Harry Belafonte (1927–2023,) born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr., was an American singer, actor, and social activist, playing a pivotal role in the 1950s folk music scene. He showcased versatility by recording and performing in various genres, including blues, folk, gospel, show tunes, and American standards.
Born in Harlem, New York, Belafonte rose to prominence in the 1950s, gaining recognition for his unique voice and a repertoire that seamlessly blended traditional Caribbean music with American folk and pop. His claim to fame lies in popularizing Caribbean folk songs, particularly calypsos. International acclaim came with hits like Banana Boat Song (Day-O) and Jamaica Farewell.
Beyond his musical prowess, Belafonte made substantial contributions to the civil rights movement. Building friendships with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., he leveraged his celebrity status to advocate for racial equality. The release of his album Calypso (1956) marked a historic moment, becoming the first LP by a single artist to sell over a million copies.
In the realm of acting, Belafonte starred in notable films such as Carmen Jones (1954,) Island in the Sun (1957,) Odds Against Tomorrow (1959,) Buck and the Preacher (1972,) and Uptown Saturday Night (1974.) His later film credits include The Player (1992,) Kansas City (1996,) Bobby (2006,) and BlacKkKlansman (2018.)
Belafonte’s autobiographies are My Life So Far (1990) and My Song: A Memoir (2011.) Michael Freedland’s Harry Belafonte: An Unauthorized Biography (2012) delves into his achievements, challenges, and profound impact on both the entertainment industry and social activism.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Harry Belafonte
You can cage the singer but not the song.
—Harry Belafonte
Topics: Censorship, Singing
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