Dates: June 30 1917 –
Occupation: singer
Horne’s Start as an Entertainer
Lena Horne was born on June 30, 1917 in Brooklyn, New York. Horne’s mother, Edna Scottron, who was deserted by her husband, was a struggling actress during Horne’s early childhood. Scottron was unsuccessful, and from the time that Horne was seven, they moved around to various states. When she was 16 years old, Horne eventually ended up in New York City, where her career as an entertainer began. Her first job was as a dancer in the chorus line at the Cotton Club, and it was there that she met such singers as Billie Holiday, Cab Calloway, and Duke Ellington. Horne, however, wanted to be more than a low paid chorus girl; she wanted to become a singer, and in her off time she took singing lessons.By 1935, Horne had embarked upon a singing career. Her first notable opportunity came when she was hired to sing with the Noble Sissle Orchestra. At the same time, Horne found a husband. She married Louis Jones, and they had two children. Their marriage lasted until 1941.
Horne Becomes a Popular Singer
As she put a failing marriage behind her, Horne’s career took off. She recorded her first record called “As Long As I Live.” In addition to the success of the record, Horne emerged as popular sex symbol in the black community, especially among black troops. This popularity was reflected in the numerous movie roles she was offered. In 1943, she received notable parts in Cabin in the Sky, As Thousands Cheer, and Stormy Weather. It was her rendition of the song, “Stormy Weather” that received critical acclaim and became her signature song.
Horne’s Controversial Relationships
Horne again pursued a romance. This time it was with Lennie Hayton, a white pianist she met on the set of the movie Stormy Weather. At the time, interracial relationships were controversial, but despite this, the couple wed in 1947. They were married until Hayton died in 1971.In the 1950s, Horne’s career temporarily slowed down after she began associating with people believed to be communist. Horne’s friendship with Paul Robeson and other alleged communists was costly; she was blacklisted for several years. Nevertheless, Horne still performed in nightclubs and made several recordings during this time. Her most notable was Lena Horne at the Waldorf Astoria (1957). Horne also received a part in the Broadway musical Jamaica. In 1958, she won a New York Drama Critics’ Poll Award for her performance.
Horne’s Career Beyond the 1950s
Horne was also active in the civil rights movement. She participated in the March on Washington and performed at rallies for the National Council for Negro Women. Horne also continued touring, recording, and acting throughout the 1960s. During the 1970s, she took a hiatus from public life. She returned in 1981 with her one-person Broadway show, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music. The show, which ran for fourteen months, earned her a Tony Award. In 1989, Horne received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
