Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte, a legendary singer, actor, and activist, gained fame for his soulful calypso music and became an iconic figure in the civil rights movement, using his voice to champion social justice.
Harold George Belafonte, Jr.
Pop Singer
March 1, 1927
Pisces
25 April 2023
96
New York, New York
Harry Belafonte, born on March 1, 1927, in New York City, is a Jamaican-American singer, actor, and activist who gained international fame in the 1950s as the “King of Calypso.” He popularized Caribbean music, with hits like “Banana Boat (Day-O)” and “Jamaica Farewell,” and released successful albums such as “Calypso” (1956) and “Belafonte at Carnegie Hall” (1959).
Belafonte’s career spanned Broadway musicals, films, and television. He starred in movies like “Carmen Jones” (1954) and “Island in the Sun” (1957), and had his own television series, “The Belafonte Show,” in 1959.
Beyond his artistic achievements, Belafonte was a prominent civil rights activist. He was a close friend of Martin Luther King Jr. and participated in the March on Washington in 1963. Belafonte used his platform to advocate for social justice and supported various causes, including the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.
Throughout his life, Belafonte received numerous accolades, including Grammy and Tony Awards, the Kennedy Center Honors, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He remains an iconic figure, celebrated for his musical talent, activism, and enduring contributions to American culture.
