Monday, May 10, 2010

In Remembrance of Lena Horne (1917 – 2010)


Before Beyonce and Halle Berry there was Lena. Nothing against those two but even together they couldn’t top Lena Horne on her strongest day. Singer, Dancer, Actress and Civil Rights Activist Lena Horne died on May 9th at the age of 92. It is impossible to talk about her accomplishments in one post because they were numerous. She was the epitome of Superstardom. She is not just a treasure for Blacks in America but for all Americans. She could sing songs from Gershwin to “The Wiz.” MGM studios signed a 7 year contract back in the early 1940s. This made here the first black woman to have a contract of such magnitude. Also the contract was written to where she would never have to play a maid on film. Horne used her status to fight against the racist policies of her day. She demanded that her band stay in quality hotels, and met with White House officials on civil rights issues. Horne even broke the color barrier in marriage by marring a white band conductor in a secret 3 year marriage. Horne lived a unique and colorful life. It was not always a good life but it was an amazing one. She is a pioneer that so many black women in show business owe so much to. May she rest in peace knowing that her legacy lives on.

7 comments:

uglyblackjohn said...

Ms Horne was hot even as an elderly woman.
I'd much rather look at her in films than Mo'Nique.

Val said...

Lena def opened doors for not just Black woman entertainers but for women in general. She was one of the few great ones.

Citizen Ojo said...

uglyblackjohn - there you go on Mo'Nique again...ha ha ha. Is there anything she can do to change your opinion of her?? Ha ha. Yes Lena Horne was real easy on the eyes.

Val - Interesting observation, do you think her success influenced how White Women were viewed and treated in Hollywood?

Val said...

I think Lena standing up for herself empowered woman entertainers in general. She really fought some hard battles early in her career and won most. I think women noticed that and followed her lead.

Citizen Ojo said...

Val - Nice one Val.

Anonymous said...

Great Post!! She was beautiful all around!!

Much better than beyonce....

I'm mad you even mentioned her...lol

Citizen Ojo said...

sunnydelyte21 - Thanks for stopping by. You tired of Bey?? ha ha ha ha..