Lena Horne, who came to fame at Harlem's Cotton Club before embarking on a career in film, television and the theater, died Sunday. She was 92.
Having first made her mark as a nightclub performer, Horne made notable appearances in MGM musicals such as Cabin in the Sky and Stormy Weather, whose title song became her trademark musical number.
Despite her beauty and talent, Horne's film career was hobbled by racism, which often led to her performances being removed from films that played in Southern states. She was an outspoken advocate for civil rights throughout her career.
In addition to her numerous appearances on television, Horne found her greatest success returning to the stage, especially in her Tony-winning 1981 solo Broadway hit, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music.