctuated by rhythmic intricacies and soulful crescendos that evoke both reverence and joy.

jazz · traditional pop

United States

Read about Della Reese on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Della (1960)

Captures her commanding vocal texture and rhythmic intricacies, offering a cohesive experience of her gospel and jazz influences.

The song

“Don't You Know?”

Immediate hook that showcases her soulful style and vocal prowess, serving as an engaging introduction to her music.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"The Lady Is a Tramp" — from Della (1960)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"Games People Play" — from Black Is Beautiful (1971)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"The Story of a Starry Night" — from The Classic Della (1962)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"Amen!" — from Amen! (1958)

accessible entry with immediate hook
5

"The Story of the Blues" — from The Story of the Blues (1959)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" — from Della Della Cha-Cha-Cha (1961)

establishes the sonic palette early

About Della Reese

Della Reese matters as a transformative figure who seamlessly bridged the sacred and the secular, capturing the hearts of audiences with her distinctive blend of gospel fervor and jazz elegance.

Her presence in music history is marked by an ability to infuse deeply spiritual expressions into popular song forms, creating a space where soul and devotion coexist.

Her presence in music history is marked by an ability to infuse deeply spiritual expressions into popular song forms, creating a space where soul and devotion coexist. In doing so, she not only elevated the standards of vocal performance but also opened doors for future generations of artists to explore the depths of their own emotional landscapes. Her approach is characterized by an intuitive grasp of rhythm and melody that often leads her to reinterpret traditional elements of both gospel and jazz. Reese's daring vocal improvisation serves as a conduit for raw feeling, allowing her to navigate complex emotional terrains while engaging listeners in a dialogue that feels both personal and universal. This innovation is evident in her live performances, where she draws on her extensive experience in church settings, imbuing each note with a kind of spiritual urgency that is both powerful and palpable. Lyrically, Reese often delves into themes of love, faith, and resilience, weaving narratives that resonate with a broad spectrum of human experience. Her storytelling style tends to balance sincerity and warmth with moments of introspection, inviting listeners into her world while leaving space for them to find their own reflections within her songs. This duality creates an atmosphere rich in emotion, connecting deeply with audiences on multiple levels.

31 studio albums· 34 total releases· 5 decades· United States