Remembering Lena Horne

Legendary Jazz singer, performer and social activist, Lena Horne, 92, died Sunday at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She was the first black woman to sign a meaningful long-term contract with a major studio, a contract that said she would never have to play a maid. In Hollywood, she received previously unheard-of star treatment for a black actor. Metro Goldwyn Mayer studios featured Ms. Horne in movies and advertisements as glamorously as white beauties including Hedy Lamarr, Rita Hayworth and Betty Grable.

Quotes from Lena Horne:

• It’s so nice to get flowers while you can still smell the fragrance.
  Lena Horne
• My identity is very clear to me now, I am a black woman.
  Lena Horne
• You have to be taught to be second class; you’re not born that way.
  Lena Horne
• Always be smarter than the people who hire you.
  Lena Horne
• As much as I try, when I open my mouth, Lena comes out, And I get so mad.
  Lena Horne
• Don’t be afraid to feel as angry or as loving as you can, because when you feel nothing, it’s just death.
  Lena Horne

Her performance on the Cosby Show: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxp47BPI9FY]

Here for more on the life of Horne. Photo Credit. Quote Source.

Photo Credit