RIP Lena Horne

As you all may have heard, legendary singer and incredible actress Lena Horne passed away Sunday (I know I'm a day late & a dollar short). Since I was away all day Sunday & yesterday, I didn't get a chance to do this the right way. I cannot in good conscience go on without paying tribute to her. Consider this a two-fer: a salute & a tribute.

I know I normally salute people by telling you facts about their life (birthdate, college attended, major accomplishments, etc.) but I believe Horne deserves an unconventional salute. I believe you get to see a special part of people when they are doing what they love. Hence, this salute will feature footage of Horne doing what she loved-performing.

                    Fast facts
Born: June 30, 1917 in Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York
Joined the ancestors: May 9, 2010
Why we love her: She broke down barriers in Hollywood by earning roles outside of what black actresses were assigned (cooks, maids, etc.). She was our first black sex symbol as a pinup girl during WWII.




Lena Horne sings "Someday my Prince will come" in 1967:


Check out footage of Lena Horne on Sanford & Son (still one of my favs):



Lena Horne sings the alphabet on Sesame Street:


Lena Horne on Flip Wilson in 1973:


Lena Horne on the Tonight Show in 1982:



Lena Horne on Rosie O'Donnell in 1997:



Lena Horne's Gap commercial:


Click here to see her appearance on A Different World
HINT: If you can't see the videos click the title of this post and voila! problem solved.  

President & Michelle Obama's statement expressing their condolences when you read the rest. 

Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Lena Horne – one of our nation’s most cherished entertainers. Over the years, she warmed the hearts of countless Americans with her beautiful voice and dramatic performances on screen. From the time her grandmother signed her up for an NAACP membership as a child, she worked tirelessly to further the cause of justice and equality. In 1940, she became the first African American performer to tour with an all white band. And while entertaining soldiers during World War II, she refused to perform for segregated audiences – a principled struggle she continued well after the troops returned home. Michelle and I offer our condolences to all those who knew and loved Lena, and we join all Americans in appreciating the joy she brought to our lives and the progress she forged for our country.

Horne has been awarded 8 grammy's, an NAACP image award, an emmy, 2 Tony's & countless others. She was an inspiration, a legend, and an icon. She will live on forever as her place in history has been etched. She will be missed. My condolences to her family & friends.

RIP Lena Horne