"OUR RICH BLACK HERITAGE" : MRS. PEARLEE TOLIVER

“Check It Out and Lock It Down” ~ Pearlee Toliver It has been just over 20 years ago since The Lady known affectionately as “The Jewel of The Dail” passed away at her home in Monroe, Louisiana{ it was her stated wish that her age never be revealed in print }. For more than 30 years, she carried on The Jordan Singers Radio Show & The Pearlee Gospel Radio Show. Most listeners of her show probably still remember her catchphrase,”Check It Out and Lock It Down!” Pearlee Toliver was born in Drew Mississippi to the parents of sharecroppers. It was reported that when she was a young teenager, Pearlee dreamed of being on the radio. After serving 3 years in the Women’s Army Corps during WWll, she managed the gospel group,”The Jordan Singers,” which recorded for Checkers ( part of the legendary Chicago blues label Chess ). Later the group started their own radio program on KLIC-AM in Monroe. When the Jordan show ended, the Pearlee Gospel Show began. The station manager told her that in order for her to keep the show on air, she would have to collect her own radio ads and sponsors for the show. Some sponsors, like H.P. Gipson Sr. , who owned the Twin City Record Shop[ reportedly a former member of the Jordan Singers ] remained with Pearlee Toliver from her first shows to the last ones! Before her death, Pearlee appeared in the Robert Mugge documentary, ''Rhythm 'n Bayous.'' { She recorded her last show on station KZRZ-AM in Monroe }. In closing, I would like to say that Pearlee Toliver was a great example of what a Black person can achieve when they believe in their “God Given” talents & abilities!