GME Notes the First Broadway Theater to Feature a Black Woman’s Name in Honor of Lena Horne

Broadway theaters have always been named for giants of the stage—including, to name a few, Eugene O’Neill, George and Ira Gershwin, and Neil Simon. Historically, however, few Black artists have received this honor. Now, in a historic first, a Broadway theater will be named for a Black woman: singer and actress Lena Horne.

The official change will take place this fall, when the Nederlander Organization, which owns the theater, is slated to hold a renaming ceremony.

LENA HORNE IN A BROADWAY PERFORMANCE PHOTO BY RAIMONDO BOREA

Gartenberg Media is the exclusive representative for the Estate of Raimondo Borea (b. 1926 - d. 1982). Over a 40-year career of active photography, Borea amassed an impressive body of photographs that are virtually unknown today. And yet, his creative output permeated all areas of fine art photography, television, music, book publishing, and advertising including exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Firing Line, The Today Show, and The Tonight Show, where he captured candid portraits of the hosts, celebrities and guests on these programs.

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Lena horne backstage WITH SAMMY DAVIS JR. photo by Raimondo Borea

All photographs © The Estate of Raimondo Borea