7 Groundbreaking Interracial Couples And The Inspiring Stories Behind Them

Published June 7, 2022

Pearl Bailey And Louie Bellson

Pearl Bailey And Louie Bellson

Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesPearl Bailey and Louie Bellson got married in London in 1952, just four days after meeting each other.

Pearl Mae Bailey was a famous African American performer whose marriage to Louie Bellson, a white jazz musician, raised more than a few eyebrows.

Bailey’s rise as a stage performer first began after she won a contest at Harlem’s famous Apollo Theater. It was difficult to make a living as a Black singer in Jim Crow America, but Pearl Bailey managed to secure spots performing at the Black nightclubs around the Philadelphia area.

After the start of World War II, Bailey toured the country with the USO and performed for the troops. Her stellar performances, distinct voice, and impeccable style launched her to national fame. Among her most popular songs were “Tired,” “Two to Tango,” and “Birth of the Blues.”

She later made her debut as a Broadway star performing in the 1946 musical St. Louis Woman alongside other talents like Eartha Kitt and Nat King Cole.

As for Louie Bellson, he was building an impressive career as a jazz drummer and composer. He was later hired by famed composer Duke Ellington into his orchestra band. His recruitment caused quite a stir since Bellson was the only white musician in the all-Black band. He was also allegedly the first white musician hired by the Duke Ellington Orchestra.

Famous Interracial Couples From History

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesBailey and Bellson’s marriage lasted for 38 years until Bailey’s death in 1990.

Bellson and Bailey eventually crossed paths on the nightclub circuit after being introduced by a trombone player, according to The New York Times. Their connection was immediate and the two were married just four days later on November 19, 1952, in London. It was Bailey’s third marriage and Bellson’s first. The couple later went on to adopt two children together.

The 1950s were a particularly turbulent time for race relations in the U.S. — and for interracial couples. Supporters of the civil rights movement were outraged in 1955 following the lynching of a Black 14-year-old named Emmett Till, who was murdered for allegedly flirting with a white woman.

Public schools and facilities were segregated. Interracial marriages were still illegal in half of the states. The severity of racial segregation meant that many interracial couples faced extreme prejudice and danger in public — and even famous interracial couples were at risk for harassment.

But none of this stopped Pearl Bailey and Louie Bellson from indulging in public displays of affection, no matter where they went.

When they were out on dates in Southern states, where the racial divide was especially entrenched, the couple allegedly told people that Bailey was Haitian as a way to protect themselves. Bailey’s status as a theater star may have also shielded them from the worst of the harassment.

The couple stayed happily married together for 38 years until Bailey’s death in 1990 due to coronary artery disease. Returning from the hospital after his wife’s passing, Bellson said, “I’ve lost my best friend.” He died in 2009.

author
Natasha Ishak
author
A former staff writer for All That's Interesting, Natasha Ishak holds a Master's in journalism from Emerson College and her work has appeared in VICE, Insider, Vox, and Harvard's Nieman Lab.
editor
Jaclyn Anglis
editor
Jaclyn is the senior managing editor at All That's Interesting. She holds a Master's degree in journalism from the City University of New York and a Bachelor's degree in English writing and history (double major) from DePauw University. She is interested in American history, true crime, modern history, pop culture, and science.