Vanessa Williams receives Lena Horne award.

In 1996, Vanessa gets the Lena Horne award and a greeting from the Lady herself. It is a nice moment; and unique because I do not know of another instance where Horne publicly expressed (sincere) admiration for a young(er) female performer. Of course, Williams has the same hard-as-nails exterior as Miss Horne -- no tears, no apologies, no nervous breakdowns, no self-destructive drama and no Oprah-style personal confessions. In her career, Williams is strictly business, completely unflappable, poised, polished and controlled, exhibiting only the slightest twinge of bitterness. Tough on the outside, God only knows what on the inside -- just like Horne.

Видео Vanessa Williams receives Lena Horne award. канала BronzeVenus