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Lena Horne, Pioneer and Iconic Actress and Singer, Dies at 92

May 10, 2010  •  Post A Comment

Lena Horne, the first African-American performer to be signed by a Hollywood studio, has died at age 92, the New York Times reports.

Horne, who became a beloved international singing sensation, "languished at MGM in the 1940s because of the color of her skin," the Times said.

According to the article, In the 1950s, when her outspoken ideas about the oppression of African-Americans and other factors made it difficult for her to work in films, "she appeared frequently on ‘Your Show of Shows and other television shows in the 1950s, and in fact ‘found more acceptance’ on television ‘than almost any other black performer.’

One of the most famous segments of "60 Minutes" was an interview the late Ed Bradley did with Horne. It was said to be Bradley’s favorite piece. Of it he said, "If I arrived at the pearly gates and Saint Peter said, ‘What have you done to deserve entry?’ I’d just say, ‘Did you see my Lena Horne story??’ "

4 Comments

  1. One of the highlights of my life was seeing this great lady perform at the Palmer House in Chicago in 1942.
    Her mesmerizing presence has stayed with me all these years, to the point where I now feel a personal loss at her death.
    She overcame many obstacles to achieve a unique place in America.

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