In 1942, after gaining attention in Hollywood, Lena was the first African-American woman to sign a long-term contract with a major studio, in which the Washington Post claims, "a contract that said she would never have to play a maid."
In her earlier years, Horne had beloinged to the chorus line of the famous Cotton Club in New York City, which to this day, if you have ever walked past, the energy that presides over that club is still magnificently strong and present.
Her major motion picture movie debut was in MGM's "Panama Hattie", in 1942. After this many people became familiarized with her beauty and incredible voice from the primarily African-American casted film and musical Stormy Weather, released by 20th Century Fox productions, in which she performed the title song in 1943.
From there, Lena's musical, acting and activist career went on to span over 6 decades, filling her biography with numerous acclaimed performances to her name.
She will be greatly missed.
I'd like to share two of my favorite songs performed by Lena Horne, just for the sake of greatness, nostalgia and great classic music. (please note, these clips were found on youtube, for reference)
Lena Horne, Stormy Weather:
Lena Horne, My Heart Belongs to Daddy:
xoxo,
erin
