Born in 1918 in Virginia, she was a celebrated American actress and singer known for her vivacious personality and distinctive voice. She began her career in vaudeville and gained fame on Broadway with a Tony Award-winning performance in "Hello, Dolly!" She appeared in films such as "Carmen Jones" and "Porgy and Bess" and was also a successful recording artist. Later in life, she became a U.S. cultural ambassador and authored several books. She passed away in 1990.