INTRODUCTION
Harry Belafonte is a legendary musician, actor, and activist known for his contributions to the civil rights movement and his iconic songs such as “Day-O” and “Jump in the Line.” Born in Harlem, New York, Belafonte rose to fame in the 1950s and 60s with his unique blend of calypso, folk, and pop music. He was the first artist to sell more than one million copies of an album with “Calypso” in 1956.
EARLY LIFE
Harold George Belafonte Jr. was born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York, to Caribbean immigrants. His mother was a Jamaican of mixed race and his father was a Martiniquan who worked as a cook. Belafonte grew up in poverty and spent his early years in Jamaica with his grandmother before returning to New York at the age of 12.
Belafonte dropped out of high school and joined the Navy during World War II. After his discharge, he returned to New York and started acting classes at the New School for Social Research. He eventually landed a role in the Broadway production of “John Murray Anderson’s Almanac” in 1953.
MUSIC CAREER
Belafonte’s musical career began in the early 1950s when he started singing in clubs in Greenwich Village. He was discovered by a talent scout and signed to RCA Victor Records, where he released his first album “Mark Twain and Other Folk Favorites” in 1954.
Belafonte’s breakthrough came with his second album “Calypso” in 1956, which featured his signature song “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).” The album became a huge success and made Belafonte the first artist to sell more than one million copies of an album.
Belafonte continued to release successful albums throughout the 1950s and 60s, including “Belafonte Sings of the Caribbean,” “Belafonte at Carnegie Hall,” and “Jump Up Calypso.” He also appeared in several Hollywood films, including “Carmen Jones” and “Island in the Sun.”
ACTIVISM
Belafonte has been a lifelong activist and advocate for social justice. He was a close friend and confidante of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and helped to finance the civil rights movement. He was also a vocal opponent of apartheid in South Africa and was instrumental in the campaign to release Nelson Mandela from prison.
Belafonte has continued to be an advocate for social justice throughout his life, and has been honored with numerous awards for his activism. In 2014, he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
LEGACY
Harry Belafonte’s influence on music and society has been immeasurable. He was one of the first black performers to achieve mainstream success and paved the way for future generations of African American artists. His music has been covered by countless musicians and his activism has inspired generations of social justice advocates.
Today, at the age of 94, Harry Belafonte continues to be an active voice for social justice and an inspiration to people around the world.
CONCLUSION
Harry Belafonte is a true icon of American music and activism. His contributions to civil rights and his iconic songs have left an indelible mark on American culture and society. As we celebrate his life and legacy, we are reminded of the power of music and activism to inspire change and make the world a better place.
