The Enchanting Legacy
Experience the glamour and strength of Lena Horne through these iconic images
This captivating collection from the Bettmann Archives features stunning photographs of Lena Horne, a trailblazing singer, actress, and civil rights activist. Born in Brooklyn in 1917, Lena Horne became one of the most popular African American performers of the 1940s and 1950s. At the age of sixteen she was hired as a dancer in the chorus of Harlem’s famous Cotton Club. There she was introduced to the growing community of jazz performers, including Billie Holiday, Cab Calloway, and Duke Ellington. Celebrated for her powerful voice and striking beauty, Horne broke barriers in a predominantly white entertainment industry. Each image reflects her elegance and charisma, from her dazzling performances on stage to poignant moments in film.
85 Items
This visual journey not only honors her artistic achievements but also highlights her unwavering commitment to social justice,
inviting audiences to appreciate the profound impact she had on both music and civil rights.
