Rare Details About Lena Horne Shine A New Light On The Star

“Don't be afraid to feel as angry or as loving as you can," celebrated singer, actress, and civil rights activist Lena Horne once said. "Because when you feel nothing, it's just death.” This was the way she faced life: with passion and energy in everything she did. From her early Broadway days to her career as a live singer to Hollywood fame, Lena Horne was working in dualities that left as much impact in front of an audience as behind the scenes.  

Stormy Weather

When Lena Horne sang "Stormy Weather," people listened. Her voice was ethereal. "Life is bare / Gloom and misery everywhere / Stormy weather," she crooned. "Just can't get my poor self together / I'm weary all the time, the time / So weary all the time." In a way, she was singing from experience.

Early Roots

Lena Mary Calhoun Horne was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 30, 1917, to a banker and professional gambler (hard to believe that can be a profession, but sure!) and an actress. The two split when Lena was just three years old, leading to a unique upbringing. 

Young

Her mother was a part of theatre troupes and traveled a lot, so Horne lived with her grandparents for a period. She spent time with her mother on the road later and stayed with friends and family across the country. It wasn't always an easy way to grow up, but it helped Lena come to a revelation later in life.

Looking Back

“It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it," Lena said later in life, once she'd been through the throes of show business. "Carry it by the comfortable handles of gratitude for what's positive and that it is not worse, rather than the uncomfortable edges of bitterness for the negatives and that it is not better.” The mindset helped her succeed.