Harry Belafonte, Renowned Singer and Activist, Dies at 96

Harry Belafonte, Renowned Singer and Activist, Dies at 96

Harry Belafonte was an American singer, actor, and activist who was born in Harlem, New York City on March 1, 1927. He was the son of a Jamaican father and a Barbadian mother. Belafonte began his career as a calypso singer in the 1950s, and he quickly became one of the most popular singers in the world. His music helped to popularize calypso music around the globe, and he won three Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.

In addition to his music career, Belafonte was also a vocal activist for civil rights and social justice. He was a close friend of Martin Luther King, Jr. and helped to organize the March on Washington in 1963. He also spoke out against apartheid in South Africa and helped to raise awareness of the plight of the Palestinian people. Belafonte was a true Renaissance man, and his contributions to music, activism, and social justice have had a lasting impact on the world. He died in 2023 at the age of 96.

Here is a more detailed look at Harry Belafonte's life and career:

Early life

Harry Belafonte was born in Harlem, New York City on March 1, 1927. His father, Harold George Bellanfanti Sr., was a Jamaican cook who worked for the British Royal Navy. His mother, Melvine Love, was a Barbadian seamstress. Belafonte's parents divorced when he was young, and he was raised by his mother and her family.

Music career

Belafonte began his music career in the early 1950s. He sang calypso music, which is a type of Caribbean folk music. Belafonte's music was popular with both black and white audiences, and he quickly became one of the most popular singers in the world. He won three Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Some of Belafonte's most popular songs include:

• "The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)"
• "Jamaica Farewell"
• "Matilda"
• "Mary's Boy Child"
• "Turn the World Around"

Acting career

Belafonte also had a successful acting career. He appeared in many films, including:

• "Island in the Sun" (1957)
• "Carmen Jones" (1954)
• "The World, the Flesh and the Devil" (1959)
• "Odds Against Tomorrow" (1959)
• "Uptown Saturday Night" (1974)

Activism

In addition to his music and acting career, Belafonte was also a vocal activist for civil rights and social justice. He was a close friend of Martin Luther King, Jr. and helped to organize the March on Washington in 1963. He also spoke out against apartheid in South Africa and helped to raise awareness of the plight of the Palestinian people. Belafonte was a true Renaissance man, and his contributions to music, activism, and social justice have had a lasting impact on the world. He died in 2023 at the age of 96.