Harry Belafonte, singer, actor, rights activist dies at 96
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He was arguably the most successful Caribbean-American pop star, he popularized Jamaican men to folk songs which was marketed as Trinbagonian Calypso musical style with an international audience in the 1950s.
American singer, actor and activist, Harry Belafonte known to have smashed racial barrier in the 50s within his brand of folk music has died at the age of 96.
He was arguably the most successful Caribbean-American pop star, he popularized Jamaican men to folk songs which was marketed as Trinbagonian Calypso musical style with an international audience in the 1950s.
His breakthrough album Calypso (1956) was the first million-selling LP by a single artist.
But his greatest achievements were as a campaigner for black civil rights in the US, reports the BBC.
According to his spokesman, Ken Sunshine, the music maestro died of congestive heart failure.
Paying tribute, actress Mia Farrow in tweets said “We have lost the great Harry Belafonte-beautiful singer, brilliant and brave civil rights activist, a deeply moral and caring man. Miss you already Harry 💔.
“Harry’s life shines as an example for all of us to strive for. He lived for humankind. He stood against injustice – not only here but in South Africa & around the world. He was a UNICEF Ambassador for 25 yrs. If we could be more like Harry, what a wonderful world it could be.”
Belafonte was best known for his recordings of “The Banana Boat Song”, with its signature “Day-O” lyric, “Jump in the Line”, and “Jamaica Farewell”.
He recorded and performed in many genres, including blues, folk, gospel, show tunes, and American standards. He also starred in several films, including Carmen Jones (1954), Island in the Sun (1957), and Odds Against Tomorrow (1959).
Throughout his career, Belafonte was an advocate for political and humanitarian causes, such as the Anti-Apartheid Movement and USA for Africa. From 1987 until his death, he was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. He was a vocal critic of the policies of the George W. Bush presidential administrations. Belafonte acted as the American Civil Liberties Union celebrity ambassador for juvenile justice issues.
Belafonte won three Grammy Awards (including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award), an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award. In 1989, he received the Kennedy Center Honors. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1994.
In 2014, he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy’s 6th Annual Governors Awards and in 2022 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Early Influence category and was the oldest living person to have received the honor.
Belafonte started his career in music as a club singer in New York to pay for his acting classes. The first time he appeared in front of an audience, he was backed by the Charlie Parker band, which included Charlie Parker himself, Max Roach and Miles Davis, among others.
He launched his recording career as a pop singer on the Roost label in 1949, but quickly developed a keen interest in folk music, learning material through the Library of Congress’ American folk songs archives.
With guitarist and friend Millard Thomas, Belafonte soon made his debut at the legendary jazz club The Village Vanguard. He signed a contract with RCA Victor in 1953, recording regularly for the label until 1974.
Belafonte also performed during the Rat Pack era in Las Vegas. He and associated acts such as Liberace, Ray Vasquez, and Sammy Davis Jr. were featured at the Sands Hotel and Casino and the Dunes Hotel.
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