Lena Horne. Studio publicity still, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
S23E12: Lena Horne
Hollywood legend Lena Horne changed what was possible for African-Americans performers in America. After a difficult childhood, she found a key ally in her father, who made clear to studio head Louis B. Mayer that he could hire a maid for his daughter – she would not need to play one on screen. Alternating between Hollywood, which was depressing because of its limitations on Black actors, and a thriving nightclub career, she built a prolific and unique career trajectory that saw her become a prominent voice in the Civil Rights Movement, and a central figure in the Hollywood spiderwebs that Alicia loves so much.
We’re on break next week, but will be back with more Trashy Divorces on October 6!
Want early, ad-free episodes, regular Dumpster Dives, bonus divorces, limited series, Zoom hangouts, and more? Join us at patreon.com/trashydivorces!
Want a personalized message for someone in your life? Check us out on Cameo!
To advertise on our podcast, please reach out to info@amplitudemediapartners.com.
Sponsors
Acorns. Head to acorns.com/trashy or download the Acrons app to start saving and investing for your future today!
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/trashy today to get 10% off your first month.
Alicia’s Receipts
Book Review | ‘Stormy Weather: The Life of Lena Horne,’ by James Gavin – The New York Times
How Lena Horne Escaped Hollywood’s Blacklist – The Atlantic
Lena Horne’s Long, Hard Climb | Vanity Fair
Lena Horne, Sultry Singer and Actress, Dies at 92 – The New York Times
How Lena Horne Won Over MGM — and Became a “Test Case” for Hollywood (hollywoodreporter.com)
The Truth About Lena Horne’s Relationship With Lennie Hayton (grunge.com)
The Fight of the Century: Louis vs. Schmeling : NPR
Hollywood says farewell to its first black sex symbol | The Independent
5 ways Lena Horne revolutionized the entertainment industry | American Masters | PBS