Lena Horne Facts
Lena Horne: The Talented Singer Who Broke Barriers
Lena Horne was an American singer and actress who made her mark in the entertainment industry during the 1940s and 1950s. She was an iconic figure who broke barriers and made history by being one of the few African-American women to succeed in mainstream entertainment. In this article, we will look at Lena Horne’s life, career, relationships, and other interesting facts.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Career
Lena Horne was born on June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York City. Her mother, Edna Louise Scottron Horne, was an actress, and her father, Edwin Fletcher Horne Jr., was a gambling racketeer. Lena was raised by her grandmother, Cora Calhoun Horne, who instilled in her a love for music and the arts.
Lena started her career as a dancer at the Cotton Club in Harlem when she was just a teenager. She soon became a vocalist and was signed by MGM studios in 1942. She was one of the first African-American women signed to a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio.
Height, Age, and Relationships
Lena Horne was 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall, and she had a stunning figure that earned her the nickname “The Bronze Venus.” She was married twice in her life. Her first marriage was to Louis Jordan Jones, a prominent New York politician. They were married in 1937 and had two children together, Gail and Edwin. Lena’s second marriage was to Lennie Hayton, a white conductor and arranger. They were married in 1947 and stayed together until his death in 1971.
Lena Horne passed away on May 9, 2010, at the age of 92, in New York City. She is survived by her daughter, Gail Lumet Buckley, who is a well-respected author and journalist.
Career Highlights
Lena Horne had a long and illustrious career that spanned several decades. She was a talented singer, actress, and performer who captivated audiences with her powerful voice and stunning beauty. Some of her most famous performances include:
- Stormy Weather (1943)
- Swingin’ the Dream (1939)
- The Wiz (1978)
- Cabin in the Sky (1943)
- The Duke is Tops (1938)
In addition to her acting and singing career, Lena Horne was also an outspoken civil rights activist. She was one of the first African-American women to speak out against segregation in the entertainment industry and fought to create opportunities for other minority performers.
Top Songs
Lena Horne is remembered for many timeless songs that have become iconic in the entertainment industry. Some of her top songs include:
- Stormy Weather
- The Lady is a Tramp
- Love Me or Leave Me
- I’ve Got the World on a String
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Net Worth
Lena Horne’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. She earned her wealth through her successful career in the entertainment industry as well as through her investments and business ventures. Despite her success, Lena remained humble and continued to fight for social justice until her death.
Final Thoughts
Lena Horne was a trailblazer who broke barriers and inspired future generations of performers. She was a powerful voice in the entertainment industry and a civil rights activist who fought for equality and justice. Through her talent and determination, Lena Horne paved the way for many other African-American women to succeed in the entertainment industry. Her legacy lives on, and she will always be remembered as a true icon.
