Lena Horne, a multifaceted artist, was born on June 30, 1917, and passed away on May 9, 2010. She was a singer, dancer, actress, and civil rights activist, whose remarkable career spanned over seven decades.
At the tender age of sixteen, Horne joined the chorus of the renowned Cotton Club, where she honed her skills as a performer. Her talent and charisma soon led her to become a sought-after nightclub performer, entertaining audiences with her captivating stage presence.
As her fame grew, Horne made the transition to Hollywood, where she secured small roles in numerous films, including Cabin in the Sky and Stormy Weather. Her performances were met with widespread acclaim, solidifying her position as a talented and versatile actress.
However, due to the Red Scare and her left-leaning political views, Horne found herself blacklisted and unable to secure work in Hollywood. Undeterred, she returned to her roots as a nightclub performer, using her platform to advocate for civil rights.
In 1963, Horne took part in the historic March on Washington, where she joined thousands of protesters in demanding equal rights for African Americans. Her activism and performances continued to captivate audiences, as she released well-received record albums and appeared on television.
Despite announcing her retirement in 1980, Horne made a triumphant return to the stage with her one-woman show, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music, which ran for over three hundred performances on Broadway. The show earned her widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, cementing her status as a legendary performer.
Throughout her lifetime, Horne received numerous accolades, including four Grammys, a Tony, a NAACP Image Award, and the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors in 1984. Her remarkable legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of performers and activists alike.
