An ageless beauty and a very appealing personality, Lena Horne was never really a jazz singer as much as a superior pop vocalist since she does not improvise. Horne started performing when she was six, sang and danced at the Cotton Club as early as 1934, was with Noble Sissle's Orchestra (1935-36), recorded with Teddy Wilson in the late '30s and sang with Charlie Barnet's big band during 1940-41. She also recorded with Artie Shaw (1941) and made major impressions in the films Boogie Woogie Dream (actually a jazz short), Cabin in the Sky and especially Stormy Weather. Married to arranger/pianist Lennie Hayton, Horne has been a popular attraction since the 1940s but her connection with jazz (even when she sings veteran swing standards) is peripheral. A Bluebird compilation of some of her best early recordings is recommended.