The greatest African-American sex symbols

THEY possess a certain je ne sais quoi, you know, a quality or attribute that is difficult to describe. They are equally envied, adored and secretly reviled for their God-given talent, intoxicating beauty, style, grace and extraordinary sex appeal.

They are African-American movie stars and entertainers whose extraordinary talents combined with their rare good looks have established them as some of the most enduring sex symbols of our time. They give pause to even the most jaded spectator. They make you stop, look, look some more and forget what you were doing. Your body temperature might rise too.

Over the 60 years that EBONY has graced the newsstands, these men and women have come to represent some of the greatest celebrities and entertainers of their day, based on their extraordinary talents, which helped knock down racial barriers and debunk stereotypes around the globe.

'40s

LENA HORNE

The remarkable beauty and talent of Lena Horne made her an immediate star in the 1940s. She was a pinup girl for Black GIs during World War II. In 1944, the star of Cabin in the Sky and Stormy Weather made history, becoming the first Black actress to grace the cover of a movie magazine.

'40s

BILLY ECKSTINE

In the 1940s and 1950s, women swooned over Billy Eckstine's champagne voice and dashing good looks. Devoted fans turned out to see him in record numbers at nightclubs and theaters, and, in huge numbers, they routinely purchased his wildly popular recordings.

'50s

HARRY BELFONTE

The debonair Harry Belafonte wore his good looks like an expensive suit. The ultimate charmer, he also won over scores of fans with his sweet calypso vocals and powerful acting roles throughout the 1950s. Belafonte was simply magnetic. Petuta Clark, a White television host, once caused a stir when she touched him on her show.

'50s

DOROTHY DANDRIDGE

The smoldering beauty of Dorothy Dandridge could set off fire alarms. She was one of Hollywood's first Black sex symbols, starring in films such as Carmen Jones (1954). She was the first Black woman to be nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actress category and the first to become part of the Hollywood social set. She was indeed an astonishingly talented and beautiful woman with wide sex appeal.

'60s

MARVIN GAYE

Marvin Gage was what the hip-hop generation would call the "Mac Daddy" of Motown. The tall and strapping singer brought some women to their knees with a mere note. A big star in the 1960s, with hits like "Can I Get a Witness" and "Hitchhike," he remained popular through the 1980s, when excited female fans tossed their underwear on stage before he could belt out an entire bar of "Sexual Healing."

LOLA FALANA

A "hand grenade of a woman" is what one reviewer once called Lola Falana, the exotic entertainer and actress, after seeing her perform on Broadway. She was hot in the 1960s and 1970s.

'70s

JAYNE KENNEDY

The first Black woman to win the title of Miss Ohio (1970), Jayne Kennedy was so stunning that her face was insured for $1 million. As co-host of The NFL Today TV show in the late '70s, her striking beauty caused ratings to soar,

BILLY DEE WILLIAMS

Throughout the 1970s, Billy Dee Williams" handsome face and come-hither smile represented the perfect man for hoards of female fans, His portrayal of Louis McKay in Lady Sings the Blues (1972) helped establish him as an enduring sex symbol.

PAM GRIER

In the "70s, Pam Grier burst onto the scene starring in numerous action films. While she kicked butt on the silver screen, she mesmerized male fans with her effortless beauty and sex appeal. She is still a force to be reckoned with.

'80s

PHILIP MICHAEL THOMAS &

Just about every woman loved the handsome, sexy and cool detective Ricardo from the hit TV series Miami Vice. With his sleek style and smooth charm, Thomas captured lots of attention. Eager to see what the detective was up to, ladies routinely flocked to the television to watch the visual treat.

JANET JACKSON

With killer abs and youthful glow, the baby of the famous Jackson family spread her wings and took full control on the music scene--all while winning the hearts of many admirers. Her captivating smile continues to enthrall.

'90s

DENZEL WASHINGTON

Just the mention of Denzel Washington's first name sends women into a flutter. The Oscar-winning actor (and director) continues to make women's hearts skip a beat.

HALLE BERRY

The Oscar-winning Halle Berry has captivated fans with her elegance, grace and beauty as she has starred in numerous top notch films, including Introducing Dorothy Dandridge.

LL COOL J

For LL Cool J, "Ladies Love Cool James" is an understatement. Rap's "first true sex symbol" has a charming smile and chiseled physique that have captured attention in movies as well.

'00s

TYSON BECKFORD &

With exotic good looks and a rock-hard body, Tyson Beckford is not your average model or man. After taking the modeling world by storm, he is now involved in movies, most notably Biker Boyz (2003). He is the first male to be considered a supermodel, a title usually reserved for females.