Lena Horne Singer, actress Date of Birth: 30.06.1917 Country: USA

Biography of Lena Horne

Lena Horne was a singer and actress born into a theatrical family in Harlem. Her mother, Edna Horne, was one of the leading actresses at the Lafayette Theater in the 1920s, and Lena grew up immersed in the world of the stage. In the early 1930s, Edna's financial situation took a turn for the worse, leading her to ask her friend Ethel Waters to take her sixteen-year-old daughter into her show. Thus, Lena Horne entered the Cotton Club, where her vocal and dancing talents quickly stood out. In addition to her talent, Lena was also stunningly beautiful.

At the age of forty, Lena Horne published her first memoir, "Lena Horne: In Person." This book captivated readers, and one particular photograph of a sixteen-year-old Lena caught the attention of many. However, when the book was returned to the library a few days later, the photo had been carefully cut out.

Despite her talents, Lena was initially given only a solo number at the Cotton Club. She performed Harold Arlen's song "As Long As I Live" in a duet with Evon Long, and their performance was a tremendous success. However, as the years went by, Lena's repertoire remained limited, and she realized that she would be singing "As Long As I Live" for the rest of her career. It was not easy for her to leave the Cotton Club, as artists who brought in revenue were rarely allowed to part ways with the club. Lena eventually found a way to leave by fulfilling her contract and simply not showing up the next day.

Following her departure from the Cotton Club, Lena became a soloist with Noble Sissle's orchestra and one of the most remarkable swing vocalists of her time. In 1933, she performed the iconic song "Stormy Weather" composed by Harold Arlen, which had been made famous by Ethel Waters and Ivy Anderson with Duke Ellington's orchestra. Lena took a risk by creating her own version of the song and surpassed her famous colleagues. Ella Fitzgerald even said, "After Lena Horne, no one should touch this song."

Lena's next hit was Vincent Youmans' song "More Than You Know," which became a legendary swing classic. From then on, she continued to captivate audiences with her lyrical and dramatic performances. She sang songs by Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, and Cole Porter with passion and elegance. Critics compared her voice to drops of honey, but this comparison seemed superficial. Lena's recordings and live performances demonstrated her impeccable phrasing and graceful stage presence. She also possessed a tremendous lyrical gift, making each phrase a polyphony of emotions.

In 1940, Lena was invited to join Charlie Barnet's orchestra, becoming the first African-American vocalist to be a regular soloist with a white orchestra. She also worked with Artie Shaw's orchestra. While continuing her successful career as a jazz singer, Lena Horne entered the world of film in the 1930s. African-American artists were often invited to Hollywood to play supporting roles or perform musical numbers. Lena's breakthrough came with the film "Panama Hattie" in 1940, where she played one of the leading roles alongside her white colleagues. This progressive casting decision was highly praised. Lena continued to star in films and became one of the leading musical performers at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, alongside Judy Garland, Deanna Durbin, and Ginger Rogers. She married the well-known white Hollywood conductor, pianist, and songwriter Lennie Hayton, and the couple became known for hosting intellectual gatherings. Lena's activism for racial equality grew during the 1950s and 1960s, when new left-wing movements were stirring up America. She participated in political rallies and was involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Lena's friendship with Duke Ellington, which began at the Cotton Club, lasted until his last days. He dedicated a poem to her, praising her ability to make everything she touched beautiful.

In the late 1950s, Lena was not only known for her artistic achievements but also for her civil rights activism. She refused to appear in films that portrayed African-Americans based on Hollywood stereotypes. She terminated contracts with theaters and concert halls that segregated audiences or only allowed African-Americans to sit in designated areas. Lena's social activism reached its peak during the 1960s, when she participated in the March on Washington and other significant events of the Civil Rights Movement. She believed that the gradual integration of white and black Americans made the country a better place.

Despite her busy artistic and social schedule, Lena Horne captivated her colleagues with her charm and incredible kindness. In 1959, on the eve of Duke Ellington's sixtieth birthday, Lena initiated a surprise gift for him. She organized a campaign where musicians sent him records of his favorite compositions. Duke was overjoyed, and Lena's friendship with him lasted until his death. Her career continued to flourish, and she remained a beloved performer well into her later years. Lena Horne continues to sing, embracing her age and inspiring others to do the same.