1. Personal Experiences and Identity:
* Racial Injustice: Growing up in a segregated America deeply impacted Horne. She witnessed and experienced racism firsthand, fueling her desire to fight for civil rights and challenge societal norms.
* Resilience and Strength: Her mother instilled in her a sense of strength and perseverance, encouraging her to overcome adversity and use her voice for change.
* Musical Legacy: Her family's rich musical heritage, including her father's career as a musician, instilled in her a love for music and a natural talent for performing.
2. Artistic Influences:
* Blues Music: Horne's signature sultry vocals were heavily influenced by the blues tradition, drawing inspiration from singers like Billie Holiday and Bessie Smith.
* Theater and Broadway: Her early career in Broadway musicals honed her acting and singing skills, exposing her to various genres and performance styles.
* Civil Rights Movement: The rise of the Civil Rights Movement during her career provided a platform and context for Horne's activism and use of her art to advocate for equality.
3. Personal Beliefs:
* Humanity and Equality: Horne believed in the inherent worth of all people and sought to promote a more just and equitable society through her art and actions.
* Self-Expression: She valued the freedom to express herself authentically and used her platform to inspire others to embrace their own individuality.
4. Role Models:
* Other African American Artists: Horne drew inspiration from other African American artists like Paul Robeson and Josephine Baker who challenged racial barriers and paved the way for her own career.
* Strong Women: She admired strong, independent women in her life and in history, drawing strength from their stories of resilience and courage.
Lena Horne's inspiration was a complex tapestry woven from personal experience, artistic influences, deeply held beliefs, and admiration for others who fought for equality and self-expression. Her impact continues to inspire generations, highlighting the power of art and activism in shaping a more just world.