We have definitely lost a living legend with the recent passing of the beautiful and talented Ms. Lena Horne.
Bedstuy has to stand up for this one!
This icon was born in that infamous part of Brooklyn and went on to become a trailblazer both artistically (as the first black performer to ever sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio) as well as politically (refusing to sing for segregated troops and joining in the March on Washington and NAACP rallies with the likes of Medgar Evers).
Lena Horne visited with President Kennedy shortly before his assasination. She worked with first lady Eleanor Roosevelt to pass anti-lynching laws. She sang & spoke as a representative of the NAACP at civil rights marches & rallies. Ms. Horne found a way to use her star power as a tool for awareness in the fight for social equality!
Her life's work has won her numerous accolades including: 1 Emmy, 2 Tony's, 8 Grammies, an ASCAP Pied Piper Award, a Drama Desk Award, an NAACP Image Award, 2 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame {1 for motion pictures & 1 for recordings}, induction into the Dr. Martin Luther King International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, JFk Center Honors... and an honarary doctorate from my alma mater, Howard University!
Oprah Winfrey is currently producing her biopic where (with the instruction of Ms. Horne herself) Ms. Alicia Keys will portray the legend. Janet Jackson was initially picked for the role however plans changed shortly after her infamous Superbowl wardrobe malfunction. Talk about her loss!!
I personally think this casting choice is spot on! Not only is there an obvious resemblance between these two beauties but I think Alicia poses the moral foundation that should be a requirement of the actress lucky enough to have this opportunity. (not at all to imply that Janet did not!!)
An icon, a legend, a trailblazer for sure......... Ms. Lena Horne we will miss you dearly and your legacy will live on forever!
I personally think this casting choice is spot on! Not only is there an obvious resemblance between these two beauties but I think Alicia poses the moral foundation that should be a requirement of the actress lucky enough to have this opportunity. (not at all to imply that Janet did not!!)An icon, a legend, a trailblazer for sure......... Ms. Lena Horne we will miss you dearly and your legacy will live on forever!
p.s. Shout out to the Deltas!!! :) Ms. Horne definitely repped the Crimson & Cream!
Here's a rather endearing clip of Lena Horne's appearance on the Rosie O'Donnell show taped shortly before her 80th Birthday:
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