Lena Horne Becomes First African-American To Play At Segregated UK Hotel

Singer Lena Horne became the first black performer to headline at London’s Savoy Hotel today (October 17, 1955).

Lena Horne was booked for a four-week engagement at the Savoy Hotel, which was London’s most exclusive and plushest hotel.

Horne was also paid well for the four-week engagement, earning approximately $11,200 per week for performing at the Savoy Hotel.

Lena Horne was booked at the Savoy during a war for top talent with its local competitor, the Café De Paris.