Pearl Bailey (1919-1990)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Bailey, who lived here as a youth, became one of America's most prominent entertainers. She sang with the big bands during the 1940s and gained her greatest fame in the 1967 Broadway production of "Hello, Dolly!"
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Born in 1919, Pearl Bailey spent part of her youth in Philadelphia before rising through the big-band circuit of the 1940s, where her warm, teasing delivery made her a standout vocalist. Her career crested in 1967 when she headlined an acclaimed Broadway production of "Hello, Dolly!", earning national adoration as one of the era's most beloved entertainers. From these city streets emerged a performer who bridged the swing age and the Broadway stage.
Why it matters
Bailey's ascent from a Philadelphia childhood to national stardom marks the arc of Black American entertainers who reshaped popular music and theater across the mid-twentieth century.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia2.4 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center2.5 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center2.6 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House2.7 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center2.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphia2.7 mi away · 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir1.1 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge1.4 mi away
- Rocky Steps1.5 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo1.6 mi away
- Philly Gun Range1.8 mi away · North Percy Street
- The Universal Sphere2.1 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King2.6 mi away
- Dunkin'2.6 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Mall Cafe2.6 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Philly Pretzel Factory2.6 mi away
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters2.6 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe2.6 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia2.1 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center2.1 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia2.2 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City2.2 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA2.2 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel2.3 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
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Related people
- · Pearl Bailey
Themes & tags
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