South Newport News , Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Pearl Bailey

(1918 - 1990)

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 6, 2021

1. Pearl Bailey Marker

Inscription. Pearl Bailey, singer, author, and humanitarian, was born in Newport News. Her family, including brother Willie "Bill" Bailey, a famous tap dancer, lived at 1204 and later at 1202 29th St. For fie decades, beginning in the 1930s, she performed in nightclubs, on Broadway, in movies and on television, captivating audiences with her distinctive voice and humorous asides. Bailey received a special Tony Award in 1968 for her starring role in Hello, Dolly! For many years she toured with the USO to entertain American troops. During the 1970s and 1980s, she served as a U.S. representative to the General Assembly of the United Nations. Bailey was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1988.

Erected 2019 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number W-172.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Women. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1204.

Location. 36° 59.392′ N, 76° 24.466′ W. Marker is in Newport News, Virginia. It is in South Newport News. Marker is at the intersection of 29th Street and

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Chestnut Avenue on 29th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1204 29th St, Newport News VA 23607, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Annie Belle Daniels (within shouting distance of this marker); The Brown Center (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Winfield-Jones House (about 700 feet away); Newsome House (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named The Newsome House (about 800 feet away); Phillis Wheatley (approx. 0.3 miles away); Greenlawn Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Confederate Dead (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport News.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 6, 2021

2. Pearl Bailey Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 7, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 464 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 7, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.