Most know her from her smooth vocals, performing everything from classics to originals to GAP commercials in the late 1990s. Lena Horne enjoyed a little bit, and offered a whole lot of everything throughout her sixty-plus years in entertainment.
Horne was the first black performer signed to a long-term contract in the “Old Hollywood” system, when she agreed to terms with then movie giant, MGM. America’s movie audience wasn’t yet mature enough to grasp the beauty of racial equality, and Lena’s film career never truly blossomed. To Horne, this was ironic, being such a light-skinned child other African American children would tease her that she had a “white Daddy.”
Regardless,Horne never let racial issues deter her determination, and the Brooklyn, New York native went on to become one of the recording industry’s biggest stars, possessing one of the most unique voices in the history of recorded music. In 1981, she was offered a special Tony Award for her one woman show, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music.
Horne possessed the true spirit of an industry trailblazer, and her iconic nature will certainly live on beyond her mortal years. The only thing that rivals her live performance resume, are the film and TV credits that have tapped her performances for pieces of soundtrack–a trend that will surely continue.
Lena Horne died on May 9, 2010, at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. She was 92 years old.
(Image via: Last.fm)
Comments
PATSY
May 15th, 2010 - 7:55:14 PM
Lena Horne such beautiful woman with grace, style and elegance. As a child growing up in the 50s and 60s and going to the local movies I found her mesmerizing. I would wonder how she made it in the white world. She paved the way for others and as a woman I have always appreciated her, a true woman and human being. She endured much and though I never took the opportunity to thank her, I am and we are truly grateful for her sacrifices and successes. I am truly saddened by her passing. God keep her in his perfect peace. A Brown Sister
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