Legendary singer and actress Lena Horne died in a New York City hospital last night at the age of 92. She was a shining light in Hollywood, during a time when black entertainers were virtually shutout.

Lena Horne was born in Brooklyn. She began her career in the entertainment industry at the age of sixteen when her mother pulled her out of school so she could audition for Harlem’s Cotton Club dance chorus. Over the years Ms. Horne had Broadway, TV and movie roles. In Stormy Weather she sang the title tune which became her signature song.

In spite of her good looks, great voice and keen acting abilities Lena Horne never transcended the racism in America. Like many of her contemporary black performers she was seldom considered for starring roles, and was often denied access to the all-white establishments where cast members went to eat or socialize.

Ms. Horne believed that her criticism of the treatment of black soldiers during World War II led to her exclusion from the film industry for seven years. She became active in the civil rights movement during the sixties, participating in numerous marches and protests.

The audience loved Ms. Horne as Glinda the Good Witch in the movie version of The Wiz in 1978. In 1981 she brought her one-woman show to Broadway. Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music ran for over one year, winning rave reviews and landing a Tony Award for The Lady.

Lena Horne will be missed by many. She is survived by her loving daughter.