While Lena Horne deserves as many written tributes as her death will inspire, let’s take a moment to watch – and listen – to her amazing charisma in action:
In her Hollywood years, performing her signature hit, “Stormy Weather” in 1943.
Horne was a fixture of the TV circuit in the 1950s and 60s, bringing wit, poise and elegance to the evening airwaves. Here she sings “I’d do Anything” for a 1957 USO Christmas show. You can’t fake that kind of sex appeal!
Having attained “beloved legend” status, Horne made guest appearances on a number of shows of the 1970s and 80s; while her turns on Sanford and Son and The Cosby Show are famous, many of the younger generation may remember her lighthearted guest-spots on The Muppet Show or, as shown here, Sesame Street!
Horne perfomed well into her 80s. Here she is in 1998, reprising “Stormy Weather” on Rosie O’Donnell’s talk show.