Harry Belafonte Biography
Harry Belafonte (1927–2023) was an American singer, actor, and civil rights activist who popularized calypso music internationally during the 1950s and 1960s.
His breakthrough album, Calypso (1956), became the first million-selling LP by a single artist.
Belafonte is best known for his iconic songs like “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” “Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora),” “Jamaica Farewell,” and “Mary’s Boy Child.”
He explored many genres, including blues, folk, gospel, show tunes, and American standards.
He also appeared in notable films such as Carmen Jones (1954), Island in the Sun (1957), and BlacKkKlansman (2018).
A civil rights leader, Belafonte was a close confidant of Martin Luther King Jr. and a strong advocate for racial equality.
He also supported juvenile justice issues and was an outspoken critic of George W. Bush and Donald Trump.
Belafonte received numerous prestigious awards, including three Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Tony Award.
He was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors in 1989, the National Medal of Arts in 1994, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2014.
In 2022, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Belafonte is one of the few performers to achieve the EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), though his Oscar was in a non-competitive category.
Harry Belafonte Wikipedia
Full Name: Harold George Belafonte Jr.
Born: March 1, 1927, New York City, U.S.
Died: April 25, 2023, New York City, U.S. (aged 96)
Known As: “King of Calypso”
Occupation: Singer, Actor, Activist
Genres: Calypso, Mento, Pop, Folk, World Music
Years Active: 1948–2023
Awards & Honors:
Three Grammy Awards (including Lifetime Achievement Award)
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2022)
Kennedy Center Honors (1989)
National Medal of Arts (1994)
Notable Song: Banana Boat Song (Day-O)
Spouses:
Marguerite Byrd (m. 1948–1957)
Julie Robinson (m. 1957–2004)
Pamela Frank (m. 2008)
Children: 4, including Shari and Gina
Activism:
A passionate advocate for civil rights, humanitarian causes, and global issues.
Vocal supporter of the Civil Rights Movement and UNICEF.
Film Appearances:
Carmen Jones
Island in the Sun
Uptown Saturday Night
BlacKkKlansman
Legacy:
Left a lasting impact on both music and social justice.
Known for influencing generations with his music and activism.
Net Worth: Estimated at $30 million at the time of his death.
Early Life of Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte, born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr. on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York, was the son of Jamaican-born parents.
His father, Harold George Bellanfanti Sr., was a chef, and his mother, Melvine Love, was a housekeeper.
Belafonte’s ancestry was diverse: his mother was of Scottish Jamaican and Afro-Jamaican descent, while his father had Afro-Jamaican and Dutch-Jewish roots.
Raised as a Catholic, Belafonte attended St. Charles Borromeo Parochial School.
From 1932 to 1940, Belafonte lived in Jamaica with his grandmother and attended Wolmer’s Schools.
Upon returning to New York, he struggled at George Washington High School due to undiagnosed dyslexia and blindness in one eye, which impacted his academics.
After dropping out of high school, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
In the late 1940s, while working as a janitor’s assistant, Belafonte attended a performance at the American Negro Theater, which ignited his passion for acting.
He became friends with fellow actor Sidney Poitier, and they would attend plays together, sharing a single ticket.
This period led him to study acting at the Dramatic Workshop of The New School in New York, where he took classes alongside stars like Marlon Brando and Tony Curtis.
Belafonte’s dedication to the stage later earned him a Tony Award for his role in the Broadway revue John Murray Anderson’s Almanac (1954).
Harry Belafonte’s Musical Career (1949–1974)
Harry Belafonte began his music career as a club singer in New York to fund his acting lessons.
His first performance was backed by the legendary Charlie Parker band, featuring musicians like Max Roach and Miles Davis.
He signed his first recording contract as a pop singer with the Roost label in 1949, but soon gravitated towards folk music, learning from the Library of Congress’ archives of American folk songs.
In 1953, Belafonte signed with RCA Victor, where he would remain until 1974, recording several hit songs.
That same year, he made his debut at the renowned jazz club The Village Vanguard alongside his guitarist friend, Millard Thomas.
He also performed in Las Vegas during the Rat Pack era.
One of his breakthrough moments came in 1953 with the release of the single “Matilda,” a song that became a signature piece, with audience participation in nearly all of his live performances.
Additionally, from 1953 to 1954, he was a part of the Broadway musical revue, John Murray Anderson’s Almanac, where he not only performed but also wrote the song “Mark Twain.”
Rise to Fame (1956–1958):
Harry Belafonte achieved worldwide recognition with his breakthrough album, Calypso (1956), which became the first million-selling LP in history.
It spent 31 weeks at number 1 on the Billboard Top 100 and introduced American audiences to calypso music, originating from Trinidad and Tobago.
Belafonte was dubbed the “King of Calypso,” a title he accepted with reservations.
The album featured iconic tracks like “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” which became one of his most popular songs, reaching number five on the pop charts.
In the UK, the song also gained immense success, peaking at number two. Other tracks from the album, including “Jamaica Farewell,” showcased the songwriting talents of Irving Burgie.
Belafonte’s success continued with hits such as “Island in the Sun,” which peaked at number three in the UK. His “Mary’s Boy Child” reached number one, staying there for seven weeks in 1957.
Middle Career (1959–1970):
During the late 1950s and 1960s, Belafonte expanded his musical range beyond calypso, recording in genres like blues, folk, gospel, and show tunes.
His comedic hit “Mama Look at Bubu” was another top charting song, reaching number 11.
In 1959, he hosted the Emmy-winning TV special Tonight With Belafonte, where he collaborated with artists like Odetta.
He continued to achieve critical and commercial success with live albums, including performances at Carnegie Hall in 1959 and 1960.
One of his signature songs from this period was “Hava Nagila.”
Belafonte also performed at the inaugural gala of President John F. Kennedy in 1961, alongside legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Mahalia Jackson.
In the 1960s, he helped introduce international artists such as Miriam Makeba and Nana Mouskouri to U.S. audiences.
His album “Midnight Special” (1962) even featured Bob Dylan on harmonica. While British Invasion artists like The Beatles overshadowed his commercial success by the mid-1960s, he continued to be a prominent figure in music and TV.
His Grammy Award-winning albums included “Swing Dat Hammer” (1960) and “An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba” (1965), which addressed the political plight of South Africans under apartheid.
Belafonte’s influence also extended to TV, where he appeared with Julie Andrews, Petula Clark, and others.
In 1967, he made history as the first non-classical artist to perform at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC).
His last significant chart success was in 1967 with the single “A Strange Song,” which peaked at number 5 on the adult contemporary charts.
Belafonte’s cultural impact extended beyond music, as he was also a powerful activist, influencing both the music and political landscapes of his time.
Later Recordings and Subsequent Activities (1971–2017):
Harry Belafonte’s musical journey slowed down after the release of his fifth and final calypso album, Calypso Carnival (1971).
After his last album for RCA in 1974, he focused on touring globally, performing in countries like Japan, Europe, and Cuba. In 1977, Belafonte released the album Turn the World Around, which emphasized world music.
In 1978, he made a memorable appearance on The Muppet Show, performing his signature song “Day-O” and the spiritual “Turn the World Around,” a performance that became one of the series’ most iconic moments.
This rendition also featured Muppets designed like African tribal masks, and Belafonte was later invited to perform the song at Jim Henson’s memorial service in 1990.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Belafonte also served on the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s board and played an instrumental role in “We Are the World”, the charity single recorded in 1985 to raise funds for African famine relief.
The song, featuring artists like Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
In 1988, Belafonte released his final studio album, Paradise in Gazankulu, which featured protest songs against South African apartheid.
That year, as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he performed at a UNICEF concert in Zimbabwe, which was filmed and released as a concert video titled Global Carnival.
After a long break, Belafonte released An Evening with Harry Belafonte and Friends in 1997, a live album and video of a televised concert.
He also contributed to The Long Road to Freedom: An Anthology of Black Music (2001), an important historical music compilation.
Belafonte was a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in 2000 and was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors in 1989.
Though Belafonte retired from performing after his last concert in 2003, he continued to contribute to activism and public speaking.
In 2013, he was the keynote speaker for the MLK Celebration Series, and in 2014, he received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music.
In 2017, Belafonte released When Colors Come Together, an anthology of his earlier works, produced by his son David, marking a final musical contribution from the legendary artist.
Film Career: Early Years (1953–1956)
Harry Belafonte’s film career began with his first role in Bright Road (1953), where he supported Dorothy Dandridge.
They later starred together in Carmen Jones (1954), a musical directed by Otto Preminger. Interestingly, their singing voices were dubbed by opera singers, as both were considered unsuitable for the roles.
Rise as an Actor (1957–1959):
Belafonte’s star power grew during the late 1950s, allowing him to land controversial roles. In Island in the Sun (1957), he played a character involved in a hinted affair with Joan Fontaine’s character.
In Odds Against Tomorrow (1959), Belafonte starred and produced the film, playing a bank robber forced to work with a racist partner.
He also starred in The World, the Flesh and the Devil (1959) with Inger Stevens. Though offered the role of Porgy in Porgy and Bess, Belafonte rejected it due to racial stereotyping, a role later taken by Sidney Poitier.
Later Involvement in Film and Theatre (1972–2018):
Dissatisfied with the roles offered in the 1960s, Belafonte shifted his focus back to music.
However, in the 1970s, he appeared in more notable films, including Buck and the Preacher (1972) and Uptown Saturday Night (1974) alongside Sidney Poitier.
In 1984, he produced and scored the musical film Beat Street, which dealt with the rise of hip-hop culture.
Belafonte’s music also appeared in films like Beetlejuice (1988), where his songs “Day-O” and “Jump in the Line” were featured.
In the mid-1990s, he starred in White Man’s Burden (1995), a race-reverse drama with John Travolta, and Kansas City (1996), for which he won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actor.
He also appeared in the TV drama Swing Vote (1999) and the ensemble film Bobby (2006), playing a friend of an Ambassador Hotel employee during Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination.
His final film appearance was in Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman (2018), where he portrayed an elderly civil rights pioneer, marking the end of an illustrious acting career.
Political Activism: Harry Belafonte’s Lifelong Commitment to Justice
Harry Belafonte was deeply involved in political activism, combining pop culture with his advocacy for civil rights, social justice, and global humanitarian causes.
His political beliefs were shaped by his mentor, civil rights icon Paul Robeson, who not only opposed racial prejudice but also western colonialism in Africa.
Belafonte’s activism led him to refuse performing in the American South between 1954 and 1961, standing against segregation.
Civil Rights Movement Involvement:
Belafonte was a close confidant of Martin Luther King Jr., supporting the civil rights movement throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
After King’s arrest in the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955, Belafonte helped raise awareness and donations to support those fighting for racial equality.
He played a key role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
He also bailed King out of jail during the 1963 Birmingham Campaign and funded civil rights initiatives, such as the 1961 Freedom Rides.
Advocacy for Global Causes:
Throughout his career, Belafonte was a strong advocate for the Anti-Apartheid Movement and was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador from 1987 until his death.
During the Mississippi Freedom Summer of 1964, Belafonte raised $60,000 to support civil rights activists in Mississippi.
His activism extended to international causes, including humanitarian work and promoting social justice globally.
Involvement in Political Campaigns:
Belafonte’s political activism included involvement in several campaigns.
He initially supported John F. Kennedy in the 1960 Presidential election after helping bridge the gap between Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., advocating for Black support for Kennedy.
He also contributed to Lyndon B. Johnson’s campaign following Kennedy’s assassination.
Later Political Engagement:
In the 2000s, Belafonte remained vocal about his concerns with U.S. politics, criticizing leaders and supporting Barack Obama during his presidency, although expressing frustration with Obama’s handling of certain issues.
In 2016, he endorsed Bernie Sanders for the Democratic primaries, emphasizing Sanders’ commitment to moral integrity in politics.
Belafonte also served as an honorary co-chairman for the Women’s March on Washington in 2017, marking a significant moment of political activism during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Belafonte’s legacy as a political activist was built on his lifelong efforts to challenge inequality, inspire social change, and fight for justice, both in the U.S. and internationally.
Harry Belafonte’s Humanitarian Activism: A Legacy of Global Impact
Harry Belafonte’s humanitarian activism spanned decades, focusing on critical global issues such as HIV/AIDS, child welfare, education, and healthcare.
He used his fame to raise awareness and funds for causes that mattered most.
HIV/AIDS Crisis:
In 1985, Belafonte played a key role in organizing the Grammy Award-winning song “We Are the World” to raise funds for Africa.
He also performed in the Live Aid concert the same year.
As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador from 1987, Belafonte visited Dakar, Senegal, for the International Symposium of Artists and Intellectuals for African Children, and helped raise funds for African children.
In 2001, Belafonte visited South Africa to support efforts against HIV/AIDS and was awarded the Bishop John T. Walker Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award in 2002 by Africare for his efforts.
Prostate Cancer Advocacy:
In 1996, Belafonte was diagnosed with prostate cancer and became a vocal advocate for prostate cancer awareness after his successful treatment.
He received the BET Humanitarian Award in 2006 for his work in advocacy and was also named one of the Impact Award recipients by AARP the same year.
Work with UNICEF:
Belafonte’s commitment to children continued through his work with UNICEF, where he helped raise a world record of $10 per Norwegian citizen during a 2007 telethon broadcast in Norway.
Various Activist Roles
Belafonte’s humanitarian work extended beyond UNICEF. He served as an ambassador for the Bahamas, sat on the board of the Advancement Project, and was a member of the advisory council for the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.
New York City Pride Parade
In 2013, Belafonte was named a grand marshal of the New York City Pride Parade, highlighting his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights alongside activists Edie Windsor and Earl Fowlkes.
Belafonte’s humanitarian legacy is a testament to his lifelong dedication to social justice and the betterment of humanity, using his platform to make a lasting difference in the world.
Harry Belafonte and His Opposition to U.S. Foreign Policy
Belafonte was a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy, especially from the early 1980s.
His views sparked controversy as he opposed actions like the U.S. embargo on Cuba, the invasion of Grenada, and praised figures like Fidel Castro.
Notably, in 1999, Belafonte played a key role in introducing hip-hop culture to Cuba by meeting with Cuban leaders, including Castro, which resulted in the government’s support for hip-hop in Cuban society.
Anti-Apartheid and Global Activism:
Belafonte was also active in global movements such as the Anti-Apartheid Movement.
He supported the African National Congress and helped raise awareness through various organizations like TransAfrica Forum and the Institute for Policy Studies.
Opposition to the George W. Bush Administration:
Belafonte’s strong stance against President George W. Bush and the Iraq War gained attention in 2002.
He famously compared U.S. officials like Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice to “house slaves” who served the will of the U.S. government, resulting in criticism from Powell and Rice.
Belafonte later supported Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, calling for greater solidarity against U.S. intervention, even remarking that millions of Americans supported Chávez’s revolution despite the Bush administration’s condemnation.
Controversial Remarks and Reactions:
Belafonte continued to draw ire with his remarks on terrorism, comparing the Bush administration to terrorists due to the high number of American casualties in Iraq.
He faced backlash, with figures like Hillary Clinton and organizations like AARP distancing themselves from his views.
Despite this, Belafonte stood by his stance, emphasizing the importance of dissent in democracy.
Recognition and Awards:
In 2004, Belafonte was honored with the Domestic Human Rights Award by Global Exchange in recognition of his activism and unwavering commitment to social justice.
Belafonte’s foreign policy activism and his bold critiques of U.S. actions reflect his belief in using his platform to challenge injustice, regardless of political consequences.
Harry Belafonte’s Business Career
Harry Belafonte’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to Bonaire, a Caribbean island he frequently visited.
In 1966, he partnered with Maurice Neme of Aruba to create a luxurious private community called Belnem, a blend of their names.
The project, managed by the Bel-Nem Caribbean Development Corporation, began construction on June 3, 1966, and by 2017, the community was home to 717 residents. Belafonte and Neme served as the neighborhood’s first directors.
Harry Belafonte Personal Life and Family
Belafonte was married three times throughout his life. His first marriage, to Marguerite Byrd in 1948, lasted until 1957 and resulted in two daughters: Adrienne and Shari.
His second marriage was to Julie Robinson, a dancer with the Katherine Dunham Company, in 1957.
They had two children: Gina and David. After 47 years of marriage, they divorced in 2004.
In 1958, Belafonte faced racial discrimination when trying to rent an apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. When turned away due to his race, he had his white publicist rent it for him.
After the owner learned of his race, Belafonte refused to leave, and instead used dummy real estate companies to purchase the building and convert it into a co-op, inviting both white and black friends to buy apartments.
In 2008, he married Pamela Frank, a photographer, and remained married to her until his passing in 2023.
Harry Belafonte Net worth
At the time of his death in April 2025, Harry Belafonte’s net worth was estimated to be $30 million. This wealth was primarily accumulated through his multifaceted career as a singer, actor, and activist
Harry Belafonte Health Challenges and Legacy
Belafonte faced significant health challenges, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 1996, a stroke in 2004, and declining health starting in 2019. Despite these struggles, he remained an influential figure in social activism until his death.
Belafonte passed away from congestive heart failure at the age of 96 on April 25, 2023, at his home in Manhattan, leaving behind a legacy of artistic achievement, business ventures, and humanitarian activism.
Harry Belafonte’s Discography, Filmography, and Accolades
Harry Belafonte’s musical career spanned decades, producing 27 studio albums, 8 live albums, and 6 collaborations, achieving both critical and commercial success. His influence on music and culture remains significant.
Filmography:
1953 – Bright Road – Mr. Williams
1954 – Carmen Jones – Joe
1957 – Island in the Sun – David Boyeur
1957 – The Heart of Show Business – Short Film
1959 – The World, the Flesh and the Devil – Ralph Burton
1959 – Odds Against Tomorrow – Johnny Ingram
1970 – The Angel Levine – Alexander Levine
1972 – Buck and the Preacher – Preacher
1974 – Uptown Saturday Night – Dan “Geechie Dan” Beauford
1983 – Drei Lieder – Short Film
1992 – The Player – Cameo
1994 – Ready to Wear – Cameo
1995 – White Man’s Burden – Thaddeus Thomas
1996 – Kansas City – Seldom Seen
2006 – Bobby – Nelson
2018 – BlacKkKlansman – Jerome Turner
Documentary:
1970 – King: A Filmed Record… Montgomery to Memphis
1981 – Fundi: The Story of Ella Baker
1982 – A veces miro mi vida
1983 – Sag nein
1984 – Der Schönste Traum
1989 – We Shall Overcome
1995 – Hank Aaron: Chasing the Dream
1996 – Jazz ’34
1998 – Scandalize My Name: Stories from the Blacklist
2001 – Fidel
2003 – XXI Century
2003 – Conakry Kas
2004 – Ladders
2010 – Motherland
2011 – Sing Your Song
2013 – Hava Nagila: The Movie
2020 – The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte hosts the Tonight Show
Television:
Sugar Hill Times (1949–1950)
The Ed Sullivan Show (1953–1964)
The Nat King Cole Show (1957)
The Steve Allen Show (1958)
Tonight With Belafonte (1959)
Round Table on March on Washington (1963)
The Danny Kaye Show (1965)
Petula (1968)
The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (1968)
The Tonight Show (1968)
A World in Music (1969)
Harry & Lena, For The Love of Life (1969)
A World in Love (1970)
The Flip Wilson Show (1973)
Free to Be … You and Me (1974)
The Muppet Show (1978)
Grambling’s White Tiger (1981)
Don’t Stop The Carnival (1985)
After Dark (1988) – Extended appearance on political discussion programme
An Evening with Harry Belafonte and Friends (1997)
Swing Vote (1999)
Swing Vote (1999 TV Movie)
PB&J Otter “The Ice Moose” (1999)
Tanner on Tanner (2004)
That’s What I’m Talking About (2006) – Miniseries
When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (2006) – Miniseries
Speakeasy, interviewing Carlos Santana (2015)
Concert Videos:
En Gränslös Kväll På Operan (1966)
Don’t Stop The Carnival (1985)
Global Carnival (1988)
An Evening with Harry Belafonte and Friends (1997)
Theatre:
John Murray Anderson’s Almanac (1953)
3 for Tonight (1955)
Moonbirds (1959) – Producer
Belafonte at the Palace (1959)
Asinamali! (1987) – Producer
Accolades and Legacy:
Three Grammy Awards
One Emmy Award (Won in 1960 for his performance on Revlon Revue)
One Tony Award
Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2014 at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 6th Annual Governors Awards.
1954 Tony Award: Distinguished Supporting or Featured Musical Actor
1954 Theatre World Award: Award Winner
1954 Donaldson Award: Best Actor Debut in a Musical
Belafonte celebrated his 93rd birthday in 2020 at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, with a tribute performance featuring a sing-along of his iconic “Banana Boat Song”.
His archive was acquired by the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center, preserving his legacy for future generations.
Some Interesting Facts About Harry Belafonte
1. “King of Calypso”: Belafonte was famously known as the “King of Calypso” due to his successful integration of Caribbean music styles, particularly calypso, into mainstream American music.
His 1956 album Calypso became the first album by a single artist to sell over a million copies in a year.
2. Pioneering Civil Rights Activist: In addition to his music career, Belafonte was a passionate activist for civil rights and social justice.
He was a close friend of Martin Luther King Jr. and helped financially support the civil rights movement.
3. Tony Award Winner: Belafonte won a Tony Award for his role in John Murray Anderson’s Almanac (1954), making him one of the few to achieve the “EGOT” status, which includes an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
4. Unsuccessful Movie Roles: Despite his fame, he was often typecast in roles that didn’t reflect his full range of acting skills.
His 1959 movie Island in the Sun sparked controversy due to its portrayal of interracial relationships.
5. Global Ambassador for UNICEF: Belafonte served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and advocated for children’s rights worldwide, particularly focusing on children in Africa.
6. A Master of Multiple Languages: While primarily known for his English-language work, Belafonte was also fluent in French and Spanish, reflecting his broad cultural appreciation.
7. Impressive Discography: He released more than 30 albums throughout his career, including both studio and live albums, and was nominated for Grammy Awards many times, winning three.
8. Memorable Performance at the Apollo Theater: He celebrated his 93rd birthday at the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem, where the audience joined him in a thunderous sing-along to his famous song “Banana Boat Song.”
9. One of the First Black Men on Broadway: Belafonte was one of the first African Americans to appear on Broadway in major productions, helping pave the way for future generations of black performers.
10. Contributed to Music and Film History: In addition to his performances, Belafonte’s contributions to film and music shaped American culture, influencing both the entertainment industry and civil rights activism.
FAQs
1. Who was Harry Belafonte?
Harry Belafonte was an American singer, actor, and civil rights activist, best known for popularizing Calypso music in the United States.
He was also an advocate for social justice and human rights throughout his life.
2. When and where was Harry Belafonte born?
Harry Belafonte was born on March 1, 1927, in New York City, New York, U.S.
3. What is Harry Belafonte’s most famous song?
Belafonte’s most famous song is “Banana Boat Song (Day-O),” which became a major hit in 1956.
The song became synonymous with his name and contributed to his title as the “King of Calypso.”
4. What major awards did Harry Belafonte win?
1 Academy Award (Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award)
Kennedy Center Honors (1989)
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction (2022)
5. What role did Harry Belafonte play in the Civil Rights Movement?
Harry Belafonte was an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement, using his fame to advocate for racial equality, justice, and human rights.
He was a close friend and supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and helped fund the movement’s activities.
6. How many albums did Harry Belafonte release?
Harry Belafonte released 27 studio albums, 8 live albums, and 6 collaborative albums throughout his career.
7. What was Harry Belafonte’s first major acting role?
His first significant acting role was in the 1953 film Bright Road, where he played Mr. Williams.
8. How did Harry Belafonte contribute to UNICEF?
As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Harry Belafonte worked on behalf of children’s rights, advocating for the protection of children from poverty, violence, and discrimination globally.
9. Was Harry Belafonte involved in other forms of entertainment beyond music?
Yes, Harry Belafonte was not only a singer but also an accomplished actor and producer.
He appeared in various films and TV shows, and even produced theatrical productions like Asinamali! in 1987.
10. What was Harry Belafonte’s contribution to Caribbean music in the U.S.?
Belafonte is credited with bringing Caribbean music, particularly Calypso, into mainstream American culture. His 1956 album Calypso was a breakthrough, and it was the first album to sell over a million copies.
11. When did Harry Belafonte die, and at what age?
Harry Belafonte passed away on April 25, 2023, at the age of 96, in New York City.
12. What were Harry Belafonte’s later years like?
In his later years, Belafonte continued to be an activist, using his voice to speak on issues of racial justice, inequality, and global human rights.
He also celebrated his 93rd birthday in 2020 with a tribute event at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
In Conclusion
Harry Belafonte was a multifaceted icon whose influence transcended music, film, and activism.
As the “King of Calypso,” he introduced Caribbean music to a global audience and became one of the first artists to achieve mainstream success in the genre.
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Belafonte was a passionate advocate for social justice, using his fame and resources to support the Civil Rights Movement and global humanitarian causes.
His career spanned over seven decades, during which he garnered prestigious awards, including three Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, a Tony Award, and recognition in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
He was also a devoted UNICEF ambassador and a key figure in raising awareness about racial equality, both in the United States and around the world.
Belafonte’s legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and compassion. He leaves behind not only a remarkable body of work but also a lasting impact on the cultural and social landscape.
Through his music, activism, and leadership, Harry Belafonte will always be remembered as a trailblazer who used his platform for positive change and inspired generations to come.
