Role

:

Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

June 30, 1917 in Brooklyn, NY

Death

:

May 9, 2010 in New York City, NY

 

Lena Horne was an American singer, actress, and civil rights activist who was born on June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York. She was the daughter of a father who was a gambling addict and a mother who was an actress. Lena's parents separated when she was three years old, and she was raised by her grandparents. Lena's love for music began at a young age, and she started singing in the church choir when she was just six years old. She attended Girls High School in Brooklyn, where she was a member of the school's chorus and drama club. After graduating from high school, Lena began performing in nightclubs and theaters in New York City. In 1933, Lena was discovered by a talent scout while performing at the Cotton Club in Harlem. She was offered a contract with MGM Studios and became one of the first African American actresses to sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio. However, her roles in films were often limited to singing and dancing, and she was often cast in stereotypical roles. In 1943, Lena left MGM Studios and signed a contract with the all-black musical revue "Stormy Weather." The show was a huge success, and Lena's performance of the title song became her signature tune. She also performed in the Broadway musical "Jamaica" in 1957, which earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. Throughout her career, Lena was a vocal advocate for civil rights and was often involved in political activism. She refused to perform for segregated audiences and was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for her political beliefs. She also participated in the March on Washington in 1963 and was a close friend of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In addition to her work in music and activism, Lena also had a successful career in television and film. She appeared in several films, including "Cabin in the Sky" (1943) and "The Wiz" (1978), and had her own television show, "The Lena Horne Show," in 1957. Lena received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1989 and a Kennedy Center Honor in 1984. She was also inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in 2004. Lena Horne passed away on May 9, 2010, at the age of 92. She left behind a legacy as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry and a champion for civil rights. Her music and activism continue to inspire generations of artists and activists today.

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