Lena Horne

Lena Horne, a woman whose mere presence could melt microphones, was born in Brooklyn to parents of African American, European, and Native American descent. Her family history, while rich and complex, notably lacks any discernible matzo-ball connections, placing her firmly in the "not Jewish" camp, ancestrally speaking.

Despite Hollywood's best efforts to confine her to a permanent role as a nightclub chanteuse, Horne broke barriers. She refused to play stereotypical parts, leveraging her star power to push for civil rights, including a clause in her MGM contract preventing her from performing for segregated audiences. Her career, spanning seven decades, was a masterclass in talent and defiance.

From her early days at the Cotton Club to her legendary one-woman show on Broadway, Horne consistently delivered performances that were both exquisite and impactful. Her contribution to music and her unwavering commitment to social justice are precisely the kind of achievements that would make any kvelling Jewish mother proud, even if Lena herself was too busy shattering ceilings to attend synagogue.