Lena Horne
Early Life and Background
Lena Mary Calhoun Horne was born on June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York. She was the daughter of Edwin Fletcher Horne Jr. and Edna Louise Scottron. Her family was part of the upper-middle-class African American community, and her maternal grandparents were activists in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Horne's early life was marked by frequent relocations due to her parents' separation and her mother's career as an actress. This instability influenced her later life and career.
Career Beginnings
Horne's career began at the age of 16 when she joined the chorus line of the Cotton Club in Harlem, a renowned nightclub that featured prominent African American performers. Her talent quickly garnered attention, and she soon moved on to perform with the Noble Sissle Society Orchestra. By the late 1930s, Horne had made her way to Hollywood, where she signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), becoming one of the first African American actresses to sign a long-term contract with a major studio.
Hollywood and Music Career
Horne's tenure at MGM was groundbreaking but fraught with challenges. She appeared in several films, including "Cabin in the Sky" (1943) and "Stormy Weather" (1943), the latter of which featured her signature song, "Stormy Weather." Despite her talent, Horne was often limited to minor roles or musical numbers that could be easily cut for screenings in the segregated South. This marginalization was a reflection of the racial prejudices prevalent in Hollywood at the time.
In addition to her film career, Horne was a successful recording artist. She signed with RCA Victor and released numerous albums, including "It's Love" (1955) and "Lena Horne at the Waldorf Astoria" (1957), which became the best-selling album by a female artist at that time. Her vocal style, characterized by its emotional depth and technical precision, earned her acclaim and a dedicated following.
Civil Rights Activism
Horne's career was not confined to entertainment; she was also a fervent civil rights activist. She used her platform to speak out against racial discrimination and segregation. Horne participated in the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where she performed and spoke alongside other prominent civil rights leaders. She also worked with the NAACP, the National Council of Negro Women, and other organizations to advance the cause of racial equality.
Horne's activism extended to her professional choices. She refused to perform for segregated audiences and turned down roles that she felt perpetuated racial stereotypes. Her commitment to social justice was a defining aspect of her life and legacy.
Later Career and Legacy
In the 1960s and 1970s, Horne continued to perform in concerts and on television. She made notable appearances on shows like "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Dean Martin Show." In 1981, she starred in the one-woman Broadway show "Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music," which ran for over a year and earned her a special Tony Award.
Horne's influence extended beyond her lifetime. She broke barriers for African American performers in Hollywood and the music industry and inspired future generations of artists and activists. Her contributions to civil rights and her advocacy for racial equality remain significant aspects of her legacy.
Personal Life
Horne's personal life was marked by both triumphs and challenges. She married Louis Jordan Jones in 1937, and they had two children, Gail and Edwin. The couple divorced in 1944. In 1947, Horne married Lennie Hayton, a white Jewish music director at MGM. Their interracial marriage was controversial at the time and faced significant societal pressures.
Horne faced personal tragedies, including the death of her son Edwin in 1970. Despite these hardships, she remained resilient and continued to pursue her career and activism with determination.
Death and Posthumous Recognition
Lena Horne passed away on May 9, 2010, at the age of 92. Her death marked the end of an era, but her legacy continues to be celebrated. She received numerous posthumous honors, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame.