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Lena Horne, Singer and Actress

8:21 AM

Legendary Jazz singer, Lena Horne, has died New-York Presbyterian hospital, but hospital spokesman, Gloria Chin would not release any further details.

Ms. Horne was a very successful singer, gaining her rise during a time in which racial lines were very strong. She was considered in her own words "a black singer that white audiences could accept". She often entertained in white clubs, although did not socialize with them at the time. In the 1940s, she was the first black singer in an all-white band, first to sing at the Copacabana night-club, and one of the first with a Hollywood contract.

She was often very candid about her success during these times, but as society has changed, she began to be recognized for things other than her race and looks, but her extraordinary talents as a singer also led her to several Broadway and movie appearances.  Her life did have its ups and downs including the loss of her father, husband, and son all in 1970-1971.

Interesting, and not well-known, she was born in 1917 as a great-granddaughter to a freed slave. Later in her life she worked hard as civil rights activists.

She had a successful career, was a leader and inspiration to many blacks and aspiring artists, being successful in a time when things were stacked against her.