Lena Horne at a Glance
- Categories: Celebrities, Celebrities > Singers
- Net Worth: $10 Million
- Birthdate: Jun 30, 1917 - May 9, 2010 (92 years old)
- Birthplace: Bedford-Stuyvesant
- Gender: Female
- Profession: Singer, Actor, Musician, Pin-up girl, Dancer, Civil rights activist
- Nationality: United States of America
- Height: 5 ft 5 in (1.66 m)
Lena Horne: A Life of Music, Film, Activism, and Enduring Legacy
Lena Horne was an icon of the 20th century, a woman whose talent and activism transcended the boundaries of entertainment. She was a celebrated singer, actress, dancer, and a tireless advocate for civil rights. This article delves into the multifaceted life and career of Lena Horne, exploring her impact on music, film, television, and the fight for racial equality.
Early Life and Education
Lena Mary Calhoun Horne was born on June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York, into a family with mixed African-American, Native American, and European heritage. Her parents, Edna Horne and Edwin “Teddy” Horne, were involved in the entertainment and business worlds, respectively. Her mother was an actress with a theater troupe, while her father, a former hotel and restaurant owner, was involved in other ventures. Horne’s early life was marked by frequent relocations and familial transitions. Her parents separated when she was young, and she spent formative years living with various relatives, including her grandparents in Georgia and her uncle in Pennsylvania. She received her education in New York City, attending St. Peter Claver School and Girls’ High School. These experiences shaped her resilience and self-reliance, qualities that would serve her well throughout her career.
Career Beginnings
Horne’s career began in the chorus line of the Cotton Club in New York City in 1933. This famed Harlem nightclub provided an early platform for her talent and introduced her to the world of entertainment. She quickly gained attention for her striking beauty, captivating stage presence, and vocal talent. Shortly after, she made her screen debut in the musical short film “Cab Calloway’s Jitterbug Party” as a dancer. In the late 1930s, Horne joined Noble Sissle’s Orchestra, recording her first albums and gaining further experience in the music industry. She then toured with bandleader Charlie Barnet, expanding her reach and honing her performance skills. A significant early career move was her work at the Café Society in New York, a venue known for its commitment to racial integration and social commentary. Here, she began to establish herself as a unique performer, distinct from the typical singing styles of the era. She also replaced Dinah Shore as the featured vocalist on the popular radio show “The Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street.” This opportunity elevated her profile and introduced her to a wider audience. However, after six months, Horne left the radio show to perform in a nightclub revue on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, marking her continued pursuit of performance opportunities. These early experiences were crucial in shaping her career, laying the groundwork for her success in film, television, and on stage.
Film Career: From Hollywood Musicals to Independent Projects
Lena Horne’s film career spanned several decades and reflected her multifaceted talents. Her debut came in the 1938 musical “The Duke is Tops.” Following her burgeoning success in nightclubs, the film was re-released in 1943 as “The Bronze Venus,” with Horne’s name above the title, highlighting her rising star status. Horne’s presence in Hollywood musicals of the 1940s, notably those produced by MGM, was a milestone, even if the roles often presented challenges related to racial representation. She appeared in “Panama Hattie” in 1942, followed by notable musicals like “Stormy Weather,” where her rendition of the title song became iconic, “Cabin in the Sky,” which was groundbreaking for its all-Black cast, “Thousands Cheer,” “Swing Fever,” and “Broadway Rhythm.” Despite her success, Horne faced limitations due to segregation and racial stereotypes that were prevalent in the industry. During this time, her roles were often in scenes that could be easily removed for distribution in the segregated South. Horne also appeared in the musicals “Till the Clouds Roll By,” “Ziegfeld Follies,” and “Words and Music.” Disillusioned with the limited roles offered to her, she made only two films for MGM in the 1950s, “Duchess of Idaho” and “Meet Me in Las Vegas.” During the 1950s, she was blacklisted for her associations with communist-backed groups. Despite these challenges, Horne returned to the big screen in 1969, taking a role as a brothel madam in the Western “Death of a Gunfighter,” demonstrating her versatility as an actress. She made two more film appearances later in her career, including the musical “The Wiz” in 1978, where she played the good witch Glinda, and the 1994 compilation film “That’s Entertainment! III,” which she co-hosted with other MGM stars. Her film career showcases not only her artistic contributions but also her resilience in navigating the complexities of race and representation in Hollywood.
Television Career: Variety Shows and Specials
Lena Horne’s television career expanded her influence and showcased her talents to a broader audience. She was a regular on television variety shows during the 1950s and 1960s, including “Kraft Music Hall,” “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “The Dean Martin Show,” and “The Andy Williams Show.” These appearances helped solidify her status as a household name. She was also given the opportunity to star in her own television special in 1969, “Monsanto Night Presents Lena Horne,” which highlighted her versatility and appeal. A year later, she co-starred with Harry Belafonte in a special for ABC called “Harry & Lena.” These collaborations celebrated the friendship and artistic synergies between two prominent Black entertainers. Horne continued to collaborate with other leading performers, including Tony Bennett, in another television special. Her television credits in the 1970s included guest appearances on popular shows like “Sesame Street,” introducing her to a younger generation, and “Sanford and Son.” Later in her career, she had cameo roles on “The Cosby Show” and “A Different World,” continuing to engage with contemporary audiences and showcasing her enduring relevance. These diverse appearances underscore her adaptability and enduring appeal across different eras and television formats.

Actress and singer Lena Horne at party. (Via Getty)
Stage Career: Broadway and Beyond
Horne’s stage career brought her significant acclaim and recognition. In the 1950s, she devoted herself to her nightclub career, becoming one of the top performers of the post-war era. She headlined at clubs and hotels throughout North America and Europe, captivating audiences with her performances. Her talent expanded to the Broadway stage, where she broke barriers and earned critical acclaim. In 1958, Horne became the first African-American woman to receive a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in “Jamaica,” a pivotal moment in her career. Despite initially planning to retire from show business in 1980, she changed her mind and embarked on a series of benefit concerts. In 1981, she starred in her one-woman Broadway show, “Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music.” The show was a massive hit, running for over 300 performances and earning her a special Tony Award. Following the success on Broadway, Horne toured with the show in North America and Europe, solidifying her international fame and demonstrating her enduring appeal. Her stage performances highlighted her exceptional talent and her ability to connect with audiences in a profound way. This Broadway show was a culmination of her career, celebrating her music and her life story.
Music Albums: A Prolific and Award-Winning Discography
Lena Horne’s music career spanned several decades and featured a prolific discography that showcased her versatile vocal talents. She released her first full studio album, “It’s Love,” in 1955 through RCA Victor. Two years later, she released the live album “Lena Horne at the Waldorf Astoria,” which achieved significant commercial success and became the best-selling album by a female artist for RCA Victor at the time. Horne continued to release successful albums, including “Give the Lady What She Wants” in 1958 and “Lena Horne at the Sands” in 1961, which earned her her first Grammy Award nomination. Her music career was marked by several live albums, including a 1959 live album called “Lena Horne at the Coconut Grove”. She released many albums throughout the 1960s and 1970s. In the early 1980s, she won a Grammy Award for the cast recording of “Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music,” her hit Broadway show. She received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in the late 1980s, recognizing her significant contributions to music. Later, she won a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for her 1994 live album “An Evening with Lena Horne.” Her final studio album of new material, “Being Myself,” was released in 1998, followed by the compilation album “Seasons of a Life” in 2006. Horne’s albums reflect her diverse musical style, ranging from jazz and blues to pop and show tunes. Her recordings earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Her Grammy Awards and extensive discography are testaments to her exceptional musical talent and her enduring impact on the music industry.

Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Civil Rights Activism: A Voice for Equality
Lena Horne was a dedicated and influential civil rights activist, using her platform to advocate for equality and justice throughout her career. Horne championed desegregation, beginning in the early 1940s. During World War II, she refused to perform for segregated audiences while entertaining the troops. She famously walked off the stage when she saw Black soldiers being forced to sit in the back row, taking a strong stance against racial discrimination. In 1963, she participated in the historic March on Washington, where she spoke and performed, adding her voice to the chorus of calls for civil rights. Horne’s activism extended beyond public demonstrations. She was involved in various organizations and initiatives aimed at promoting racial equality. She provided support to civil rights leaders and used her influence to raise awareness about the struggles faced by African Americans. Her activism was an integral part of her identity and career, demonstrating her commitment to social justice and equality. Lena Horne’s activism exemplifies her courage and commitment to making a difference. Her willingness to use her platform to address racial inequality continues to inspire and resonates today. Her actions set an example for other artists and public figures to take stands for social change.
Personal Life and Death
Lena Horne’s personal life was marked by both happiness and challenges. She married her first husband, Louis Jones, in early 1937, and they had a daughter, Gail, and a son, Edwin. The couple separated in 1940 and divorced in 1944. Later, she married musician, conductor, and arranger Lennie Hayton in late 1947, a significant figure in her life. Their marriage lasted for several decades, though they separated in the early 1960s but did not divorce; Hayton passed away in 1971. Horne had affairs with various men, including the boxer Joe Louis, the director Orson Welles, and the director Vincente Minnelli. She had numerous grandchildren, including screenwriter Jenny Lumet, the daughter of filmmaker Sidney Lumet and her daughter Gail. On May 9, 2010, Lena Horne died from congestive heart failure at the age of 92. Her funeral was held at St. Ignatius Loyola Church in New York, where she was a member. Her remains were cremated, and her legacy lives on through her remarkable body of work and her enduring impact on culture and social justice. Lena Horne’s personal life, filled with love, loss, and resilience, shaped her into the iconic figure she became.
Manhattan Apartments: Real Estate Ventures
In the years that Lena Horne lived in the spotlight, she resided in various locations in Southern California, including Los Angeles and Montecito. However, when she started performing her one-woman Broadway show, she began living in New York City full-time in the early 1980s. Initially, she rented, but in 1985, she purchased a unit in a building located at 23 East 74th Street and Madison Avenue. She subsequently purchased four more units in the same building. Horne used one unit as her living space and the remaining units as guest apartments, an office, and for storage. In the years after her death, her estate sold each unit individually. For example, in 2014, two of the units were purchased by a single buyer for a combined $1.1 million. In 2018, her estate listed the unit she used as an office for $825,000. The final unit, which was her residence, was listed for sale in October 2022 for $2.195 million but did not sell and the listing was removed. The management of her real estate holdings reflects her strategic thinking and her foresight in planning for the future.