[dw1]

Fyi, she was also a notable and quite talented jazz vocalist and dancer.

During the late 1940s, Nichols was discovered by jazz legend Duke Ellington and toured with both Ellington and Lionel Hampton (!!!!) as a lead singer and dancer.

Her acting career began in the film Porgy and Bess (1959); and her first television role was on “The Lieutenant” (1964). Nichols went on to record two albums, including “Down to Earth” (1968), and “Out of This World” (1991).

Thank you and R.I.P.