Lena Horne Dies at Age 92

Singer, dancer and actress Lena Horne sadly passed away at New York Presbyterian/ Well Cornell Medical Center on Sunday May 9, 2010. Lena Horne resided in Manhattan. Lena Horne's legendary career was one that was noted for breaking down racial barriers. Lena Horne is noted as the first African American performer to be signed to a long-term contract by a major Hollywood studio.

Lena Horne's Personal Life

Lena Horne was born June 30, 1917 in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in the middle class, African American "Hill District" community in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She began her performing career at the age of 16 performing in the chorus of New York City's Cotton Club.

Lena Horne married Jordan Jones in 1937. They lived for a time in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The couple had two children, a daughter Gail and a son Edward. Edward sadly died of kidney disease in 1970. The couple divorced in 1944. Lena Horne's second marriage was to Lennie Hayton in 1947. The couple separated in the early 1960's but never divorced. Lennie Hayton died in 1971.

Lena Horne's Film Career

Lena Horne signed with the most successful film studio of the time, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. She appeared in numerous all-star musicals, but her race kept her from the lead roles. Her debut film was the 1942 film, Panama Hattie. The film was followed in 1943 by Stormy Weather, in which she sang the title song. Lena Horne had campaigned for the lead role of Julie LaVerne in the film version of the musical Show Boat, but lost the role to actress Ava Gardener (whose singing was dubbed), due to the production company ban on interracial relationships in films.

Lena Horne left Hollywood during the 1950's in order to focus on her nightclub career. She was a staple of television variety shows during the 1950's and 1960's. Horne appeared in many movies and television series and recorded a number of albums. She received many awards including the 1989 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lena Horne as a Civil Rights Activist

Lena Horne was also involved in the Civil Rights Movement. During WWII when she appeared with the USO, she refused to perform for segregated audiences in which German POW's were seated in front of African Americans. She also worked with Eleanor Roosevelt to pass anti-lynching laws.

Lena Horne was one of the greatest and most talented performers of our time. Had she been born fifty years later, she would undoubtedly have received the fame and recognition that her talent deserved. She will be missed by her family, friends and many fans.

Sources:
www.nytimes.com
www.wikipedia.org