Lena Horne was a trailblazing African American singer, actress, civil rights activist, and dancer whose career spanned over seven decades. Born on June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York, Horne's talent thrust her into the spotlight at a young age. She started her career as a chorus girl at the famed Cotton Club in Harlem, where she honed her craft amid the vibrant jazz scene. In 1943, she famously played the role of Selina Rogers in the movie "Stormy Weather," which featured her now-iconic rendition of the title song, solidifying her place in entertainment history.
Throughout the 1940s and 50s, Lena Horne became a symbol of glamour and talent in an era rife with racial discrimination. Despite facing significant barriers due to her race, she appeared in numerous films and released a string of successful albums. Lena's velvet voice and dynamic presence on stage earned her numerous awards, including four Grammys, a special Tony Award for her one-woman Broadway show, "Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music," and induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Her albums such as "Lena Horne at the Waldorf Astoria," "The Lady and Her Music," and collections like "The Essential Lena Horne - The RCA Years" continue to captivate audiences, showcasing her versatility and emotional depth as a performer. Horne's commitment to civil rights and her groundbreaking accomplishments in the entertainment industry remain influential, inspiring generations of artists long after her passing on May 9, 2010.
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