Best of Both Worlds - Six Singer/Actors Continuing the Legacy

As Black History Month comes to a close and Women's History Month begins, I have been reflecting on African American women in the entertainment industry. I recently profiled four women who paved the way and found success in music and movies. In this article, I have chosen to highlight six women who embody the spirit and tenacity of Pearl Bailey, Eartha Kitt, Lena Horne and Diana Ross. These women have conquered women and are making a name for themselves in movies as well.

ALICIA KEYS
Alicia Keys started acting at age five with a bit role on The Cosby Show. At age seven she began piano lessons and the rest in history. The classically trained pianist and singer has garnered huge success including Grammys and number one singles and albums. Keys returned to acting in the 2006 film "Smoking Aces." She was last seen in "The Secret Life of Bees" with Queen Latifah and Jennifer Hudson. It has also been rumored that Keys has been hand-picked to portray Lena Horn on film.

BEYONCE KNOWLES

As a founding member of the multiplatinum girl group Destiny's Child, Beyonce Knowles conquered the music industry before the age of 20.

In 2002 Beyonce made her feature film debut opposite Mike Myers in "Austin Myers in Goldmember." In 2006 she got "role of her life." Beyonce was selected to play Deena Jones in the big screen adaptation of the 1980's mega musical "Dreamgirls." She also portrayed singer Etta James in the film "Cadillac Records." Next Beyonce has been tapped for the starring role in a remake of the film "A Star Is Born."

JANET JACKSON

Before dominating the music industry for much of the late 1980s and early 1990's, Janet Jackson was known for her small screen characters Penny on Good Times and Charlene on Diff'rent Strokes. In 1986 with help of mega producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Jackson released the album Control.

Jackson made her film debut in "Poetic Justice" starring opposite the late Tupac Shakur. Jackson's latest work has included starring roles in Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married," "Why Did I Get Married, Too" and "For Colored Girls."

JILL SCOTT

In 2000, Jill Scott released her popular debut Who is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Volume 1. The platinum selling artist went on to win two Grammy Awards for her works as a singer. In 2007, Jill received critical praise in Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married." She also was seen in "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency."

QUEEN LATIFAH

Queen Latifah, born Dana Owens, started her career in entertainment as one of the most successful female rappers in history. She scored numerous number one hits and a Grammy for her song "U.N.I.T.Y." Recently, she has also recorded two jazz influenced soul albums. As an actresss, Queen Latifah was received acclaim from audiences and critics alike. She was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the film Chicago. In addition to acting, Queen Latifah has serves a producer on several of her films and co-own Flavor Unit Productions.

Honorable Mention - AALIYAH

Aaliyah Houghton burst onto the music scene in 1994 1ith the release of hwe debut album Age Ain't Nothing But a Number. At only 15, Aaliyah found success with the single "Back and Forth." She went on to record two more records and had several top ten hits. She appeared in her first film, "Romeo Must Die" in 2000. Follwing her success in the film, Aaliyah was tapped to star in the film adaptation of the Anne Rice novel "The Queen of the Damned." She had just completed work on her second film and was slatted to play the lead in the film "Honey" (the role later went to Jessica Alba) as well as the two "Marix" sequels when sadly, Aaliyah was killed in a plane crash in August of 2001.