Lola Falana was a multi-talented American singer, dancer, and actress who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. Often referred to as the "First Lady of Las Vegas," she became one of the first Black women to achieve major success as a headliner on the Las Vegas Strip.
Early Life
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Born: September 11, 1942, in Camden, New Jersey
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Full Name: Loletha Elayne Falana
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Her father was a welder and her mother a seamstress. Lola began dancing at an early age and moved to New York City as a teenager to pursue her entertainment dreams.
Career Highlights
1960s: Discovery and Rise
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Discovered by Sammy Davis Jr., who gave her a role in his Broadway musical Golden Boy (1964).
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In 1966, she starred in her first film, A Man Called Adam, alongside Davis and Cicely Tyson.
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Released several songs and made appearances on popular variety shows like The Ed Sullivan Show.
1970s: Peak Fame
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Gained fame as a Las Vegas headliner. By the mid-1970s, she was the highest-paid female performer in Vegas, earning $100,000 a week.
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Became a spokesperson for Fabergé’s "Tigress" perfume.
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Regular guest on TV shows such as The Tonight Show, The Muppet Show, Love American Style, and The Flip Wilson Show.
1980s: Setback and Reinvention
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In 1987, she was struck by multiple sclerosis (MS), which left her partially paralyzed and temporarily blind. She had to relearn how to walk and recover her speech.
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After her recovery, she shifted focus to religion and charity, becoming a devout Roman Catholic and dedicating her life to evangelism.
Later Life
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Founded the Lola Falana Foundation, focusing on helping children in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Stepped away from the spotlight and now lives a quiet, spiritual life.
Legacy
Lola Falana broke racial and gender barriers in show business, paving the way for future Black entertainers. Her combination of talent, beauty, and charisma made her a beloved figure in American entertainment history. B. Israel 🥷
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