Lena Horne Quotes

Powerful Lena Horne for Daily Growth

About Lena Horne

Lena Horne (June 30, 1917 – May 9, 2010) was an iconic American singer, actress, and civil rights activist. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Carrie (Snow) and Edwin Theresa Horne, she grew up surrounded by music in a family that valued both education and the performing arts. Her mother, who sang professionally, encouraged her talent from an early age. Horne began her career as a chorus girl in the Cotton Club, one of the most famous nightclubs during the Harlem Renaissance. She quickly rose to fame with her powerful voice and captivating stage presence, becoming a regular performer on radio and television programs. Known for her elegant style and poised demeanor, Horne was one of the first black women to break through racial barriers in Hollywood. In 1942, she signed a contract with MGM Studios, where she appeared in numerous films, including "Stormy Weather" (1943) and "Cabin in the Sky" (1943), for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Throughout her career, Horne used her platform to advocate for civil rights and racial equality, performing at numerous benefits and rallies. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice, Lena Horne remained a beacon of hope and resilience. She continued performing until the late 1980s, releasing several successful albums and receiving numerous awards, including the NAACP Spingarn Medal in 1964, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1980, and a Kennedy Center Honor in 1984. In her later years, Horne became an influential figure in the arts and civil rights, inspiring generations of artists and activists. Her life and work continue to be celebrated as a testament to the power of art, resilience, and the struggle for justice.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"It's far easier to find an excuse not to do something than to find a reason to do it."

Lena Horne's quote emphasizes the tendency of humans to seek reasons for inaction rather than action. It suggests that making excuses can be effortless, as compared to finding genuine motivations or reasons to take on a task or responsibility. This insight implies the importance of overcoming self-doubt and procrastination by identifying clear goals and focusing on the benefits of pursuing them, rather than dwelling on potential obstacles or distractions.

"There is no such thing as part freedom."

Lena Horne's quote, "There is no such thing as part freedom," emphasizes that true freedom cannot be fragmented or partially achieved. It suggests that if one segment of society remains oppressed, then freedom is not fully attained for all, and it underscores the importance of universal equality and social justice in striving towards complete liberation.

"I'm not a particular believer in destiny or fate, but I do believe that certain things are meant to be."

Lena Horne suggests that she does not adhere strictly to the idea that one's life is predetermined by fate or destiny; however, she acknowledges that there may exist specific instances or aspects of life that were intended to happen, implying a notion of predestination for certain events but not necessarily one's overall life path. This perspective can be seen as reconciling free will with the possibility of serendipitous or fortuitous occurrences in an individual's journey through life.

"It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it."

This quote by Lena Horne highlights the importance of attitude over circumstance in shaping one's life. It suggests that while challenges and hardships (the "load") are inevitable, the manner in which we deal with them (how we "carry it") significantly impacts our resilience and ability to endure. The implication is that maintaining a positive, adaptable mindset can help alleviate the emotional burden of adversity, making us stronger rather than broken.

"You can't help resentment by biting it like a tart."

Lena Horne's quote suggests that suppressing feelings of resentment or anger, such as by holding them in, will not resolve the issue. Instead, acknowledging and addressing those emotions is necessary for healing and moving forward in a healthy manner. The use of "like a tart" implies a futile attempt to keep emotions bottled up or contained, which can ultimately worsen the situation. It's essential to express and confront resentment constructively, rather than allowing it to fester and potentially harm oneself or relationships.

Malcolm X raised my consciousness about myself and my people and other people more than any person I know. I knew him before he became Malcolm X.

- Lena Horne

Consciousness, Other, Became, Malcolm

I don't have to be an imitation of a white woman that Hollywood sort of hoped I'd become. I'm me, and I'm like nobody else.

- Lena Horne

Woman, Hollywood, Hoped, Imitation

I want to sing like Aretha Franklin. Before her I wanted the technical ability of Ella Fitzgerald.

- Lena Horne

Technical, Ella Fitzgerald, Ella

Malcolm X made me very strong at a time I needed to understand what I was angry about. He had peace in his heart. He exerted a big influence on me.

- Lena Horne

Strong, Big, Very, Big Influence

I made a promise to myself to be kinder to other people.

- Lena Horne

Myself, Other, Made, Kinder

Every color I can think of and nationality, we were all touched by Dr. King because he made us like each other and respect each other.

- Lena Horne

Think, Other, Touched, Nationality

Always be smarter than the people who hire you.

- Lena Horne

Intelligence, Always, Hire, Smarter

After I got over the terrible pain of having something of mine taken from me, I began to think how bad everybody else must be feeling. It wasn't a nice time.

- Lena Horne

Think, Over, Mine, Terrible

I told them I belong to the same organizations and clubs Mrs. Roosevelt belongs to, but with a few brave exceptions, I was still unable to do films or television for the next seven years.

- Lena Horne

Next, Still, Films, Organizations

I'm not alone, I'm free. I no longer have to be a credit, I don't have to be a symbol to anybody; I don't have to be a first to anybody.

- Lena Horne

Alone, Longer, Symbol, Credit

You have to be taught to be second class; you're not born that way.

- Lena Horne

Born, You, Taught, Class

I was lucky, as many of my generation was, in having a man like Dr. King in our lives. He came at a time that we needed to take a long look at each other and see how similar we were.

- Lena Horne

Lucky, Other, Needed, Our Lives

I remember the day tDr. King died. I wasn't angry at the beginning. It was like something very personal in my life had been touched and finished.

- Lena Horne

My Life, I Remember, Very, Finished

As much as I try, when I open my mouth, Lena comes out, And I get so mad.

- Lena Horne

Mad, Out, Get, Mouth

I really do hate to sing.

- Lena Horne

Hate, Really, Sing

I'm still learning, you know. At 80, I feel there is a lot I don't know.

- Lena Horne

Know, Still, Lot, I Feel

It's so nice to get flowers while you can still smell the fragrance.

- Lena Horne

Flowers, Fragrance, Still, Smell

Don't be afraid to feel as angry or as loving as you can, because when you feel nothing, it's just death.

- Lena Horne

Death, Loving, Afraid, Angry

My identity is very clear to me now, I am a black woman.

- Lena Horne

I Am, Woman, Very, Black

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