Who was Lena Horne and what was her early career?

Lena Horne was a singer and Hollywood actress who began her performing career at the Cotton Club at age 16.

What were some famous films starring Lena Horne?

Lena Horne starred in classic Hollywood films, including Stormy Weather and Cabin in the Sky.

How did Lena Horne contribute to the civil rights movement?

Lena Horne became a dedicated activist in the civil rights movement, fighting against the racism she experienced in segregation-era America.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Lena Horne: Hollywood Star & Civil Rights Activist

Lena Horne: Hollywood Star & Civil Rights Activist

28 Feb

•

Summary

Began career at the Cotton Club at 16.
Starred in classic films like Stormy Weather.
Became a prominent figure in the civil rights movement.

Lena Horne, born into a middle-class Black family in New York, embarked on her performing career at the age of 16 at the famous Cotton Club. After establishing herself as a singer, she moved to Hollywood and secured a contract with MGM.

During her time with MGM, Horne appeared in notable films like 'Stormy Weather' and 'Cabin in the Sky'. Her career also included entertaining troops during World War II and becoming a popular nightclub performer.

Despite her success, the pervasive racism of segregation-era America significantly impacted Horne's career. This led her to become a dedicated activist in the civil rights movement during the 1960s, using her platform to advocate for change.

This episode explores Lena Horne's transformation from a young dancer to a Hollywood star and renowned vocalist. It highlights her connections with influential figures like Billie Holiday and Martin Luther King Jr., and her lifelong struggle against racial injustice.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.