United States
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Lena Horne
New York City, United States
Archival Overview
Groundbreaking African American singer, actress, and civil rights warrior who shattered racial barriers in Hollywood and gave voice to an era with Stormy Weather.
Biographical Record
Lena Horne joined the chorus line of Harlem's Cotton Club at age sixteen. In 1942, she became the first Black performer to sign a long-term studio contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, starring in musicals like 'Cabin in the Sky' and 'Stormy Weather' (1943), while steadfastly refusing roles that demeaned African Americans.
Blacklisted during the Red Scare for her civil rights advocacy, Horne performed in premier nightclubs across Europe and America. She marched with Martin Luther King Jr., spoke at the 1963 March on Washington, and won a special Tony Award for her triumphant 1981 one-woman Broadway show 'Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music'.
Key Life Milestones
Stormy Weather and MGM Stardom
Recorded her signature song and became Hollywood's first internationally celebrated Black screen star.
The Lady and Her Music on Broadway
Triumphed with her record-breaking autobiographical one-woman Broadway show, winning a special Tony and two Grammy Awards.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialNew York City, United States