According to the New York Times, Lena Horne died May 9 at the age of 92. She was the first black performer to be signed to a long-term contract by a major Hollywood studio; she went on to achieve international fame.
She was born in Brooklyn, NY and was raised by her mother, then her grandmother.
When she was just 16-years-old, Horne started working at Harlem’s Cotton Club as a dancer; she was then involved in the chorus and later as a solo singer. She started singing with orchestras, and while singing with Charlie Barnet’s orchestra, which was white, she was discovered. From there, she began playing clubs in Greenwich Village and ultimately performed at Carnegie Hall.
Starting in 1942, Horne appeared in films, expanding her career to movies, Broadway and recordings. She has been honored with many awards for her lifetime of success.
See more information about Horne in this article, Lena Horne, Singer and Actress, Dies at 92
Source: Lena Horne; Photo: otrcat.com
