Despite his father preventing him from marrying a black woman, Louie Bellson did that…

As long as it’s true, the adage that ‘love can conquer all’ holds true. And occasionally, we come across stories of love that demonstrate how accurate this adage is…

Most people have heard of Pearl Bailey. She is a gifted actor, comedian, dancer, and singer. Bailey, however, refers to herself as a ‘humorist’ who tells stories through song and dance when you ask her to characterize herself.

Bailey was frequently referred to as America’s ‘ambassador of love.’ She almost didn’t get the chance to experience love when it was her turn to fall in love with a white drummer, though.

This is the tale of the romance between Paul Bailey and Louie Bellson, which took place during a time when inter-racial partnerships were frowned upon and condemned.

How many husbands Pearl Bailey had before meeting Louie Bellson is still a mystery. Naturally, none of her ex-husbands were well-known, despite the fact that some sources indicate there were three and others believe there were four.

Bellson, on the other hand, grew up surrounded by music as the son of a music store proprietor. Bellson naturally began playing the drums after picking up an instrument.

Once he got going, he excelled and steadily earned notoriety. He performed for legendary musicians including Benny Goodman, Harry James, and Duke Ellington in the 1940s.

Although there isn’t much information on how Bailey and Bellson met and how their relationship developed, their love was quite intense.

Bellson flew to London in November 1952 to wed Bailey despite his father’s express instructions to the contrary.

Bailey received a harsh letter from his father to try and talk her out of marrying his son. There was no way Bellson Sr. would ‘have a colored grandchild.’

The couple’s mother, Mrs. Carmen Bellson, who was divorced from Bellson’s father, reportedly did not object to their union and even invited them into their home.

Mrs. Ella Robinson, Bailey’s mother, expressed her support for the relationship and stated that Bellson will be treated the same as her previous sons-in-law, regardless of Bellson’s skin color.

On November 19, 1952, the pair exchanged vows in London’s famed Caxton Hall. the location of numerous high-profile people’s civil ceremonies.

Due to weather and traffic, actor Jose Ferrer, who was meant to be the best man, was changed at the last minute by London nightclub entrepreneur Siegi Sessler.

Bellson was forced to wear a borrowed suit, while Bailey looked ethereal in a white and blue dress underneath a mink coat. Bellson and Bailey were married when Bellson was 28 and Bailey was 34.

As they entered the venue together, which was crowded with photographers and played host to a band that serenaded them as they left, the couple grinned from ear to ear.

Following the wedding, they hosted a small celebration at the Polish Club in Mayfair for 50 guests. Some members of the British ‘Porgy and Bess’ cast as well as Bailey’s closest friend Cab Calloway were among the attendees.

The pair were overjoyed. Bellson even played the drums briefly for the audience’s amusement. Bellson thought his father was ‘too good a guy’ and thought eventually he would change. Bailey was less idealistic and had some doubts.

The couple quickly began planning their family. They adopted Tony, a child, soon after being married. and in 1960, they welcomed their daughter Dee-Dee.

Both of the kids went to work with their parents, which led to them developing an interest in music.

Dee-Dee rose to fame as a jazz performer who performed with numerous ensembles and even joined her father’s band. Like his father, Tony also became a drummer.

Bailey famously stated, ‘We prepare [them] and put all the small morsels on—training, discipline, and love—but we’re not cooking well-done hamburgers. We are producing tartar steak.’

Bailey battled a number of health issues, particularly her heart ailment, in the last few years of her life. The day after having her knee replaced, on August 17, 1990, Bailey passed out.

She also passed away in Philadelphia’s Thomas Jefferson University Hospital at the age of 72. Louise Bellson, who was heartbroken over his passing, lamented, ‘I’ve lost my best friend.’

Her children have both since passed away. Tony lost away in 2004, while Dee-Dee passed away on July 4, 2009, five months after her father, after a heart attack.

They did indeed lead happy and fulfilled lives. They set a standard for pure love at a time when inter-racial unions were unthinkable, and it still holds true today.

Tell your loved ones about their lovely love tale.

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