scriptgirl said:

A lot of those entertainers back then were real control freaks and perfectionist (a lot still are) they like things done a certain way in their public and private life. I know Prince and Madonna, even Michael Jackson is/was like this also, or so I heard. I read 'Mommie Dearest' by Christina Crawford, and wow. I'm a big Joan Crawford fan but I believe that book. Times were different back then, and it was really tough for women entertainers to break through and stay on top (not excusing abusing your children) but times were different back then. I'm not really surprised to hear certain things. I actually heard a lot of things about Lena but everyone has a 'dark side.'
[Edited 5/9/10 22:28pm]

To say that Lena's children and grandchildren are not fond of her is being nice, but like I said, you have to read the book. She had a very, very hard life-her mother was abusive and there were a lot of family secrets. I hope Lena found the peace she deserved in her later years.

Oh Wow what a surprise! I can't believe she was 92. I always liked watching her when she appeared on tv. Legendary and classy.

Girl4both said:

Exactly. So I won't knock Lena for that. This business can make you harsh sometimes. But Lena was a complex lady.

When I read about the shit she and Dorothy Dandridge had to go through, it makes me SMH. They put up with a lot of shit and I admire their strength, cause I wouldn't have done it.

Me too. Lena & Dorothy had to literally crawl through broken glass to get to where she's at so we could better ourselves and aspire to be someone like them.

Without Lena, Dorothy, Sammy Davis, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong and others, lots of black entertainers would have gotten through the doors.

Performing with another legend, Judy Garland on Judy's show:

So Janet can finally portray her now....

And it makes it all the more tragic when you see your Nikki Minaj's, etc, just shitting on that legacy, but that is for another time.

Timmy84 said:

Ah ha! That must have been my introduction to her. Recognizing classic celebrities goes back to Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, or The Love Boat.

From her final performances in 1994. She was 77 here.

RIP dear lady

x 100,000,000

Singer Lena Horne dies, broke racial barriers as star with the velvety voice


at 01:21 on May 10, 2010, EDT.
By The Associated Press


FILE -- In a June 23, 1997 file photo Ginny Mancini, left, and Lena Horne, center, hold the Ella Award which was given to Horne, on Monday, June 23, 1997, during the Society of Singers' Lena Horne 80th Birthday Gala in New York. At right is Liza Minnelli. Singer Lena Horne, who broke racial barriers as a Hollywood and Broadway star famed for her velvety rendition of "Stormy Weather," has died at age 92. (AP Photo/Aubrey Reuben/file)


NEW YORK, N.Y. - Singer Lena Horne, who broke racial barriers as a Hollywood and Broadway star famed for her velvety rendition of "Stormy Weather," has died at age 92.

Hospital spokeswoman Gloria Chin says Horne died Sunday at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

In the 1940s, Horne was one of the first black performers hired to sing with a major white band and among a handful with a Hollywood contract.

In 1943, she won the role of Selina Rogers in the all-black movie musical "Stormy Weather." Her rendition of the title song became a major hit.

She won a special Tony Award for her 1981 one-woman Broadway show, "Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music."


©The Canadian Press, 2010

This is Fred G. Sanford. And the "G" stands for Grieving.

You hear that Elizabeth? I'm coming to join you honey.

midiscover said:

really? that's all? really? come on....

Another legend passed on, God rest your soul Lena I absolutely loved her growing up

Makes me wonder if in 50-60 years, the future generation will be saying the same about these current "future legends" (Beyonce, Justin T., Usher, etc.)

God help us if they do.

Timmy84 said:





Ms. Horne possessed mulit-faceted beauty and talent.

Even though I'm saddened by this great loss, at least I'm happy about the fact that she lived a FULL life, and unlike many other legends who only got their dues after their passing, she lived to see the fruits of her word.

Sleep peacefully, Helena.

^^^^ Classic. Fred was crazy about Lena.

I just watched the episode with her on "Different World" this weekend.
Like someone else said, tho, I thought she had passed away already...

Girl4both said:

-----
This is true and very sad. Young people have no frame of reference for anything beyond their time frame. Which is very different from how things were when I was growing up. You knew people like Lena Horne because your parents exposed you to them.

Harlepolis said:

I wish someone had posted a better version, it'll surface later even if I have to put it up myself but this will always be one my favorite Lena Horne performances:



Rest well, dear Lena! You had a lot of weight to carry on your beautiful shoulders and you never buckled. Thank you!