Hundreds of mourners paid their final respects to the late Lena Horne on Friday, gathering in a New York City church to celebrate the life of the legendary jazz singer, actress and civil rights icon. The iconic entertainer died Sunday at age 92.
More photos and video from the service WHEN YOU JUMP ...
The funeral mass was at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola on the city's Upper East Side. Ms. Horne, whose signature song was "Stormy Weather," was remembered as a shy girl from Brooklyn who fought racism for decades to emerge as a world-class singer and social activist.
"In the pews were hundreds of mourners, among them Jessye Norman, Leontyne Price, Dionne Warwick, Lauren Bacall, Chita Rivera, Cicely Tyson (right), Vanessa Williams and Gov. David A. Paterson. Leslie Uggams said that Ms. Horne had been someone to look up to. “When my father reluctantly figured out that I was going to go in show business,” Ms. Uggams recalled outside the church, he said, 'I want you to be like Lena.'
The service began with a cello piece by Bach. Later, Audra McDonald performed an arrangement of 'This Little Light of Mine' and 'Amazing Grace,' and one of four speakers, Representative John Lewis of Georgia, said Ms. Horne had been 'a light, and she did shine. She did not give in. She did not give up. She did not give out.' Mr. Lewis said he had known Ms. Horne since the civil rights demonstrations of the 1960s."
Other trailblazers such as Chita Rivera, Diahann Carroll and Dionne Warwick were present. Their photos and video from the service WHEN YOU JUMP ...
In related news: On Friday, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced a resolution that passed unanimously, recognizing Ms. Horne's legacy as a Hollywood trailblazer and civil rights activist. President Obama's statement on Ms. Horne's passage can be read HERE. And at The Huffington Post: Irene Monroe remembers the icon as "more than skin deep".
Lena Horne: In Her Own Voice is scheduled to air on PBS through May 23. The documentary also streams online.
Daughter Gail Lumet is above and the family gathers below. More photos and video WHEN YOU JUMP ...
I see my old friend from the Marine Corps, Tom Jones amongst the family members. I am sorry for your loss, Tom, where ever you may be. I know your grandmother was as precious to you as mine is to me. Such a wonderful and beautiful Lady was yours. I wish your family all the best. Your old friend Steve Steinmetz.
Posted by: Djstimy44 | 16 May 2010 at 11:06
Ms.Horne was one of the most gracious people I have ever met.
Posted by: DWJazzlover | 16 May 2010 at 11:20
Very good short video reports.
Posted by: Honut Sinti | 16 May 2010 at 13:53
Rod your coverage of this has been SUPERB! I wish you were on TV, but I am very Thankful to have your blog to read.
Once again... RIP Queen Lena Horne! You went through so much, but NEVER lost your Grace, Class and Dignity! You are Legendary!
Posted by: Isis | 16 May 2010 at 16:50
How heavy this loss and how fitting the tribute: DIAHANN, CICELY, LESLIE UGGAMS, VANESSA WILLIAMS...it's just beautiful that so many stopped, even after her time away from the spotlight, to stand up for the woman who stood up!
This really feels so heavy for some reason. I found her to be one of the most phenomenal people I have ever been in the presence of in my lifetime. HER AMAZING STORY ABOUT HOW COUNT BASIE PUSHED HER TO SING "STORMY WEATHER," HER SIGNATURE TUNE, WHEN SHE DIDN'T LIKE IT OR THINK SHE HAD THE UMPH TO SING IT, IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE STORIES TO RETELL.
I can say that I have had the chance to sit at the feet and in the presence of this dynamic diva of song, screen, stage and television and everything that class is is Lena Mary Calhoun Horne!
GOD REST YOUR SOUL. I CAN STILL SEE YOUR SMILE THROUGH MY TEARS!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 16 May 2010 at 17:05
What Isis and Rev Kev said.
Rod, the coverage here has been stellar, just outstanding. I'm so happy that people are remembering Lena Horne for who she was and what she accomplished. She was my idol in so many ways...I am just too done that she is gone. God rest her beautiful and miraculous soul.
Posted by: Talarico | 16 May 2010 at 20:12
Thank you for images and video snippets from the day of the funeral. Ms. Horne was an icon and American hero. She will be truly missed. The great ones are becoming less and less and we don't really have any current great ones to take their place.
Posted by: Ron | 17 May 2010 at 10:51