Lena Horne made a rare 1982 appearance on The Tonight Show in support of "The Lady and Her Music." It's a fascinating discussion. Lena talks with Johnny Carson about the old Hollywood studio system and the racism she experienced in the 1940s and 1950s.
Horne details her friendship with Ava Gardner—"We both liked to get together and have a few drinks"—who ultimately was chosen to replace her in Showboat because Southern movie theaters would not carry a film staring Horne. That's in Part One. In Part Two, she discusses being booked to sing at hotels but not allowed to stay in them. "They hurt for many years. But I found the humor and it helped me do this play."
Watch the segment and an amazing rendition of "Stormy Weather" AFTER THE JUMP ...
I am truly happy that she had her time in the sun...
Posted by: DWJazzlover | 10 May 2010 at 03:22
One of the classest ladies to ever take the stage.
Posted by: Aconir | 10 May 2010 at 03:40
...Oh, please say it isn't so...alas, knocking on heaven's door her soul now free...
Posted by: sonofabutch | 10 May 2010 at 06:34
They don't make legends like her anymore.
Posted by: LavenderpopGay | 10 May 2010 at 09:51
GET INTO THAT LIGHTING BEHIND HER "STORMY WEATHER" PERFORMANCE!
When you are fabulous, well dressed and present, you don't need anything but great lighting and a mike!!!
LENA HORNE, ladies and gentlemen!
FLIGHTS OF ANGELS SING THEE TO THY REST!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 10 May 2010 at 10:29
Sometimes we as black people take for granted the blessing we have today versus what life was 60 years ago.
Posted by: Cajiva | 10 May 2010 at 12:00
One of the world's great beauties.
Posted by: Ostend Street | 10 May 2010 at 17:55
The legendary Canadian theater critic Nathan Cohen closed the most glowing review I have ever read with the words: "Lena Horne, I love you." That says it all.
Posted by: Harvey Sherman | 10 May 2010 at 21:54
60 years ago...it was still better to be lena horne...a glittering jewel ignored by the white masses and the moviegoing public...than to be a maid, chauffeur or pullman porter working for the same small-minded individuals...
it's a shame that lena horne, dorothy dandridge, juanita moore, harry belafonte and countless more didn't get the recognition or substantial parts they deserved.
still, sixty years ago, it was even harder just being an ordinary negro trying to survive and feed one's family while being humilated, demeaned and shut out of the larger society...
Posted by: aaronthemoor | 11 May 2010 at 15:01
Fabulous!
Posted by: Honut Sinti | 11 May 2010 at 19:31