The great Lena Horne, died Sunday---Mother's Day---in New York City, at the age of 92. She would have turned 93 on June 30th. She was one of the truly exceptional performers of the 20th Century--Films, Television, Nightclubs and Broadway, where she won a Tony for her One-Women Show, "The Lady And Her Music".
This picture above was taken while watching a DVD of this extraordinary show.....I loved Lena Horne. She was, for me, one of those true 'icons' of Show Business and also an incredibly brave woman. At a time when being a woman of color in this country was impossibly difficult on every level imaginable, Lena Horne broke a lot of barriers.
I admired her more then I can say and I am deeply saddened that she has died. I wrote a rather extensive post about this fantastic women back in 2006 and here below is the link:http://sitteninthehills64.blogspot.com/2006/03/lena-horne-when-you-havent-seen.html
Do go read it....This woman is History and her contribution to all our lives was truly important in every way.
Rest In Peace, dear Lena Horne...you opened all the doors for so very many women of color who were than able to be who they are, because of your bravery....And I know they too, are all saddened by your death, but deeply thankful that you were the strong wonderful woman you were.More To Come.........
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As I said at Pat's, she's one of those beautiful women who just oozes glamor and class, the like of which we don't see very often these days.
- Monday, May 10, 2010 at 4:19:00 AM PDT
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I am so sorry to hear this Naomi. I hadn't heard that she had died. I'm sure she had to face so many challenges over the years, especially back in her younger days when blacks were still segregated. She certainly was a talented lady though, and she'll be missed.
- Monday, May 10, 2010 at 7:03:00 AM PDT
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she looks familiar but not sure if i have seen her before on tv or not.. thanks for sharing this with us..
- Monday, May 10, 2010 at 8:24:00 AM PDT
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Besides being a great performer, she did open doors than had been welded shut by tiny minds for eons.
Such a loss.- Monday, May 10, 2010 at 8:41:00 AM PDT
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I'm not surprised that we both had the same thought and I'm glad that now more people will get to know what an icon she was. It's difficult for the women of today to realise what indignities a woman like Lena had to bear but she came through with dignity and panache.
Rest in peace.- Monday, May 10, 2010 at 11:10:00 AM PDT
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What a tragic loss, yes she was an icon. I remember reading about how Sam Cooke in the 50's wasn't allowed to perform in certain places and shows because he was black.
I also remember you talking about Lena on my blog and how much she meant to you. When a performer touches your heart it's as if they are singing just to you. When they die it's like losing a dear friend.- Monday, May 10, 2010 at 2:07:00 PM PDT
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I had to post a small mention of her. I remember watching her when I was a child and so surprised that the racists in my family liked her. I heard Barbara Walters say today that people living in the Hills tried to oust her and one man stood up against them (what a man) Bogart. Lena moved in. I knew you would have a wonderful post about her. Thanks again for sharing your place in entertainment and civil rights history. Oh, yeah, baby, she was SAAA (sexy at any age)
- Monday, May 10, 2010 at 6:39:00 PM PDT
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A voice like honey and warm rain. And she sang It's Not Easy Being Green on Sesame Street. One classy and gracious woman
- Monday, May 10, 2010 at 7:53:00 PM PDT
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Remember her appearance on the Cosby Show? She was Cliff's birthday surprise and she sang on the show. Sorry to say that is my only memory of her. I will have to listen to some of her music. I am sure she will new fans discovering her for years and years to come.
- Monday, May 10, 2010 at 9:36:00 PM PDT
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I hope this beloved lady and cultural icon will live forever in American and world history. What a gem!
- Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 12:29:00 AM PDT
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I hadn't heard of her death until I read about it here.
What a class-act, refined & beautiful woman she was...working through "stormy weather" to find her place in life and in show business.
May she rest in peace.- Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 5:49:00 AM PDT
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She was a talented and courageous lady - a life well lived.
- Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 8:17:00 AM PDT
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She was gorgeous, so talented, and it's wonderful she got a long, active life. She would have had a career greater than Halle Berry's except for racism. We are finally where actors can play parts and race isn't the first criteria. She definitely was one of the ground breakers.
- Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 4:01:00 PM PDT
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I remember your previous post, Naomi. Lena was beautiful, talented and courageous. She will be missed.
- Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 4:50:00 PM PDT
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I read the the post you blogged in Year 2006 Naomi and what a wonderful write-up and now a legend is gone. I'm so sorry to hear this.
- Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 7:10:00 PM PDT
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I saw that Lena Horne had died on our local TV news program. They put together a very tasteful and informative short feature about her, how she got started in show business, her songs, her fight for equality, and her later career. A very classy and beautiful lady.
- Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 7:23:00 PM PDT
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She was a great talent, without question. Lovely tribute to her here, Naomi
- Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 9:31:00 PM PDT
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I awakened to the sad news of Ms Horne's death. I greatly admired her as a woman, jazz singer and performer. I continue to enjoy the recording I have of her one woman Broadway show. Lovely tribute you've written to her here and recall reading and enjoying the piece you wrote several years ago.
- Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 2:34:00 AM PDT
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Naomi, you did a lovely tribute to Lena Horne. I love her beautiful and original voice. I am sorry...
- Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 8:50:00 AM PDT
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oh, that's why I saw people post videos of Lena. I'm in the loop now, Naomi.
- Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 10:17:00 AM PDT
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Beautiful woman, those cheekbones are incredible RIP. I have seen her on TV before but I did not realise she was 92 - what a great life and as you say she opened the doors for many.
- Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 6:44:00 PM PDT
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