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Lena Horne
Singing Stormy Weather and challenging racial barriers in American entertainment.
Stormy Weather · Lena Horne at the Waldorf Astoria
- Born
- 30 June 1917
- Birthplace
- Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Died
- 9 May 2010
More people
Lena Horne
Lena Horne was an American singer and actor whose stage presence and expressive phrasing sustained a long career. She challenged discrimination while negotiating an industry that often restricted Black performers to isolated musical appearances.
Early life
Brooklyn upbringing
Grew up partly with her grandparents in a family connected to civil-rights activism.
Cotton Club start
Joined the club’s chorus as a teenager.
Career
- 1930s
Nightclubs and bands
Developed as a professional singer.
- 1942
MGM contract
Entered Hollywood with a studio contract.
- 1950s–1970s
Concert performer
Built an international nightclub and recording career.
- 1981
Broadway return
Presented an autobiographical one-woman show.
Selected work
Stormy Weather
Performed the title song in the musical film.
Lena Horne at the Waldorf Astoria
Live album capturing her nightclub act.
The Lady and Her Music
Broadway show combining songs and personal reflection.
Beyond work
Civil rights
Participated in the 1963 March on Washington.
Industry resistance
Challenged segregation in wartime entertainment and discriminatory treatment in Hollywood.
Sources & photo credit
Biography ↗Life and work ↗Stormy Weather: film and performance ↗Photo: Studio publicity still. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
