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From The Root: Long before her recent death at 92, Lena Horne had become a recluse, living alone with her memories. She had been a star for many years, or at least the symbol of what should have been a star if the planets were favorably arrayed, which they were not. As we all should be able to see, Negroes do not necessarily need to be talented today in order to "get over," but in Horne's time, superior talent could soften the blows but not stop them from coming.
By the time she was 65, Horne was able to joke with Johnny Carson about the absurdity of this country's color mess. Time had not altered her beauty, her memory or her mind. Being a star has always had as much--if not more--to do with advertising than talent, and in keeping with the overstatement expected from Hollywood, much was expected when Horne became the first black woman signed to a long-term contract with a major studio. (A contract that specified that she would never play a maid.)
But was her beauty, brains and talent enough in the end?
Find out @ The Root
Comments: (5)
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By: All Winners LOVE Winners on 5/15/2010 8:45AM
BEAUTY, BRAINS, & TALENT....Rest In PEACE Lena says Girl 6.
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By: RENEE' on 5/15/2010 7:06PM
IT IS A SHAME THAT THERE ARE NOT MORE COMMENTS ON SUCH A FANTASTIC TRAILBLAZER. BEFORE BEYONCE',JANET, HALLE, RHIANNA, JENNIFER, AND ALICIA. THERE WAS THE INCREDIBLE ONE OF A KIND LENA HORNE. I HOPE THE MOVIE PLANNED TO HONOR HER LIFE IS STILL ON. HALLE WOULD BE PERFECT FOR THAT PART.
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By: sandra on 5/15/2010 9:10PM
I've added comments to a couple of sites in tribute to Ms Horne. She was a phenomenal woman who had courage of conviction in the pride of her race. She never compromised her beliefs or relied upon crude sexuality to get over. So far, in my mind's eye none of today's young female African American performers can hold a candle to her.
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By: KeepinItReal on 5/17/2010 8:24PM
Did Lena Horne truly have superior talent or was she "light enough" to get a "gig"? This is the same song and dance that goes on today. Blacks, especially black women, are considered talented only if they are "part white". Where are the TRULY TALENTED black people? Swept away under the carpet to make room for semi-Negroes. Racism hasn't gone away. Black ppl have just become diluted. How do you stop racism against blacks? Get rid of their "blackness". Diversity at its best! Peace.
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By: kristian on 5/25/2010 1:22PM
We have lost an icon. With time the lines of class, talent, and character seem to be dwindling. What Lena Horne bought to the industry will not be duplicated. Why much more has not been done in her honor just shows the demise of a culture. We'd much better settle for as the "crude sxuality" commented on by Sandra. Help us women of hollywood to return to chastity. If we do not accept it and stand our ground the industry CAN change.
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