Hello, Pearl!

Actress and singer Pearl Bailey closed her production of Hello, Dolly! playing in Boston in order to provide after-dinner entertainment at this state dinner honoring President Sadat of Egypt. She stepped in on short notice as Johnny Cash, who had been scheduled to perform, had to cancel due to illness and physical exhaustion.

Bailey was no stranger to the White House, as she had performed there during the Nixon administration. The Fords were close friends and she had already attended two events there since President Ford took office. She also had a connection to the guest of honor; in June 1974 she visited Egypt as a guest of the government and received the First Order of Arts and Science from President Sadat.

Bailey’s program included selections from Hello, Dolly! as well as “Peace on Earth"and the Egyptian folk song "Bladi Bladi” sung in Arabic. She also brought guest Omar Sharif on stage to sing “Easy to Love” with her.

Dancing in the Grand Foyer followed the performance. The Fords stayed until 1:30 a.m. before retiring to the Residence. Mrs. Ford chatted with Pearl Bailey and her husband, who were overnight guests at the White House, until 3:00 a.m.