Lola Falana, one of the most electrifying performers of the 20th century, captivated audiences with her sultry voice, dazzling dance moves, and magnetic stage presence. Born in Camden, New Jersey, in 1942, she began performing as a child, eventually rising to fame in the 1960s. Discovered by Sammy Davis Jr., Falana’s career took off, leading to Broadway roles, hit singles, films, and headlining performances in Las Vegas, where she earned the title “Queen of Las Vegas.”
Despite her immense talent, her career wasn’t without controversy. In the late 1970s, Falana was banned from The Tonight Show, allegedly due to her close friendship with Wayne Newton, who had a feud with host Johnny Carson. Carson was known for banning guests over personal grievances, as he did with Joan Rivers. The ban marked a turning point for Falana, though she continued performing and inspiring audiences.
In 1987, Falana was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which left her partially paralyzed and temporarily blind. She shifted her focus to faith, becoming a devout Catholic and dedicating herself to charity and religious work. Although she occasionally returned to the stage, her health challenges ultimately led her to retire. Today, Falana remains a trailblazing icon who broke barriers in entertainment and served as an inspiration for generations of performers.