In 1942, Horne signed a seven-year contract with MGM Studios, becoming the first Black actress in over 25 years to sign a studio contract. Horne often faced systemic racism in Hollywood, and refused to play any role that she felt was demeaning or perpetuated racial stereotypes. Her debut roles with MGM were singing parts in Panama Hattie and Harlem on Parade.
Her early success was not an indication of the future of her career, and after she signed the contract with MGM she was often cast in small stand-alone roles due to the ever-present segregation and film censors in the South. She only had two speaking roles in her career when MGM released Stormy Weather and Cabin in the Sky in 1943. Later, singing parts Horne was featured in were often cut out of films before they were shown in Southern theaters.