Lena Horne 1917-2010

Lena Horne died May 9 ,she was 92.
Before there was Halle Berry it was Lena Horne. She was born in 1917,in Brooklyn,New York.She began her entertainment career at the famed Cotton Club when she was 16 years old.She went on to sing in jazz bands and was one of the few singers who performed in an integrated orchestra.Lena carried that activism throughout her career,as she refused to entertain segregated audiences in her career.




Lena was admired by many in my family for her timeless looks and sultry voice.Everyone from my grandfather to my children admired the classy way she portrayed herself on screen.



In the days when most Hollywood portrayals of African American women were the "mammy "type characterizations,Lena Horne was different.
Lena performed with Bing Crosby ,Frank Sinatra,and Judy Garland.
Lena refused to cower to any demands that put her in a situation that would degrade her race or sex. Two of her best Hollywood performances were "Cabin in the Sky"


and my favorite the classic "Stormy Weather"


Lena was active in the Civil Rights struggle.Lena not only participated in marches she bankrolled them as well.Lena Horne was an active participant and organizer in the 1963 March on Washington. Lena's Hollywood roles were awe inspiring,but her roles in the Peace Movement and Civil Rights struggle was just as awe inspiring.Lena your horn will never be silenced.

Here is "Stormy Weather" once more from the legendary then 81 year old Lena Horne.
Rest In Peace - Miss Horne.