I saw Lena Horne a lot on the variety shows of the Sixties and Seventies, and always thought she was beautiful, especially that smile of hers, and a voice to match. She was a singer, dancer, actress, and civil rights activist who started in the chorus line at the Cotton Club when she was just sixteen years old, and for seventy years was active in movies, television, and nightclubs.
“Stormy Weather” was a hit for her in 1943, reaching #21 on the US Pop chart.
“Love Me Or Leave Me” reached #19 on the Pop chart in 1955.
Lena Horne, your Two for Tuesday, December 6, 2016.
I love Lena Horne and how I wish the times were different so she could have had the brilliant acting career that she deserved. I love Ava Gardner but I would have liked to have seen Lena in the role she played in Showboat. I love Stormy Weather…great song
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Lena’s parents were both mixed-race (Black, White, and American Indian), so yes, she would have been perfect for the role. It would hardly raise an eyebrow today, but those were the times, I’m afraid…
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Stormy Weather is one of my all time favorite songs. And yes, I am child of the 50s & 60s.
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So you remember all the TV appearances she used to make? Seemed like she was on somewhere every week.
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I do remember seeing her on TV. There were so many variety shows back then. I miss those shows.
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They cost a fortune to produce, and people have other venues to get that kind of entertainment. I’d like to see some channel open that would replay some of those shows, particularly Dean Martin’s. He put on a spectacular show every week…
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Dean Martin, Jackie Gleason, Carol Burnett, Red Skelton…the list goes on and on.
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Great songs! I didn’t realize Stormy Weather was from a movie by the same name. I’ve always loved that song.
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I’ve never seen the movie, apart from the clip in the video. I suppose it’s in a film library somewhere, maybe in the collection of TCM. Check local listings.
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Yup. Beautiful voice.
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Horne is one of my favorite female vocalists. I have a few CD’s by her.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
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I’d see her on the variety shows (particularly Dean Martin’s) and watching her sing was a real treat. Even when I was a teen and that style of music wasn’t popular, I knew she was something special.
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I love Lena Horn too.. they don’t make songs like those two anymore… I miss the glamorous 40s and 50s. Thanks John!
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uggss.. Lena Horne.. I think I need to go back to bed.. lol
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The post-WWII, pre-rock & roll era was a great time for music, and it never gets talked about. Go figure. Glad you enjoyed Lena!
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I agree, John.. and it is a favorite era of music for me 🙂
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