Lena Horne Net Worth - How Her Success Changed Hollywood

Lena Horne was a legendary American singer, actress, and civil rights activist who broke barriers and set standards in the entertainment industry. With a career that spanned several decades, she left an indelible mark in Hollywood and beyond, and her impact is still felt today. Apart from her legacy as a trailblazer, Lena Horne net worth was also an impressive testament to her success in the entertainment world.

Quick Facts About Lena Horne

Early Life Of Lena Horne

Lena Horne was born on June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York. She was the daughter of Edwin "Teddy" Horne, a numbers kingpin in the gambling world, and Edna Louise Scottron Horne, a leading member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

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Horne's parents separated when she was three years old, and she was primarily raised by her mother, who emphasized the importance of education and self-improvement. Horne attended a predominantly white school in Brooklyn, where she faced discrimination and racial slurs from her classmates.

Despite the challenges she faced, Horne was an excellent student and showed a talent for singing and dancing from a young age. She began performing at the age of 16 in the chorus line at the Cotton Club in Harlem, where she caught the attention of bandleader Noble Sissle. Sissle helped Horne to land her first professional singing job with the Charlie Barnet Orchestra, and she soon began to make a name for herself in the entertainment world.

Music Career Of Lena Horne

Lena Horne's music career spanned several decades and encompassed a wide range of genres, including jazz, pop, and blues. She made her recording debut in 1941 with the Decca Records label and released a string of successful albums throughout the 1940s and 1950s.

Some of Horne's most popular songs included "Stormy Weather," "Love Me or Leave Me," and "The Lady Is a Tramp." Her sultry voice and glamorous image helped to establish her as one of the most popular singers of her time.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Horne continued to perform and record music, but also became increasingly involved in civil rights activism. She worked with organizations such as the NAACP and performed at rallies and events in support of the movement.

Horne's music career and contributions to American culture were recognized with several awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1989. She also received a Tony Award for her one-woman show "Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music" in 1981, which ran on Broadway for over a year and was a critical and commercial success.

Acting Career Of Lena Horne

In addition to her successful music career, Lena Horne was also a talented actress who appeared in several films, television shows, and stage productions throughout her career.

Horne's acting career began in the 1930s when she appeared in a series of short films produced by MGM. However, despite her talent, she was often limited to minor roles and faced racial discrimination in Hollywood. As a result, Horne turned her focus back to music and did not appear in another film until 1942's "Panama Hattie," in which she played a small but memorable role.

Horne's breakthrough role came in 1943's "Cabin in the Sky," a musical fantasy directed by Vincente Minnelli. In the film, Horne played the role of Georgia Brown, a seductive nightclub singer who helps to save her lover's soul. The film was a critical and commercial success and helped to establish Horne as a leading actress of her time.

Horne went on to appear in several other films, including "Stormy Weather" (1943), "Ziegfeld Follies" (1946), and "The Wiz" (1978). She also appeared in several television shows, including "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Cosby Show," and performed in numerous stage productions, including "Jamaica" and "The Lady and Her Music."

Lena Horne Net Worth

Lena Horne's net worth is estimated to be around $30 million at the time of her passing in 2010. Horne's wealth came from her successful music and acting career, as well as her business ventures and investments.

Horne's music career spanned several decades and included numerous successful albums and performances, which helped to establish her as one of the most popular and influential singers of her time. Her acting career also brought in significant income, as she appeared in several successful films and stage productions throughout her career.

Real Estate Properties Of Lena Horne

Lena Horne owned several real estate properties throughout her life, including a luxurious apartment in New York City. In the 1950s, Horne purchased a stunning five-room apartment on Manhattan's Upper East Side. The apartment was located in the exclusive River House co-op building, which is known for its high-end amenities and prime location along the East River.

Horne's apartment was reportedly decorated in a luxurious, modern style, with marble floors, custom-designed furniture, and stunning views of the river and city skyline. She lived in the apartment for several decades, and it remained one of her most prized possessions until her passing in 2010.

In addition to her New York City property, Horne also owned other real estate properties throughout the United States. She reportedly owned a home in Beverly Hills, California, which she purchased in the 1940s, and a beachfront property in The Bahamas.

Philanthropic Works Of Lena Horne

Lena Horne was known for her philanthropy and generous support of numerous charitable organizations throughout her life.

One of Horne's most significant philanthropic endeavors was her involvement with the Civil Rights Movement. She was a vocal supporter of the movement and used her platform as a celebrity to raise awareness and advocate for racial equality. She performed at numerous rallies and events for the movement, and she marched with other activists in support of their cause.

Horne was also a supporter of the arts and education. She donated generously to several arts organizations, including the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She also established a scholarship program for students studying music and the arts at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee.

In addition to her support of the arts and civil rights, Horne was a supporter of several other charitable causes. She was involved with the United Negro College Fund, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and the National Council of Negro Women, among others.

Interesting Facts About Lena Horne

• Lena Horne was born on June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York City. Her parents were both African American, and her father was a numbers kingpin in Harlem.
• Horne got her start in entertainment as a teenager when she began performing in the chorus line at the Cotton Club in Harlem.
• Horne was one of the first African American performers to sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio when she signed with MGM in 1942.
• Despite her success in Hollywood, Horne faced significant discrimination and racism throughout her career. She was often limited to minor roles and was not allowed to perform in certain venues due to her race.
• Horne was a fierce advocate for civil rights and used her platform as a celebrity to raise awareness and support for the movement. She marched with other activists and performed at numerous rallies and events for the cause.
• Horne was also a talented businesswoman and investor. She made savvy investments in the stock market and owned several real estate properties throughout her life.
• Horne received numerous accolades and awards throughout her career, including four Grammy Awards and a Tony Award. She was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2009.
• Horne was married several times throughout her life and had two children. She passed away on May 9, 2010, at the age of 92 in New York City.

People Also Ask

What Was Lena Horne's Biggest Hit?

Lena Horne's biggest hit song was "Love Me or Leave Me," which reached number 19 on the US pop charts in 1955.

Who Was Lena Horne Married To?

Lena Horne was married to Lennie Hayton, a white composer, and arranger who worked for MGM, from 1947 until his death in 1971.

Was Lena Horne A Civil Rights Activist?

Lena Horne was a civil rights activist and worked closely with organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the National Council for Negro Women.

Did Lena Horne Win Any Awards?

Yes, Lena Horne received several awards throughout her career, including a Tony Award for her one-woman show "Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music" and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

How Old Was Lena Horne When She Died?

Lena Horne died on May 9, 2010, at the age of 92.

Conclusion

Despite facing racial discrimination and other challenges during her career, Lena Horne achieved remarkable success in the entertainment industry. Lena Horne net worth, estimated at $30 million at the time of her death, was a testament to her talent and hard work. Lena Horne's contributions to music, film, and theater have left an indelible mark on American culture, and her legacy as a trailblazer and civil rights activist will continue to inspire generations to come.