In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary star of music, stage, and screen Lena Horne (June 30, 1917 – May 9, 2010). One of the most iconic African American stars of the 20th century. getTV is proud to present a triple play of classic (and rare) Horne television appearances from the 1960s. On Monday, June 26, 2017 from 9PM-12M ET. Beautiful and classy, the mesmerizing song stylist was an MGM contract player. Recording artist, nightclub entertainer, Broadway star, civil rights activist. As well as a frequent guest performer on TV variety shows. From the late ’50s through the ’60s, when African-Americans were still not regularly seen on primetime TV.
Up first is “MONSANTO NIGHT PRESENTS LENA HORNE,” originally broadcast on September 10, 1969 on NBC. At 52, Horne was one of the first African-American women to solo host her own national primetime network TV special. The show features Horne performing classics such as “Stormy Weather“. Mixed with contemporary hits like “You Made Me So Very Happy” and even civil rights songs such as “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free.” She welcomes soul singer O.C. Smith and actor David Janssen (TV’s “The Fugitive”) as guests.
getTV Celebrates 100th Anniversary of the birth of legendary entertainer Civil Rights Activist Lena Horne
“We’re so proud to present three hours featuring Lena Horne. During the week of the 100th anniversary of her birth,” said Jeff Meier, Senior Vice President and General Manager of getTV, “For more recent generations who know her mainly from The Wiz. This is a chance to get more exposure to a vitally important performer. Who infused her performances with both elegance and intelligence. They don’t make them like Lena Horne anymore.”
At 10PM, two iconic divas meet up when Horne joins Judy Garland. For a well-remembered episode of “THE JUDY GARLAND SHOW,” first aired on CBS on October 13, 1963, where they perform both solo and together. A highlight features the two MGM alumni’s doing a medley of many of their biggest hits such as “Honeysuckle Rose,” “It’s All Right with Me,” “Love,” “Meet Me in St. Louis” and “The Trolley Song.” British comedian Terry Thomas (TV’s “Burke’s Law”) also guests.
getTV Celebrates 100th Anniversary of the birth of legendary entertainer Civil Rights Activist Lena Horne
And at 11PM, Horne is the featured guest on an episode of “PERRY COMO’S KRAFT MUSIC HALL”. Filmed on location in Boston, the show, first telecast on NBC on October 18, 1965. Features Horne performing solo and with Como, with the two collaborating on a New England-themed medley that includes “Moonlight in Vermont” and “Old Cape Cod.” Other guests include pianist Peter Nero and The Wellesley College Choir.
