Lena Horne Dead at 92
Lena Horne, the Grammy-winning singer, actress, and dancer, died last night in New York. She was 92.
Renowned as the first black actress to score a major Hollywood contract, Horne was also the subject of some lesbian speculation; in the 90s, Michael Musto reported “a book is under way that plans to out” her. Apparently nothing much came of that.
I knew the only reason Queerity bothered to say something about her death was to pounce on vague lesbian rumors (that have never been proven or substantiated.) I imagine that this is one of the reasons many celebrities don’t come out: because they would rather not be treated as mere poster children for their sexuality.
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An amazing, wonderful woman. She had to deal with so much crap from white Hollywood in the early-mid 20th century, where she was not even allowed to buy her own house. She shined it on her own way and was truly a kind soul.
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Lena and Dorothy Dandridge are both so amazing….
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She loved a gay man. The New York Times had a nice article about Lena’s life and career, including her saying that the only man she ever loved was out gay pianist Billy Strayhorn who was to her the perfect man except he wasn’t sexually interested in her.
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Lena Horne as a singer had a way to wrap her beautiful voice around a note, caressing it. She could add nuance to every performance of the same song, so it wasn’t just a repeat of her prior recordings but rather a fresh take on an old friend.
If you don’t know her music *find it* — her songs wil break your heart or soothe your rattled nerves, depending on the day. Not too many current singers can do that.
She was a national treasure. I don’t say that lightly.
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The new biography of Lena speculates on two very concrete lesbian relationships she had. Others are hinted at. Please, do you believe this woman was married to a gay man for 20 years and remained single for 30 years after his death without a partner of any kind? I don’t.
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@christopher di spirito: You’re a little late with that comment. She died nearly a month ago!
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Gay or not, she was a legend and trailblazer. She seemed immortal. Her music, timeless. Her spirit, eternal. An icon to many queers. May she rest in peace.