DIVA Tunes: Lena Horne

Lena Horne, who is a notable singer and actress, was born June 30, 1917 in Brooklyn, New York. In 1963 she became a Honorary Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Like many African American women in the arts during the early years of her career, she fought what seemed like a never ending battle. She was refused rooms at hotels where she was performing and she was invited to parties only when she was asked to provide entertainment. Lena Horne was a trooper throughout her entire career, which didn’t end until the year 2000. With all of the odds against her, she fought back and eventually reached the pinnacle of her profession. In 1940, she became the first African American to tour with an all white band, which she considers to be the beginning of her success as a singer. Lena Horne has been featured in numerous musicals and films, including her role as Glinda the Good Witch, in The Wiz. She also received a Tony Award for distinguished achievement in the theater for her one-woman Broadway hit Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music, which opened in 1981.

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