“My father said, ‘I can get a maid for my daughter. I don’t want her in the movies playing maids.’ ” is a quote that pretty much sums up the moxie of legendary performer Lena Horne, who died on Sunday at the age of 92.

According to the New York Times, Horne was the first black performer to be signed to a long term contract by a major Hollywood studio. If you’re not familiar with her illustrious career or work in advancing civil rights, the Times‘ brief synopsis of her awe-inpsiring life is not to be missed.

After the jump, find some of our favorite photos of the sophisticatedly stunning singer and her signature looks — turbans, in-hair florals and one-shouldered dresses, among them.